Hartlepool youngsters win first Panathlon championships

The town was represented by Springwell School, who were declared winners of the North East Finals when they took part in the ‘mini Paralympics’ challenge involving more than 30 disabled children.

The team scored 54 points to be declared winners of the North East Finals at Eston Leisure Centre in Middlesbrough, which were staged by the charity as part of its drive to open up competitive sport to young disabled people.

Panathlon Challenge competitions include six events, all played with adaptive equipment to open up participation to more people.

Gateshead, represented by Cedars Academy, came second on 50 points, with Durham represented by The Oaks School coming third on 40.

Lucas Wright, nine, of Springwell School, said: “I really enjoyed it and I love my medal. I can’t wait to show my mum.”

Scott Mallabar, PE c-ordinator at Springwell School, said: “We love how inclusive this competition is. We can bring so many children of different abilities and they’ll all be equally active. It’s very well organised and relaxed, and the team leaders did a great job. It’s good to be the winners, too.”

Nineteen team leaders from Year 9 at Northfield School and Sports College in Stockton helped the youngsters compete in various sporting challenges including, boccia, new-age kurling, table cricket, field athletics and races, with adaptive equipment to maximise participation.