Kentish Express Ashford & District
Harry’s slalom success
Panathlon
Competitors from two Ashford schools helped Kent win a bronze medal in the Panathlon South of England multisport final at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford.
The students from John Wallis Academy and The Wyvern School, who are the reigning county champions, finished on 36 points, behind winners Berkshire (56) and runners-up Surrey (48), with Hampshire fourth (28).
The event involves adapted games including polybat, boccia, table cricket, new age kurling and athletic field events.
Guest honour, Paralympic wheelchair basketball star Helen Turner of said: “Taking part in Panathlon is fun, as well as competitive, and that is often missing in competitions. “I love seeing the students enjoy it and those who want to take sport further can do that.”
She added: “I promote Panathlon through social media and when I am meeting sponsors. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those who take part.”
Wyvern student Harry Brown, 17, who won gold in the wheelchair slalom, said: “I enjoy being competitive and enjoy the wheelchair racing even more than the slalom, as I know the track and what to do. It gives me a thrill.”
Kay Collins, special educational needs learning mentor at John Wallis. said: “We are a mainstream school but fully inclusive and teaming up with The Wyvern means we can compete. We have been linked for several years and this is due to Panathlon, which brings us together.”
Ellie Wiggins-Wilson, Key Stage 3 manager at The Wyvern, said: “Panathlon is also working with the school to train students as leaders at the local Primary games.”