In one of the most exciting Panathlon Challenge finals in many years, 3 teams, Barking and Dagenham, Liko Team Newham and Bromley, fought it out to the last race to decide which would emerge as champions in 2009.
The judges spent some anxious moments before declaring that Barking and Dagenham had narrowly beaten their main rivals to become champions. They amassed the impressive total of 62 points, closely followed by Newham on 58 and Bromley on 56. Giles Long MBE, multi-medalist from the Paralympic Games was on hand to encourage the athletes and award medals to all the winners.
The event took place at the Westway Sports Centre London W10 on 25 June. Six teams took part, having won through to the final from preliminary rounds earlier in the year. The other teams were from, Brent who came 4th, Wandsworth 5th and Waltham Forest 6th.
150 disabled athletes aged between 8 and 18 took part, roughly 25 representing each of the participating boroughs. The event was attended by a healthy crowd, who thrilled to the performances of the young athletes. 5 sports were competed for during the exciting days competition, which is like a mini - “Paralympics” in one day and the culmination of 6 months coaching and preparation by all the teams.
Ashley Iceton the event organiser said “We always get top class performances from our young athletes at the London finals but today has been the closest ever finish. All credit to the teams and the coaching staff for giving us such a memorable day. We are used to going down to the last race but today was exceptional, Congratulations to everyone taking part and winning medals today.”
The event this year was generously funded by the Football Foundation, the Jack Petchey Foundation and the Peter Harrison Foundation, who all support the Panathlon charity. Additionally the Liko Team Newham team have been supported with a unique sporting club paid for by Liko UK Ltd, which has enabled many more disabled youngsters in the Borough of Newham the chance to be involved in the Panathlon Challenge in 2009.
The event will recommence early in 2010.