THE JOSEPH Rowntree School lifted Panathlon's North Yorkshire multisport trophy after winning the North Yorkshire final of the mini Paralympic-style games, held at Fulford School.

Competing in a variety of events such as boccia, table cricket, precision bean bag, new-age kurling and athletics, the pupils amassed a maximum 60 points, eclipsing silver medallists Lady Lumley’s School from Pickering (42), third-placed Brooklands Community Special School from Skipton (36) and Bedale-based Mowbray School (30).

Joseph Rowntree competitors were taking part in their third Panathlon event of the year and their experience was evident as they cruised to gold.

“Obviously, it’s nice to win, as that’s what sport is all about, but today is also about our children supporting each other and enjoying themselves,” said teaching assistant, Jack Wood.

“It teaches them so much about teamwork and sportsmanship. We practise polybat and table cricket at lunchtimes back at school, so we are competitive, but we push the values of always trying your hardest. There are no losers in Panathlon. The kids just love it.”

Organising and officiating the activities were young leaders from Fulford School and volunteers from the Leeds branch of St James’s Place Foundation.

Britney Lambert, 16, from Lady Lumley’s School said: “I can’t get over how awesome this has been! I met so many people and it has put me in a really good mood.”

Jonathan Moran, a teacher at Mowbray School for pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties, said: “We have a lot of children join us from mainstream schools and this gives them much better opportunities to be included in sport. The activities here are a lot more appropriate for our children.”

Every year the charity Panathlon gives over 10,000 children with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to play competitive sport.