Sunbury Manor School have been crowned Surrey champions of the prestigious 2012 Panathlon Challenge.

Over 60 children competed in Wednesday’s event at the Xcel Centre in Walton-on-Thames and pupils from the Sunbury-on-Thames school earned 50 points from 60, including gold medals in the new-age kurling and athletics events, to take the title.

Woodfield and West Hill, comprising pupils from schools in Redhill and Leatherhead, finished as runners-up with 46, while The Abbey, Gosden House and Rodborough Schools finished third (38). Ridgeway and Portesbury Schools were fourth with 34 points.

Panathlon is funded by a variety of partners, including the Jack Petchey Foundation, St James’ Place Foundation and the Mayor of London’s Olympic legacy fund.

Caroline Mackey, a PE teacher at Rodborough School, said: “We have had a fantastic day with Panathlon. When we talk about an Olympic legacy, this is the type of event that it is all about.”

For more details about sponsorship opportunities in the Surrey or London area please contact Panathlon founder Ashley Iceton on ashley@panathlon.com or 07976 259251.

Ends

Notes to editors:

·          Pictures of all teams are available

·          The Panathlon Challenge has been delivering competitive opportunities for young disabled people since 1999. It incorporates the sports of boccia, polybat, table cricket, new-age kurling, football and athletics, and involves disabled children aged between five and 19. For more information visit www.panathlon.com

·          Panathlon is funded by a variety of supporters including Mayor of London, Jack Petchey Foundation and St James’s Place Foundation. For sponsorship opportunities in your area please contact Ashley Iceton on ashley@panathlon.com or 07976 259251

·          Media enquiries to Simon Lansley on simonlansley@connectsport.co. uk or 07973 595791