Pupils from special schools in Bristol and Plymouth are preparing for the annual Panathlon Challenge sports days, which take place at the University of Bristol's Coombe Dingle Sports Centre on June 29 and 30.

The much anticipated event, now in its fifth year, will involve around 250 participants from the following schools: Baytree, Briarwood, New Siblands, New Fosseway, Warmley Park, Florence Brown, Kingsweston, Team Plymouth, Culverhill, Elmfield and Milestone.

Those who have seen this event in the past will know how fierce the action is between the competing schools, and how committed the pupils are to representing their own school. The sports involved are football, polybat, new age kurling, orienteering, athletics, basketball and tee ball. Each participant is awarded a special medal at the end of the day, when also the points from all the day's events are added up to determine the winning school.

With the announcement of the 2012 Olympics venue just around the corner, competitors have the opportunity now to begin staking their claims for a place in the GB 2012 Paralympics team.

The organisers are especially grateful to Bristol City Council, The University of Bristol through the Centre for Sport, Exercise, Health and the University Fund, the Chelsea Building Society, Bristol and Langtree for their financial support of this event.

Sarah Troke, from the university's sports development unit, said "The University of Bristol is proud to host and support such a fantastic sporting event, which gives local youngsters the chance to experience such a range of competitive sport that is so strongly underpinned by fair play and sportsmanship. The event also gives our Community Sports Volunteers a new and valuable experience working with children with disabilities."

Ashley Iceton, on behalf of Panathlon, says "The South West Special schools have always competed wholeheartedly in the Panathlon Challenge and we are looking forward immensely to another two days of serious but fun competition. As ever, we are grateful to the University of Bristol for generously allowing us the use of their facilities here, and the other sponsors who have kindly donated the funds to make this possible."

Further details about the Panathlon Challenge can be obtained from www.panathlon.com