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Panathlon Challenge 2008

YOUNG DISABLED ATHLETES RISE AGAIN TO THE PANATHLON CHALLENGE

The preliminary rounds of the 2008 London Panathlon Challenge inter borough sports competition for disabled athletes begin on Wednesday 19 March at Southfields Sports College, Wandsworth.

On this date 100 athletes aged between 10 and 18, (25 each from the boroughs of Wandsworth, Islington, Westminster and Southwark), will compete against each other in the sports of Boccia, Kurling, Polybat, Table Cricket & Athletics for the honour of representing their borough at the all London final on 26 June.

The event will be generously funded by Sport England (London) and the London Development Agency.

In the weeks following 19 March around 750 young disabled people from another 17 London Boroughs will be involved in the competition. Investment has been made in disability sports equipment across all the Boroughs involved and coaching funds have allowed several hundred additional young people to benefit from training and coaching sessions. On average each borough has delivered around 100 man hours of training in preparation for the competition. Additionally, over 75 teachers, community coaches and volunteers have been trained to deliver Panathlon coaching sessions across London.

Manny Lewis, Chief Executive of the London Development Agency, said: “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a wonderful opportunity to engage people in sport but they have to be offered the opportunity to take part. Panathlon Challenge will do just that by bringing expert coaching and competitive sport to hundreds of young disabled people.”

Ashley Iceton, the event’s Administrator, says “Truly competitive sport is highly important for young disabled people as they rarely get the same opportunities as non-disabled people. We hope Panathlon helps to redress the balance. Independent research shows Panathlon to be the most inclusive competition for young disabled people in London. We are looking forward to some close and competitive events with a place in the London final later this year at stake.”

Sean Holt, London Regional Director, said “Sport England is committed to creating pathways for people to engage in physical activity and sport across London and the Panathlon Challenge inter borough sports competition provides a platform to engage youngsters of all standards in a range of activities. We are delighted to invest in this event and I hope all the young people take full advantage of the opportunity and enjoy being active”.

Dame Tanni Grey -Thompson, one of the UK’s most distinguished athletes of all time, winner of 11 Paralympic gold medals and holder of 30 world records, and also a strong supporter of the Panathlon Challenge says “Panathlon is striving to give everyone a chance to participate, regardless of ability and that is something I applaud. Good luck to everyone taking part in the Panathlon Challenge this year.”

Nick Miller, Partnership Development Manager, for Wandsworth Schools says “We are delighted to participate in the qualifying round of the 2008 Panathlon Disability Challenge. Our team has been drawn from a number of schools in the borough and we are very pleased that our children, through Panathlon, have been given a chance to show their sporting capabilities. Naturally we shall be trying to win a place in the all London final”

-Ends-

NOTES TO EDITORS

•Panathlon Challenge is expanding its programme to include 5 new London boroughs in 2008: Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Redbridge, Southwark and Richmond. This brings the total number of boroughs involved to 21.

•The London Development Agency works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive

sustainable economic growth in the capital.

•Panathlon Challenge is a registered charity delivering competitive opportunities for young people with disabilities in various cities, including London, Liverpool and Bristol.

•Panathlon training courses started at the end of January, coaching funds and equipment are distributed in February and the multi-sport competitions across London start in March.

•Panathlon is previous holder of the Sportsmatch Award for Best Disability Scheme and is the holder of 3 other previous prestigious Sportsmatch Annual Awards and was awarded Community Organisation of the Year 2006, by the London Development Agency at the London Sport Awards.

•Sport England Sport England is the Government agency responsible for advising, investing in and promoting community sport to create an active nation. Its ambition is to get two million people more active in sport by 2012 – and to make sure that participation is sustained.

•London Sports Forum for Disabled People helps support Panathlon events in London.

•Further details about Panathlon Challenge can be obtained from www.panathlon.com

Enquiries to:-

Ashley Iceton, Panathlon Challenge, 01277 373580 or Ashley@panathlon.com

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