“I’m so excited! I’ve never scored a spare before!”
It was a thrilling morning at Wrexham Tenpin as seven primary schools from all over the area – Gwenfro, St Mary’s Brymbo, Ysgol Bodhyfryd, St Anne’s, Hafod y Wern, St Giles, and Ysgol Alexandra – competed for a place in the Panathlon national final.
And it was even more exciting thanks to three special guests: Peter and Maria Neumark of Panathlon supporters The Neumark Foundation, and Paralympian Nathan Maguire.
“We have seen a lot of smiles here this morning!” said Peter.
And Nathan added: “It’s really nice that I get the opportunity to go around the room and just see the excitement on everyone’s faces.”
Some of the children were trying out bowling for the very first time – including winners St Mary’s Brymbo, who signed up to Panathlon via the partnership with Active Wrexham.
“They’ve absolutely loved it – it’s really nice to get them out and about and do things in the community,” says teacher Mrs Gorbert. “It’s been a brilliant experience for them.”
And some were seasoned old-hands – and veterans of Panathlon competition.
“We do all of them – they love them,” says Miss Russell, the teacher accompanying the team from Hafod y Werm. “They like going into assembly with their medals – they love getting a medal – and they like feeling part of it.”
“Some of them go bowling in holidays, and a lot of them came to the event last year!” says Mrs Valentine from Ysgol Alexandra.
