Panathlon Foundation
FounderAshley Iceton
TypeSports Charity
Registration no.1072638
Location
  • England
Websitewww.panathlon.com

The Panathlon Foundation is a charity that gives children with disabilities and special needs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland opportunities to engage in competitive sport that they are so often otherwise denied.[1][2]

Formed in 1996 by Ashley Iceton,[2] the Panathlon Foundation Ltd (registered charity 1072638),[3] provides sports coaching within schools, sports equipment to schools, sports training to teachers, coaches and young leaders, and primarily sporting competitions.[4] Panathlon is aimed at children aged 5 to 19 years with Physical disabilities and Learning Disabilities.[5] They also have specific visual impairment and deaf programmes.[6] As of July 2020, Panathlon works with SEN schools and SEN units in mainstream schools across 43 counties in England and Wales.[1][7]

Sports programmes

Panathlon has a variety of sports programmes including: multi-sport, Primary Panathlon, swimming, football, impairment-specific, boccia, 10-pin bowling and Xtend.

The multi-sports competitions involve the disability-specific sports of Table Cricket, Polybat, New Age Kurling, Boccia and adapted athletics events. Football includes U13 and U16 five-a-side football and a girls' programme. The charity's impairment-specific events include competitions and coaching for powerchair users, deaf pupils and children with visual impairments. Panathlon's boccia delivery involves a partnership with Boccia England to deliver the Lord's Taverners boccia competitions.[4][5][6][8][9][10][11]

Scale and impact

In the 2008/09 academic year, Panathlon's work engaged 2,500 children in five English counties.[2][8][12] By 2014/15, its provision had expanded to 7,500 children across 27 counties.[13] In 2022/23, the charity had 62,981 pupils take part in its programmes - that consisted of 3,012 schools participating in 873 Panathlon events in 44 English counties and 10 areas in Wales.[14] In November 2023, Panathlon held its first ever competition in Northern Ireland.

In October 2023, an independent report showed that Panathlon's positive impact on pupils extended far beyond the physical and mental benefits of taking part in competitions. The research stated that Panathlon was:

  • having profound effects on pupils’ education and development
  • reducing inequalities for children in areas of social deprivation and geographical isolation
  • providing choice in our programmes so that children with all kinds of impairments have activity that meets their needs
  • improving the competence and confidence of school staff in delivering inclusive PE and sport

In 2020, in response to the pandemic, the charity launched its Virtual Panathlon programme, training and equipping school staff to host and run Panathlon activity safely in school and for pupils forced to isolate at home. In addition, Panathlon ambassadors and patrons, including Paralympians and sporting role models with disabilities, conducted Q&A sessions with pupils via Zoom to keep them engaged.

Patrons

The charity has several patrons: Paralympians Nathan Maguire[15] and Louise Sugden,[16] former Paralympians Danny Crates,[17] Liz Johnson,[18] Helen Turner[19] and Steve Brown,[20] and TV presenter Alex Brooker.[21] Guests at Panathlon competitions include former sports minister Kate Hoey,[22] ex-Paralympian and TV Presenter Giles Long,[23] and a host of Paralympians, Adam Alderman,[24] Freya Levy,[25] Graham Edmunds,[26] Ben Lampert,[27] Josh Beacham,[27] Tim Prendegast,[28] Dervis Konuralp,[29] Daniel West,[30] and Kate Grey,[31]

Funders

Funders of the Panathlon Foundation include The Jack Petchey Foundation,[12] St. James's Place Foundation,[32] BlueBay Asset Management,[33] Woodland Group,[34] EQ Investors, Pentland Group,[35] MCKS Charitable Foundation UK,[36] Peter Harrison Foundation,[37] Peter Cundill Foundation,[38] Ovingdean Hall Foundation,[39] Redevco Foundation[40] and many more.

Fundraising events have included, Woodland Group cycling from London to Paris in May 2014.[41] Jody Cundy, Danny Crates & Liz Johnson competing in the London Triathlon 2014.[42], Hilton Hotel Stansted hosting virtual 'Around the World in a Day' events.[43][44], Panathlon supporter Andy Haven running the Atacama Desert Challenge in 2019 and sponsors running the 2021 London Marathon[45] and Royal Parks Half. [46]

Further information

Panathlon has made several appearances on television. Its showpiece London Multisport Final was featured on Sky Sports in June 2010.[17] Panathlon's Central London Final was featured on BBC1 Breakfast Saturday in April 2013.[47] East England regional final was featured on ITV East Anglia in October 2014.[48]

Panathlon has featured regularly at the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park. Twenty Panathlon athletes from the five Olympic London Boroughs raced on the 100 metre track at the London Olympic Stadium Gold Challenge test event in April 2012.[49] From 2014 the London Multisport Final competition has been held at The Copper Box Arena.[50] From 2015 Panathlon's South of England Swimming Finals have been hosted by the London Aquatics Centre.[51] John Lewis Stratford, overlooking the park, hosted Panathlon's Jack Petchey Outstanding Achievement Award ceremony from 2012-19.[52][53][54][55][56]

Other notable venues that have hosted Panathlon competitions are Stoke Mandeville Stadium,[57] The NIA Birmingham (Barclaycard Arena) and Wembley Stadium Powerleague [58]

Panathlon's founder Ashley Iceton is Chief Executive of the charity, Tony Waymouth is Chief Operating Officer and the organisation employs several Event Managers who deliver hundreds of sporting events across the country every year.

References

  1. 1 2 Crozier, Katie (April 2009). "Take your partners for the Panathlon". Archived from the original on 2 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. 1 2 3 Hubbard, Alan (23 February 2010). "Alan Hubbard: On why he is pleased the Panathlon is bouncing back". Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  3. ↑ "The Panathlon Foundation limited". Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  4. 1 2 Hubbard, Alan (21 February 2010). "Inside Lines: The (n)ice girl who has an entire nation whooshing on a star - "A Bonus for Bojo"". The Independent. Archived from the original on 24 February 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. 1 2 "Major investment by Football Foundation in disability sport and the Panathlon Challenge". The Football Foundation. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. 1 2 "UK Deaf Sport - The Panathlon Challenge".
  7. ↑ "Panathlon: Another highly successful year".
  8. 1 2 "Panathlon in School Games Initiative" (PDF). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ↑ Robert (2 April 2009). "An electric atmosphere at a sports competition for young people with disabilities". Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ↑ You Tube, "Panathlon deliver Lord Taverner's Boccia", retrieved 25 May 2016
  11. ↑ "Greenbank Sports Academy, "Panathlon Challenge Deaf Football Tournament"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. 1 2 "The Jack Petchey Foundation "Panathlon Challenge"". Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  13. ↑ "News Shopper "Disabled students from Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich compete in Panathlon Challenge"". Archived from the original on 24 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ↑ "Panathlon reveals record numbers for 2022/23!". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  15. ↑ "Nathan Maguire". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  16. ↑ "Louise Sugden". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  17. 1 2 "You Tube, Interview, "Panathlon Challenge Sky Sports Highlights with Danny Crates Introducing"". YouTube. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  18. ↑ You Tube, Interview, "Panathlon Liz Johnson in Kent", retrieved 24 May 2016
  19. ↑ You Tube, "Panathlon Helen Turner in Kent", retrieved 24 May 2016
  20. ↑ Steve Brown Patron of the Panathlon Challenge, archived from the original on 24 May 2016, retrieved 24 May 2016{{citation}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  21. ↑ You Tube, Interview "Panathlon Challenge Introduction to Alex Brooker", retrieved 24 May 2016
  22. ↑ "YouTube, Interview, "Kate-Hoey-Panathlon"". YouTube. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  23. ↑ "YouTube, Interview, "GilesLong-Panathlon"". YouTube. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  24. ↑ You Tube, Interview, "Panathlon Adam Alderman in Essex", 20 May 2011, retrieved 24 May 2016
  25. ↑ You Tube, Interview "Freya Levy on Panathlon"
  26. ↑ "Emma Holloway Foundation, "Helping youth disability sport in Suffolk"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  27. 1 2 "East London Lines, "Hackney kids win Wembley football tournament"". Archived from the original on 31 May 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  28. ↑ You Tube, Interview, "Tim Prendegast at Primary Panathlon"
  29. ↑ You Tube, Interview, "Dervis Konuralp in Kent"
  30. ↑ "Halifax Courier, "Top marks for panathlon pupils"". Archived from the original on 11 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  31. ↑ "This Is Wiltshire, "PANATHLON: School Games proves to be a big success"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  32. ↑ "St. James's Place Foundation Supports Panathlon". Archived from the original on 17 April 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  33. ↑ "BlueBay to support Panathlon in 2021/22!". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  34. ↑ "Woodland Logistics Delivers for the Panathlon Challenge". The Handy Shipping Guide. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  35. ↑ "Pentland". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  36. ↑ "MCKS Charitable Foundation UK". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  37. ↑ "Peter Harrison Foundation Supports Panathlon". Archived from the original on 9 October 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  38. ↑ "The Peter Cundill Foundation". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  39. ↑ "Ovingdean Hall Foundation". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  40. ↑ "Redevco Foundation". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  41. ↑ You Tube, "London to Paris with Woodland Group", retrieved 24 May 2016
  42. ↑ You Tube, "Paralympians compete for Panathlon at London Triathlon 2014", retrieved 24 May 2016
  43. ↑ "Around the world in a day". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  44. ↑ "Saffron Walden Reporter, "Hilton London Stansted raise record amount for Essex sport disability charity"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  45. ↑ "Panathlon salutes our London Marathon heroes". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. 5 October 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  46. ↑ "'Team Panathlon' conquer Royal Parks Half!". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. 11 October 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  47. ↑ You Tube, "Panathlon on BBC1 Breakfast Report"
  48. ↑ You Tube, "ITV East Anglia Panathlon East Regional Final 23rd October 2014"
  49. ↑ Gold, David (3 April 2012). "Panathlon Challenge youngsters beat Usain to Olympic Stadium finish line". Insideworldparasport. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  50. ↑ "Copper Box Arena to host Panathlon London Final". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  51. ↑ "Daily Gazette Essex County Standard, "Teams from Market Field and Doucecroft Schools"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  52. ↑ "Wandsworth Guardian, "Medal-winning Mahfuz is an inspiration"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  53. ↑ "EDFS, "Dagenham student crowned Panathlon Champion 2015"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  54. ↑ "PosAbility Magazine, "Inspirational Ilford teenage crowned Panathlon champion"". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  55. ↑ "EDFS, "Panathlon Challenge celebrate Outstanding Achievement Awards 2013"".
  56. ↑ "Mercedes leads honours at our 11th Jack Petchey awards!". Panathlon Challenge | Panathlon Foundation Ltd. Registered Charity: 1072638. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  57. ↑ "Leamington Courier, "Campion & Myton Schools team up for Panathlon success"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  58. ↑ "Get West London, "Powerleague Pitches at Wembley Stadium hosted Panathlon tournament"". Archived from the original on 25 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
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