West Yorkshire Primary - Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638

The second edition of the West Yorkshire Primary Panathlon took place in the brand new Huddersfield Leisure Centre with all 5 areas of the county competing and 12 teams involved.

The 2017 Primary edition saw a new champion emerge, Bradford’s Knowleswood Primary, came through a 11 activity rotation competition with a score of 96 points, who saw off favourites, St Augustine’s of Calderdale, who finished runners-up on 85 points.

Both teams beat their competition from Leeds, 3 other Bradford schools, 4 Kirklees teams and 2 Wakefield teams on a fantastic day of sporting action involving 102 disabled young people from across 17 schools.

Samuel Wade, teacher at Knowleswood said, “What an amazing day and a real joy to be part of it. I can’t believe it the kids can’t believe it. I thought the atmosphere in the hall was super and team spirit was in abundance.“

Aaron Daniel Davis, a pupil said following the victory, “This is real ace, I can’t believe we won, today I love my life.”

Dawn Kellett, a lead teacher of runners-up St. Augustine’s said, “The event was fantastic, what an experience being with so many others. The activities are well planned, adapted for all abilities and coupled with it being a competitive experience, which children don’t normally get. Finishing 2nd topped it all off.”

Leaders (pictured left) from a series of schools across Kirklees performed admirably, all gaining praise from the teachers and as Sarah Farrar of Kingsland School in Wakefield said, “they were fantastic, supportive and encouraging, showing empathy and helping such a structured event run so smoothly.”

Amanda Simpson, a teacher from third placed Girlington Primary said, “On behalf of our children at Girlington Primary School for a fantastic Panathlon experience. The activities were well thought through, taking into consideration a variety of disabilities. Our children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and memories were made. The whole event ran like clockwork which added to the enjoyment. We are already looking forward to next year.”

Results

1st Knowleswood (Bradford) 96
2nd St Augustine’s (Calderdale) 85
3rd Girlington/Lidget Green (Bradford) 73
4 Lowerfields (Bradford) 71
5 Ireland Wood (Leeds) 70
6 Fearnville (Bradford) 70
7 Moorlands (Kirklees) 69
8 Kingsland 1 (Wakefield) 57
9 Reinwood (Kirklees) 55
10 Castle Hill/ Dalton/Newsome (Kirklees) 53
11 Rowley Lane / Denby/ Thurston Lane (Kirklees) 48
12 Kingsland 2 (Wakefield) 38

Phil Truby, an Events Officer from Yorkshire Sports Foundation said, “What a brilliant event, we are so pleased to have had this number of schools from across the county involved and starting them up so young into the Panathlon programme”

Thanks to Yorkshire Sports Foundation for their support.