Young people across Denbighshire, North Wales, have shone in Panathlon competition this year.
In fact, in the quarter from April to June, more than 500 participants from the area across multiple schools took part in Panathlon events.
“Ysgol Llywelyn has been proud to take part in this year’s Panathlon events again,” says Emma Parry, ALN coordinator. “Our ALN learners get so much out of every event from feeling a sense of community, being part of a team, developing physical, social and cognitive skills, celebrating success and offering support to other teams. We have loved every event and will continue to be involved next year.
“Highlights for us have been winning the bowling competition and being awarded several personal bests for our children. The pride in the faces of our ALN learners as they pass our trophy cabinet every day, which is literally brimming with silverware, is so great to see!”
Jack Rowson of Ysgol Emmanuel adds: “Panathlon has been a fantastic opportunity for the children. The children have progressed in their physical, social and emotional skills. The events have provided an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of sports as well as sharing the experiences with other schools.
“The children have become far more confident and are always excited when the next event is planned. The children have benefited from having an inclusive and nurturing environment which has increased their enthusiasm towards physical activity.”
At Bodnant Community School, ALN coordinator Jo-anne Newell says: “We have loved being involved with Panathlon, the pupils thrive being involved in competitions that they wouldn’t normally have the chance to take part in.
“We look forward to all the activities and the pupils return to school with pride and are happy to show off their achievements. Inclusion at its best! Long may it continue.”
Tony Waymouth, COO of Panathlon, reflects on the success across the area – and thanks the Neumark Foundation for supporting the work to make it all possible.
“People talk about inclusion and just taking part,” he says. “We have shown in Denbighshire over a period of time since we first started is all our participants know they have the right to do what everyone else does – participate, compete, excel.
“The by-product is togetherness, self-belief and confidence. It’s about being a team and having respect for their school and we believe that in Denbighshire we have achieved that with local schools as we have progressed over the years. Schools in the area have progressed in their embedding of Panathlon, be it leadership, sports day, travelling to national finals, or use of school facilities for events.
“We were repeatedly told it was going to be almost impossible to gain traction in the area; however, with support, action instead of words, and real opportunities, here we are with real change now.
“We would like to thank the Neumark Foundation for helping us through localised funding allowing us to create this change over time. The long-term funding has been a massive key in allowing time to deliver this change.”
