A DISABLED Eastcote schoolboy was named young participant of the year in the Panathlon Challenge, a ‘mini Paralympics’ for children.

Kavindu Ranasinghe, 10, who has cerebal palsy with spastic quadriplegia, was named as joint winner of the Wembley National Stadium Trust Primary-Aged Achievers Award.

He collected his award in the shadow of the stadium’s arch at Powerleague Wembley, where the Panathlon football cup finals were being played.

Lorraine Veck, disability sports co-ordinator at Coteford Junior School, Fore Street, Eastcote, where he is a pupil, said: “Kavindu is just such an inspiration. We’re very proud of him.”

Rohitha Ranasingha, Kavindu’s father, said: “He is quite competitive. He wants to go faster but his electric wheelchair won’t go any quicker!”

Since joining Coteford three years ago, Kavindu has improved his strength and can now walk significant distances with his walker.

Despite his mobility issues and the difficulty he has coordinating his limbs, Kavindu is always keen to take part in sport.

He quickly became an integral part of the Hillingdon Panathlon team and has represented his school in the precision beanbag throw - a Panathlon target game - as well as boccia, wheelchair races and his favourite event, the wheelchair slalom.

More than 400 schools took part in Panathlon’s 84 ‘mini Paralympic’ competitions in 2013-14.

Lorraine Veck said: “When Kavindu joined our school he was a shy little person who wouldn't do anything.

“He’s come from not being able to walk or throw at all, to now walking with a frame.

“His confidence has bloomed. He's willing to have a go at anything. People assume he can't do anything, but when he goes back with loads of medals the rest of the children are really proud.”

Panathlon is now proving so popular at Coteford that even able-bodied children are wanting to get involved.

Kavindu received his award from representatives from the Wembley National Stadium Trust, which is supporting the Primary Panathlon programme across London.