The National final of the 2006 Panathlon Challenge produced new champions, St Bede’s RC School, Bristol. It is the fourth time the school has reached the national final, but the first time they have won.

St Bede’s won the Bristol heat of Panathlon held at the University of Bristol’s Coombe Dingle Sports Complex and Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health in March of this year. Sponsorship from Bristol International for both Panathlon and Disability Panathlon attracted Sportsmatch funding and the University provided facilities, event management support and Community Sports Leaders as volunteers.

In a day packed with drama St Bede’s overcame their nearest rivals, Plymstock School, Plymouth, by a hairs breadth. Both teams finished equal on 88 points, Bristol winning on the count back, Panathlon’s equivalent of the penalty shoot out.

Karen O’ Donohoe, Community Sport Development Officer at the University, said: “This is a great achievement for St Bede’s and we’re very proud of them for not only for winning the final but also being awarded the trophy for Fair Play.  Panathlon shows how young people can achieve great things through sport and we must do what we can to ensure the event continues in Bristol.”

Andrew Skipp, managing director of Bristol International, said: "St Bede's success is fantastic news as this is a wonderful endorsement of the Panathlon and its value to local children who are looking to enjoy and express themselves through sport.  It is particularly pleasing to see a local school win such a prestigious national event in our first year as lead sponsor of the Bristol Panathlon and Disability Panathlon events."