Event Manager
CurrentI organise, set up and run events for school age children with disabilities and special educational needs. Building close relationships with multiple schools and SGOs, leisure centre managements, NGBs, stakeholders, sponsors and of course the young students themselves. Mainly swimming galas of different types of races, but also team activities in sport halls, Boccia and Ten Pin bowling. With the swimming galas, the children are taught team work, hand/eye co-ordination, how to follow instruction and health and safety in a fun environment. It gives them the opportunity to experience going out in public, sometimes using public transport, and engaging with shop workers by spending money when ordering food or a ticket. Fantastic life skills. A lot of the young students have not been swimming before attending a gala, so coming to a Panathlon event gives them an opportunity to find their water wings in a safe and fun environment. Volunteer leaders from local schools help run the event by being enthusiastic support in the pool, whilst others work stop watches and organise the swimmers for the next race. “***Panathlon is a national charity which gives young people with disabilities and special educational needs every year the opportunity to take part in competitive sport. In 2022/23, a record 62,981 pupils participated in our events - either competitions held externally with other schools or in-school through our Virtual Programme.***”
