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Panathlon Foundation

Panathlon is a national charity which gives young people with disabilities and special educational needs every year the opportunity to take part in competitive sport. In 2021/22, a record 52,746 pupils participated in our events - either external competitions with other schools or in-school through our Virtual Programme (launched in September 2020 in response to the pandemic).

About Panathlon Foundation


Tags: Disability support Special educational needs (SEN) & neurodiversity Youth development & mentoring Health & Medical Children & Education

We have 25 years’ experience providing sporting competitions for a range of age groups including primary, Key Stage 3, secondary and 16+. We provide multisport, swimming, boccia, football, ten-pin bowling, cricket and a range of impairment-specific programmes which take place across 42 English counties and seven unitary areas in Wales.

Our competitive pathway begins with local events, leading to county, regional, divisional and finally national finals at prestigious Olympic and Paralympic venues.

In 2021/22, a record 52,746 pupils took part in our events – either external competitions with other schools or as part of our in-school Virtual Programme, launched in response to Covid-19.

The Panathlon Challenge has been benefiting young disadvantaged people since 1996 and created its first events esecially for children with disabilities and SEN in 1999. Since then we have expanded right across the country and benefit tens of thousands of young people in 43 English Counties and North Wales.

Pre Pandemic, we delivered a competititve sporting structure, from local events, through to country wide and national finals in high profile venues such as the Olympic Park and Stoke Mandeville.

Much independent research has proven the massive impact Panathlon has had and continues to have on young people's lives. Especialy through the recent Pandemic and through lockdown, Panathlon was able to provide many online virtual activities for schools and young people, keeping people active.

In the year ahead, we will still be providing virtual content to those who are more comfortable with that, but also hundreds of 'face to face' events in school and at external venues to enable Panathlon competition and social interaction to take place.

Your Impact

The Panathlon charity relies on sponsors, charitable trusts and foundations and individual giving, to support our work each year.

Please support us in any way you are able. Thank you.

£5

Provides a medal and certificate as reward for a child with disabilities / SEN

£25

Provides team clothing and rewards for a young person with disabilities SEN within Panathlon

£100

Provides coaching and competition opportunities in a range of sports