Coleg Llandrillo sports students organise and host this year’s Panathlon Challenge
Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus recently transformed its sports hall into a hub of energy and inclusion as it played host to the Panathlon Challenge 2026 on April 16.
This event gives children with disabilities and special educational needs the opportunity to compete across a variety of sports alongside other schools, gaining new skills and fostering social connections.
Coleg Llandrillo hosted the very first Panathlon event in Wales in 2018 and has since been closely involved in the event.
This year’s challenge was led by the Level 3 Year 1 Sports Coaching students. For these students, the day was about more than just sports; it was a hands-on masterclass in event management and inclusive leadership.
Reflecting on the experience, the Level 3 students highlighted the personal and professional growth the day provided:
"It was great to gain some experience of putting on events."
"It made me happy to see all of the pupils with a smile on their face and enjoying themselves."
"It was a great experience for learning communication skills."
The competition saw Coleg Llandrillo welcome teams from various local schools, allowing pupils to experience the thrill of a structured tournament.
"The sport and throwing the balls was fun,” said Bella, a participant from Tir Morfa School. “I liked making new friends. Everyone was kind," she added.
A representative from Y Gogarth School praised the competitive nature of the day: "We’ve been able to bring a mixed group and all the pupils have gained something different. It’s great for them to experience being in a competition with other schools; often events like this just focus on participation, so getting to compete is really refreshing."
The event ended with a prize giving ceremony and a sense of immense pride from staff and students alike. By providing a platform for these amazing athletes to shine, Coleg Llandrillo continues to strengthen its ties with the community while preparing the next generation of sports coaches for the diverse world of inclusive sport.
Well done to all the athletes and our dedicated student organisers!
Interested in a career in sports? Visit our website to see where are sports courses can take you: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/sport-and-outdoor-education
