Yesterday Panathlon delivered the first Essex semi-final at Columbus School and College in Chelmsford. 47 children participated from five South Essex schools.
The day was set with the team from Thurrock attempting to try and retain their and mantle as Essex Champions.
Alongside the competitors, Nikki Casey from the Jack Petchey Foundation was in attendance to help support and award medals to the competitors. She said – “Panathlon events are always a highlight in my calendar, I love coming along to help and see all the children enjoying themselves. It’s great to see our support is going to such a worthy cause.”
A fantastic atmosphere throughout the day ensured with all teams putting together some excellent individual and team performances.
Castle Point & Rochford took a surprising victory in new age kurling winning two out of their three games and edging out West Essex who were second on countback. A strong performance from the West Essex team featuring Oakview from Loughton qualified for their first final in second place , narrowly defeating last years County Final runners up, Chelmsford.
Thurrock, made up of Beacon Hill and Ockenden Academy by winning 4 out of the 6 disciplines again showed their strength in winning the semi and securing a place in the Essex wide Final on July 3rd. To see a full breakdown of the scores see out results page.
A big thank you to the 12 leaders from St John Payne school who did a fantastic job officiating all of the sports.
Brandon Mullin, from Beacon Hill School said, “It was another fantastic day with a great atmosphere and it’s great to see the level of competition improving each year.”
Rachel Attewell, a teacher Ockenden Academy said, “It’s great for our kids to be involved with Panathlon. It is the first time they have been able to compete at sporting events, in the past they have only had the opportunity to watch. Thank you very much and we look forward to competing again at the Essex Final in July.”
The second semi-final takes place at the College at Braintree on Thursday 7th May featuring teams from ‘north Essex’