Providing Inclusive Sporting Pathways with Panathlon Challenge

Through a longstanding partnership with Panathlon Challenge, Bolton Wanderers in the Community are providing inclusive sporting events for primary and secondary aged pupils which ultimately aim to increase confidence, self-esteem and leadership qualities.

The most recent example of this being the Panathlon North West Regional Ten Pin Bowling Finals for Secondary Schools and Colleges at Hollywood Bowl, Bolton. Tailored for SEND pupils, all teams had pre-qualified through winning their local events, with schools across Greater Manchester also having to finish in the Top 3 in their County Finals, such is the demand for the program in this County.

Speaking at one of the events, a teacher from High Lawn, Bolton, said:

“I can’t think of any of the boys I’ve brought today who’ve competed in anything with school before (these events). This game in itself embodies a level playing field.”

18 School Teams travelled to compete in Bolton from as far as Blackpool, South Lakes and Pendle, with over 100 participants representing their respective School. Elaine Dodwell of Cartmel Priory said:

“There are children who wouldn’t have this opportunity, it’s a leveler. Not only are we playing, we’re playing to win and take back a trophy like any other school team would.”

Another opportunity provided at these events, is the Young Sport Leaders course currently being undertaken by Year 10 Pupils studying Option PE at Little Lever School.

During the course, the group will be brought to Bolton Arena and trained by our Disability Project Officer Debbie, in delivering inclusive sporting events to younger students with SEND needs.

Mrs Bannister of Little Lever School said:

“The maturity levels have gone through the roof since they started. You can see they now have new empathy for children with disabilities and are able to adapt the way they communicate and interact with different people with different needs.

This newfound confidence and maturity has as ripple effect that you can see through the rest of their school work. They’re working harder, they know what they need to do, its developed them as a whole really.”

For more information please contact Debbie Davies at ddavies@bwitc.org.uk