A TEAM of Ealing schoolchildren came second in the west London finals of the 'mini Paralympics' Panathlon Challenge on Monday.

Almost 150 children with special educational needs, from across eight boroughs, gave it their all in the multi-sports competition at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Watching the action was three-time Paralympian Helen Turner, a 38-year-old wheelchair basketball player for the London Titans. She broke her back when she was 20 and has since won five bronze medals.

Springhallow School PE teacher Pawel Kedzierski said: “Panathlon is a brilliant event – all the children really enjoy it.

“It is a big challenge for them, but it makes them so enthusiastic to compete and get involved.”

The challenge features six events, including polybat, new-age kurling and table cricket, made accessible to all by using specially adapted equipment.

Springhallow pupil Jayden Mills, 12, said: “I did the running races and the table cricket. I like Panathlon a lot, it’s fun and I enjoy it.”

Winning team Sutton will now join Champions Cup winners Hillingdon in the London final at the Olympic Park on June 16.

Panathlon was gifted nearly £100,000 by the Jack Petchey Foundation this week, meaning its total investment in the charity has now exceeded £600,000.

The cheque will enable Panathlon to support 2,000 children in London and Essex and will fund 45 courses to train 450 young leaders who officiate at Panathlon competitions.

Schenell Stephens, grants officer for the Jack Petchey Foundation, said: “We are very proud that this funding will help to engage Young Leaders to deliver the programmes.”

Panathlon patron and Paralympian Danny Crates, an arm amputee who won 400m gold at the 2004 Games in Athens, said: “Thanks to this support from the Jack Petchey Foundation we can get many more young people involved in Panathlon.

“Even though Panathlon was around long before the London Olympics, it has really grown since 2012 thanks to the support of partners like the Jack Petchey Foundation.

“I really feel people’s eyes have been opened with regards to the power of disability sport and what it can do for young people.”