For the third year in a row, young people from Prior's Court have taken part in the Berkshire School Games Discovery Swim Gala doing the Panathlon Challenge. This year, for the first time, these young people won the competition! 

The Panathlon Challenge consists of a series of Gala Races including treasure hunts - in which young people have to gather as many objects both floating and sinking as they can and collect them in 90 seconds, ferrying objects from one end of the pool to the other as fast as they can, colour matching in a game of 'popcorn', raft races, and 10m freestyle swims. 

Prior's Court were competing alongside three other schools - Manor Green, Acorn New Barn, and Oaktree. 

To prepare the young people for this event, swimming teacher Bedrich practised both the activities, and the waiting and turn-taking in our on-site swimming pool. While each young person participated in an event, not every young person participated in everything which meant some was waiting around. Waiting can lead to anxiety for some of the autistic young people with complex needs we support, so Bedrich practised both elements to try and ensure there were no issues on the day. While one young person was in the on-site pool practising for their activity, the rest of the group sat on the side of the pool with their feet in the water, waiting patiently for their turn. 

Bedrich said:

This meant that on the day, each young person was prepared to wait and all did so incredibly well. James, Anton, Toby, Joe, Rudi, Ryan, and Peter all took part in this gala and all of them did extremely well. Rudi in particular impressed his supporting staff members with his competitive spirit and patience, particularly as this was his first time attending the event. Each young person got into and out of the pool with no issues when they were asked to, and each of them had a fantastic time. 

The swimmers were also presented with matching t-shirts and swimming hats so they felt like part of a team, 

This achievement was only possible thanks to the hard work of Bedrich coaching and the young people working so hard. 

As always, a huge thank you to staff members Ella, Rebecca, Walter, Peter, Andrew, Courtney-Leigh, Mercedes , and Bedrich who supported each of the young people to this incredible achievement. Celebrations will of course be had on site to reward the young people for all their hard work. 

Sign up for more Prior's Court news straight to your inbox