Following on from the success of their Primary Team a week earlier, St Helen’s Secondary Team celebrated victory at the Merseyside Schools Panathlon challenge held at Greenbank Sports Academy on 17^th March.

Manager of both teams, John Mannion from Lansbury Bridge School said:

“It’s lovely to look after a team which includes children with a range of abilities, who are able to compete at a single event and fantastic that their hard work has paid off.”

Panathlon Challenge is a day-long event, in which team members compete is a range of sports activities including Boccia, table tennis, table cricket, football and sports hall athletics.

70 secondary school aged children – 50 boys and 20 girls took part from 7 schools representing Liverpool, Knowsley, Halton, Wirral, Sefton and St Helens and supported by volunteers from Greenbank College / Liverpool John Moores University.

Comments from the children, about the event included:

Jessica:“I’ve had a really, really good day – I enjoyed everything but ping pong was my favourite.”

Jack: “I’ve played table tennis, had a go at running but football was the best – I scored a goal!!”

Harry: “I’ve had really good fun especially the table tennis – I used to be bad but now I’m good!!

Jenson:  “It’s been fun – I liked javelin because I’ve got much better.”

Ian Magill from Woodchurch High School added:

“Another great day of inclusive sport – everyone in the team had the opportunity to participate and sample real competition.”

Results:

1^st – St Helens – 62 points

2^nd – Liverpool – 56 points

3^rd – Sefton – 46 points

4^th – Wirral – 38 points

5^th – Knowsley – 32 points

6^th – Halton – 12 points