A TEENAGER has won the 2016 Jack Petchey Outstanding Achievement Award after overcoming his disabilities to excel at sport.

Ethan-Beau Howes, 15, scooped the top annual honour given by the charity, Panathlon.

The Doucecroft School pupil collected his award from Paralympic swimming champion and Panathlon Ambassador, Liz Johnson, in a ceremony overlooking the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.

Ethan-Beau was plucked from a long list of the year’s most outstanding 23 Panathletes.

He said: “When I heard I had been nominated I didn’t think I was worthy. There are so many people who are good at sport.

“Now I have won it is really good and I’m pleased. My next ambition is to win more trophies.”

Ethan-Beau has autism and multiple diagnoses, but has not looked back since he started competing with Panathlon last year.

He has attended multi-sports, boccia and bowling events.

But his top activity is supporting younger students in Primary Panathlon.

He said: “My favourite thing is helping younger children to be the best they can be. That makes me really happy.”

Three years ago Ethan-Beau, who as well as his AHD, has a chromosome abnormality, a heart defect and has had spinal surgery, became a pupil at Eight Ash Green’s Doucecroft School from the mainstream system after being out of school for an extended period during treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Andrea Griffiths, his PE coach at school, said: “Ethan was quiet and withdrawn with no self-confidence, just a shy little boy when he came to us, and very reluctant to participate in any social event and had not done PE in his previous mainstream school.

“We worked hard to offer him adapted activities and since he joined Panathlon he hasn’t looked back.”

When Ethan-Beau started swimming at the school he had no self-confidence and was very frightened of the water, due to having a rod in his spine and other physical problems.

Andrea and his teachers coaxed him out from the end of the pool and he has since competed in Panathlon swimming events.

Presenting his award, Liz Johnson said: “I understand how hard it can be to conquer a fear, such as swimming. Overcoming this demonstrates the power of sport.

“What makes Panathlon different from the ‘come and have a go’ programmes, is the competitive environment it offers. Competitors learn a lot from having something at stake and the teamwork also helps conquer the fear.

“A day like today is heart-warming and it is so important that these award winners are role models to those who follow them.”

Panathlon has 10,000 disabled competitors who participate in mini-Paralympic style games.