The Neumark Foundation is proud of its partnership with Panathlon in North Wales, providing opportunities for children with disabilities and additional learning needs to take part in competitive sports.
Last week Peter and Maria Neumark along with Paralympian Nathan Maguire, were special guests at the Wrexham Primary Panathlon event, presenting all the medals and getting the chance to chat with competitors and the school staff.
Thanks to continued funding from The Neumark Foundation, this will continue into 2025.
“We have seen the impact of what Panathlon achieves with the young people who are given the opportunity to take part in competitive sports. We are delighted to award them £30,000 to continue this important programme. We have seen today that there is a sense of achievement and friendly competition, which Maria described as “a learning skill. We have seen a lot of smiles here this morning – lots of smiles, which is worth every penny. “We’ve seen a lot of very happy kids, a lot of kids who haven’t had the opportunity to do things like this before. It’s nice to see our money has been so well spent”
Peter Neumark – Chair of Trustees for The Neumark Foundation
During the 2023/24 academic year there were 34 Panathlon events in Wales alone, up from 19 the previous year. 1,383 young people with additional needs took part, plus 410 young leaders, totalling 1,793 participants across Wales.
One of the schools taking part in Panathlon events is Ysgol Bro Lleu, in Penygroes near Caernarfon, Gwynedd. They began participating in Panathlon in 2023 and have seen huge benefits already. “We are a school of 200,” says teacher Llinos Owen. “Most competitions are about being the best and who’s going to win. With Panathlon, different children have had their chance to be in the spotlight, to enjoy their success, and represent the school. It’s been really good for them.”
After a summer inspired by the courage and passion shown at the Olympics and the Paralympics, children have returned to school looking forward to taking part in sports activities, learning to be part of a team and developing important skills. Thanks to funding from The Neumark Foundation, the Panathlon Challenge can provide competitive sporting activities for children with disabilities and additional learning needs helping them overcome barriers and fulfil their potential.
“We are extremely grateful to the Neumark Foundation for funding our work across North Wales and continuing our partnership into its second phase of development for the region. ‘Our events have positively impacted in a continuing time of uncertainty for schools around opportunities for accessing sport, allowing choice to occur for children who are the most disadvantaged, giving them a vital platform to fulfil aspirations in self development, finding potential areas of self interest and thrive in environment’s where they feel safe and supported. This would not be possible without the Neumark Foundation’s support.”
Tony Weymouth – Chief Operating Officer