Panathlon, in partnership with Greenbank Sports Academy, with funding from Peter Harrison Foundation organised the third Merseyside Panathlon Swimming Competition at the Lansbury Bridge School in St Helens on 6^th October. This marked the start of the new Panathlon competition season and forty-eight children took part in a 10 race event programme.

In addition, 3 leaders from Edge Hill University and John Moores University officiated the competition both in and out of the water.

Vicky Jones, Great Britain 25-29 Age Group Triathlon representative at the 2016 World Championships in Mexico and Lansbury Bridge teacher, said:

“This is a great experience for the children to compete in a swimming event and it’s very rare for swimming to provide this kind of opportunity. It is chance to see others from the area participate and it also enables them to showcase their talents, learning and progress.”

The event was won by Chestnut Lodge School representing the Borough of Halton after a close contest against last year’s winners the Borough of Sefton.

Halton secured 5 wins out of the 10 events on the day and have regained the title they held 2 years ago.

Eileen Campbell, Teacher and Manager of the Halton team said:

“It’s an amazing event; children who don’t get to participate are in the water and competing as a team. Everyone has enjoyed day and now we also go back to school as champions!”

Event organiser Steve Sullivan from Greenbank Sports Academy said:

“This event helps the development of the sport across Merseyside. it allows children who are missed out in the system to be part of a swimming gala and show they too can enjoy water “

Tony Waymouth of Panathlon said:

“It’s great to be on Merseyside again and attracting a range of children who don’t get this kind of experience through normal swimming pathways. It enables a range of abilities to participate and the atmosphere amongst all Boroughs supporting fellow competitors is terrific”

Results

1 Halton

2 Sefton

3 St Helens

4 Wirral

5 Liverpool

6 Knowsley