Organised by the University's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, the Disability Panathlon challenge aims to encourage all pupils, regardless of their disability, to participate in a variety of sports. The challenge comprises nine different sports football, polybat, boccia, orienteering, pop lacrosse, floor lacrosse, tag rugby, athletics and tee ball.
The University’s Community Sport Volunteer leaders, consisting of both members of staff and students, will be on hand throughout the day to assist the lead organisers with the sports. The event is being held from 10 am to 3 pm each day.
Karen Harvey, Community Sport Development Manager at the University of Bristol, said: "This fantastic event is typical of what can be achieved when organisations and sponsors work in partnership towards a common goal, in this case, grass roots sport participation for young people. The University is proud to once again take a lead role in this event and we are extremely grateful to our funders without whom such inclusive and highly successful programmes are not possible.”
Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director at Bristol International Airport, said: "The Panathlon is an inspirational event for everyone, from the children who take part to the airport staff who are also involved. Bristol International is proud to support the Disability Panathlon for the second year running, and we are delighted our sponsorship has enabled additional Sportsmatch funding to be secured."
The John Rutley Sport Fund, University of Bristol and the West of England Sport Trust (Wesport) have contributed generously to this event with additional sponsorship funding provided by Bristol International Airport.
The Panathlon has been running in Bristol for seven years and continues to grow in popularity with both teachers and students.