Inspirational Kavindu wins Panathlon trophy

A DISABLED boy from Hillingdon has been hailed as ‘inspirational’ as he was named the young participant of the year in the Panathlon Challenge – a ‘mini Paralympics’ for children.

Kavindu Ranasinghe, 10, who has cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia, was named as co-winner of the Wembley National Stadium Trust PrimaryAged Achievers Award.

He collected his award in the shadow of the stadium’s iconic arch at Powerleague Wembley, where the Panathlon Football Cup Finals were being played.

Lorraine Veck, disability sports coordinator at Coteford Junior School, in Fore Street, Eastcote, where Kavindu is a pupil, said: “Kavindu is just such an inspiration.

“We’re very proud of him.”

Rohitha Ranasinghe, Kavindu’s father, said: “We are very proud of Kavindu. He enjoys Panathlon.

“He might not do very well but he still gets to take part and he enjoys it. His confidence has grown and he is quite competitive.

“He wants to go faster, but his electric wheelchair won’t go any faster!”