The Panathlon deaf programme switched counties to Yorkshire on Thursday as 10 teams took part in the the North of England Deaf Boccia Championship in Doncaster.
St John’s School A from Boston Spa (pictured left) triumphed to emulate recent deaf boccia winners from Merseyside and the West Midlands.
Abbi Webster, PE teacher at St John’s, said: “It’s nice winning it again and great to see more teams competing. We can’t wait for the multisports. Panathlon has a lovely feeling for the children and we’d have gone back happy whatever the result. It was great to compete against other deaf schools.”
Host team Doncaster Deaf Trust filled the next three places through their C, A and D teams respectively.
Jane Goodman, Deputy Head Teacher at Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “It was nice to see so many teams taking part. This is such a regular fixture now and Doncaster Deaf Trust are so happy to be able to host Panathlon.”
Also taking part were Newsome High School from Huddersfield and Danum Academy from Doncaster.
The leaders were provided by New College from Pontefract (pictured below). 
The New College PE teacher said: “Our students have had a great day and are back again on Tuesday to help officiate at the Regional Boccia Finals next week. We would love to help out at the multi-sports event here on 6th May as well.”
These students will now receive their Boccia Gold award for all the officiating they have done.
Teachers from all the schools thanked Panathlon for a “great” and “amazing” day, and wondered when the next deaf events would be held in the area.
Results: 1 St John’s A, 2 Doncaster Deaf Trust C, 3 Doncaster Deaf Trust A, 4 Doncaster Deaf Trust D, 5 Newsome High A, 6 Danum Academy, 7 Doncaster Deaf Trust B, 8 St John’s B, 9 Newsome High B, 10 Newsome High C.
