Active Anglesey Leisure and Sports Development Newsletter - Issue 9 February 2013
Young Ambassadors are Anglesey’s Gold Stars Gold and Silver Young Ambassadors on Anglesey are going from strength to strength, completing their training and being actively involved in school and community sports. Following the Gold Ambassador Conference in Cardiff, the latest Silver Ambassadors (Adistars) completed their training evening at Plas Arthur Leisure Centre, Llangefni. Olympic and Commonwealth guest speakers and weightlifters Gareth Evans and Ray Williams shared their experiences and memories from the 2012 Games. The Young Ambassador movement commenced in 2006 following London's successful Olympic bid where Lord Coe promised the UK would use the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire millions of young people to become involved in sport.
The 2012-2013 Anglesey Young Ambassadors are: Ysgol David Hughes – Connor Laverty, Davey Brooks, Aerin Vaughan, Awel Medi Evans, Jess Fflint, Lora Jones and Lauren Ridges Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern – Jamie Hughes, Paul Magee, Mathew Magee, George Jones, Cari Lloyd, Rhodd Alaw, Christie Pritchard Amlwch – Lucy Bracegirdle, Rheon Jones, Tom Parker, Benjamin Bennett Llangefni – Hope Faure, Elin Williams Holyhead – Charlotte Webb, Beth Jones and Katie Roberts Coleg Menai – Jordan Thomas
Owain Jones, Active Young People Officer for Anglesey said: “Young Ambassadors is a great opportunity to get young people to experience the other side of sport. We cannot thank our Young Ambassadors enough for their commitment and hard work through volunteering in schools with projects such as 5x60 and assisting the Sport Development Unit with various events. We look forward to working again with these inspirational young people during 2013.” Central to the Young Ambassador programme is the principle that young people (aged 14-19) can drive opportunity, engagement and change for all young people to be involved in sport. Young Ambassadors are selected due to their sporting talent, and more importantly, due to their outstanding commitment and ability as young leaders or volunteers. In this issue - World Marathon Challenge - Water Polo Fun - Sports Awards
Profile: Young Ambassador Charlotte Webb Age: 18 School: Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Holyhead studying A-Level PE, Welsh, Biology and Criminology
How did you get involved in the Young Ambassador scheme? My Deputy Head put me forward when I was in Year 10. I had represented the school in a variety of sports such as football, rugby, cross country and athletics. I completed two weeks work experience in the school PE department and that really made me want to do more to encourage and promote sport for young people.
What volunteering have you done?
Charlotte playing for Cybi Women’s FC
I have helped at events such as the Olympic festivals, marshalling at the Island Race (half marathon) and in the Sandman Triathlon in Newborough. I help coach a local boys and girls football team once a week, as well as volunteering in Jesse Hughes Youth Club. I was a volunteer with Disability Sport Wales in a play scheme that helped encourage young people with disabilities to do sport. A volunteering highlight for me was helping at the Olympic torch relay as it passed through Menai Bridge. It was amazing to be able to see the actual torch! All the hours volunteering have helped go towards my Duke of Edinburgh award.
Why do you love sport? I have always enjoyed taking part in sport, but as I got older it was really nice to be able to work on the other side, organising sessions or helping out with some major events. It opens up so many great opportunities and I get to travel a lot and meet lots of new people. The majority of things I do are sports orientated, I didn’t realise the extent until I injured my leg playing football recently. I’ve been on the sidelines on crutches supporting my team (Cybi Women’s FC). I couldn’t imagine my life without sports being a part of it.
Young Ambassadors Justin and Charlotte meet Ray Williams and Gareth Evans
Who are your sporting heroes? My all time sporting role model is Arsenal Ladies and England ladies footballer Kelly Smith. She is one of the most well known female footballers of all time and she is someone who I aspire to be like. I also admire England Women’s football manager Hope Powell and former England Goalkeeper David Seaman.
Charlotte meets Olympic hockey player Alex Danson
What have been the highlights as a Young Ambassador? Being a member of the Young Ambassadors Wales Steering group, a group of 24 Young Ambassadors from all over Wales, I've been given the opportunity to help run the Gold Young Ambassador training day. I was able to present a workshop for new Gold Ambassadors alongside GB Women’s Hockey team Bronze medalist Alex Danson. It was a great experience and has helped me improve my confidence.
What’s next for you? I'm currently in the process of applying to University to study Sports Science or Sports Development. I would like to become either a Sports Development Officer or a high school PE teacher. As for volunteering I will be continuing to volunteer in the local community. I have applied to be a volunteer at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
After school Football Session Kicks off New Girls Football Club A strong interest in girl’s football at school in Amlwch has sparked the start of a new community team. Over the past two years, curricular and extracurricular sessions of girl’s football have proved popular at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones. Over 50 girls attended an after school 5x60 Girls’ Football session over the year, with between 20 and 30 girls attending regularly. Mo Eynon, a coach from Amlwch Town FC used the interest to set up an under 14’s girls team at the local Amlwch Town Football Club. Mo said: “It’s great to see that the interest shown in 5x60 school sessions has carried over to the local club with the girls enjoying the opportunity to play more games.” It has enabled the girls to experience club football through a number of friendly games and competitions. It is hoped that the continued success of the team will enable them to enter a league for the new season. The school – club link gives the girls the opportunity to make the most of their experiences and to feel comfortable in a club setting, which results in them being more likely to continue participating once they have left school. 5x60 officer Tom Rogers said: “The opportunity for the girl’s to play football together outside the school setting has seen attendances at both the 5x60 and club sessions continually increase.”
Olympic Legacy Following a fantastic year of Athletics at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, inspired athletes from Anglesey and Gwynedd have been racing it out in true Team GB style. Each school catchment on Anglesey competed in a primary athletics Sportshall competition which saw the standard of sprinting, jumping and throwing hit an all time high. With several new records being set at the qualifying rounds, there were high hopes for the Anglesey Sportshall Final on January 24th 2013. The top two schools in each catchment competed against each other for the prestigious title of Anglesey Sportshall Athletics Champions 2012-2013. The talented teams who progressed to the final were Ysgol Llanfechell, Ysgol Goronwy Owen, Ysgol Morswyn, Ysgol Y Fridd, Ysgol Y Fali, Ysgol Santes Fair, Ysgol Henblas, Ysgol Corn Hir, Ysgol Llanfairpwll and Ysgol Pentraeth. Anglesey’s Sporthall winners for 2012/13 were Henblas with Llanfairpwll coming a close second and Morswyn in third. Active Young People’s Officer Owain Jones said: “We had over 300 children compete in the first round and then another 90 attended the final. Congratulations to all schools that attended the final, and all children should be proud for providing a high level of competition and sportsmanship.” Athletics Development Officer Barry John Edwards commented: “The Sportshall athletics standard within the region continues to grow which is great to see off the back of the world’s most inspiring sporting event. With the standard seen by pupils this year, there are many talented youngsters who can potentially become future athletes within the Ynys Môn International Island Games Team, Welsh Athletics teams, Commonwealth Games and even potential future Olympians.”
Grant helps club go from strength to strength The Holyhead and Anglesey Weightlifting and Fitness Centre has put its Community Chest grant to good use.
Application closing dates for 2013: April 5th
Ray Williams said: “We purchased equipment that allows all user groups from novice to elite to participate in functional fitness training sessions! Power bags, weighted vests and medicine balls sound like torture tools, but in fact they are brilliant to add variety into the training room. Our members love the equipment and we are conducting up to 15 sessions a week with them.” Ray added: “Decades ago every one functioned within the natural environment (less cars and no computers) which meant we spent more time actually exercising our bodies. Now we live a sedentary lifestyle, everyone has a car and most people live on a computer at work. Our ethos at Holyhead and Anglesey Fitness and Weightlifting Club is to reintroduce the members to good function and utilize the staffs’ knowledge and experience within this area of fitness. Thanks to the grant, we have over 400 members wanting stronger bodies, healthier lifestyles and fun!” For more details on Community Chest or to discuss your application contact: Karen Williams on 01248 752046 or kawlh@anglesey.gov.uk
June 7th August 23rd November 15th January 10th 2014
Taith i Waith Hits Gold A mini Olympics event brought all ages together to help break down barriers and build confidence. At the end of November, New Work Connections (Taith i Waith) organised an indoor athletics day at Amlwch Leisure Centre. Huw Griffiths, Project Officer explained: “The day was aimed to benefit participant’s confidence, social skills and drive to achieve. By organising a variety of competitive events in the main hall and swimming pool that were designed for all abilities. We hope to use the success of the event to organise a regular fitness module that will promote exercise and healthy living.” Karen Williams, Disability Sports Officer added: “Everyone involved had a great day with participants with a variety of different barriers socialising and working together to compete in the events and thanks go to the Amlwch Young Ambassadors who volunteered and the Leisure Centre staff who ran the Water Polo. New Work Connections (Taith i Waith) is funded through the European Social Fund (ESF) and is a project that aims to help individuals overcome a variety of barriers to gaining education, training or employment. These barriers can include mental or physical disabilities, mental health issues, lack of required experience or qualifications, caring responsibilities, transport issues and more. Also present at the event were members of Taran Disability Forum and the project was assisted by the Isle of Anglesey Council Sports Development team and the Interreg (Age Friendly Communities) project. Mary Spears, of Benllech, who took part in the various activities including long jump, basketball and curling, said: “It has been a fun activity and I’ve really enjoyed the day. I have been part of the Taith i Waith project for a year now while waiting for a job and I have learnt a lot from it and gained qualifications.” If you are over 16, live on Anglesey and are not currently in education or employment and would like to learn more about how New Work Connections, contact (01407) 721 921/923.
You can keep fit for less than £1 per day, by joining the Anglesey membership card scheme and paying by Direct Debit. When joining the scheme you can use a number of different facilities across Anglesey, including 3 Swimming Pools and 5 fitness rooms for just £20 a month. This is a great opportunity to keep fit at you local leisure centre for a very reasonable price. Ask at the reception desks for details.
Island youngsters shine at local triathlon
AN Anglesey triathlon has placed itself as a firm favourite, not only among adults, but children too! Hundreds of competitors flocked to Newborough for the Sandman Triathlon, organised by Always Aim High Events. A record 75 children took to the waters, roads and their bikes, thanks to Anglesey Council’s Sports Development Unit. Five age groups tested their grit and determination in tough weather conditions, with every child finishing the event and some keenly contested categories. Thanks to the water safety guidance of Amlwch Kayak Club and Rhosneigr Surf Lifesaving Club, the swim/wade was able to go ahead as planned. 30 volunteers from local schools, Menai Track & Field, Coleg Menai and the Futsal Programme helped make the event a success. Roger Pierce of Anglesey Sport’s Development Unit said: “We would like to thank staff and volunteers as well as Always Aim High Events for allowing us to join their popular Island triathlon again this year. A big thanks also to parents and competitors for their support. Competitions were of a high standard and with all 75 participants finishing, the effort and determination from each child was plain to see.”
Three generations of the Kiernan family, Ethan Lewis Kiernan, 8 Jethro Kiernan, 42 and Roger Kiernan, 69
Parent Maggie Hoerger of Bethesda said: “My son, Oscar, worked hard to finish and is thrilled with his accomplishment. All the marshals were fantastic. Having the event to prepare for helped us get out a bit more this summer. These events are part of what makes living in North Wales great. Oscar is already planning for the next Sandman.” Robert Ward, whose eight-year-old son took part in the event, added: “My son became motivated to learn to ride a bike just because he wanted to enter this event. In the space of a few weeks, he learned to ride a bike, practiced running, and did his first open-sea swimming. He's found out that he really enjoys cycling.”
World Marathon Challenge Ysgol David Hughes ran the fastest time in Wales in the 2012 World Marathon Challenge. Competing against various schools from across the globe the Welsh school also finished in a respectful 21st place in the World! With the success of Mo Farah at London 2012, endurance running has never had a higher profile, and UK Athletics were encouraging schools across the country to take part in the global World Marathon Challenge, in aid of Save the Children. The Save the Children World Marathon Challenge is a relay in which mixed teams of 30 Year 8 children from across the globe race against each other simultaneously over the full marathon distance. Children take multiple turns running 200m sections to complete the full 26.2 miles with the aim being to beat the Marathon World Record of 2 hours 3mins and 38 seconds held by Patrick Makau. Youngsters from David Hughes’ Year 8 took on the challenge and were delighted when they received a call from the AAA Athletics confirming they were the leading school within Wales. Ysgol David Hughes completed the challenge in 2:04:11. Well done to all who took part!
Llanfechell Get Set!
Badminton Champs
Pupils and staff at Ysgol Llanfechell have seen their hard work leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games recognised after the school joined the London 2012 Get Set Network. A number of Team GB’s London 2012 medallists praised the pupils work, ‘Wow, look at the work you’ve done, it’s amazing’ said diver Tom Daley. With multi gold medallist Chris Hoy adding, ‘It’s incredible what you’ve done, keep it up!’ What is the Get Set network? The Get Set network is a special community of schools and colleges which are: demonstrating a commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values: respect, friendship, equality, excellence, inspiration, courage and determination Using the London 2012 Games to inspire learners of all ages and abilities to get involved in Values-based projects and activities. Any school or college in the UK can become a member of the Get Set network and receive rewards and recognition from London 2012. Lois Evans, a teacher from the school, was recently invited down to the Olympic Park in London, to present on the success the school had had in using the London 2012 Get Set Network. Lois had to present to a group of 400 people, including Sebastian Coe and members of Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic teams. The presentation including work completed by pupils from years 5 and 6, who had completed a display board as part of a Get Set Network competition. The school were awarded second place throughout the whole of Britain for their display board which included all the information the pupils had learnt about different athletes who competed at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ysgol David Hughes have been crowned Anglesey Champions for the second year running at the Welsh Badminton Inter Schools tournament. A strong team of boys singles/doubles and girls singles/ doubles dominated the 2011 tournament, and 2012 was no different. As Ysgol David Hughes displayed some fantastic shots in a high standard competition of badminton, it was a clean sweep for David Hughes in all the singles, doubles and mixed events for all age groups. David Hughes school will now progress to the regional stage and aim to take the North Wales title and making further progression to the National final in 2013. Well done to all players and all the best for the regional final. Owain Jones, Active Young Peoples Officer at David Hughes said “the standard of Badminton has increased once again this year and for David Hughes to win all 4 categories and progress to the regional finals is fantastic. The pupils thoroughly enjoy their badminton and plans are underway in setting a community club on Anglesey to allow progression from school to community events. Special thanks should be highlighted to Anglesey’s Young Ambassadors and volunteer Tom Kirkham for their assistance in hosting the event”.
AWARDS FOR ANGLESEY’S SPORTING STARS A SPECIAL annual awards ceremony has recognised and honoured top sporting talent on the Island. The Ynys Môn Sports Awards took place at the Isle of Anglesey County Council Chambers on Thursday, December 6 to acknowledge sporting achievements made between September 1 2011 and August 31 2012. Special recognition went to Holyhead’s Olympian, Gareth Evans, who won the Outstanding Achievement in Sport award for his weightlifting talent, medalling in Capetown in October 2011 at the Commonwealth Seniors, breaking long-standing Welsh and British records at the European, World and Olympic games and best lifter at the 2012 British Senior Weightlifting Championships. Gareth, 26, who won the Sports Person of the Year award in 2011 said: “It’s been a year to remember and I’ve enjoyed some of the best times of my life. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.” The Sports Person of the Year accolade went to Sarah Livett, who is one of the best female endurance athletes in the region and nationally and has been involved in athletics for 12 years, winning numerous titles. Isle of Anglesey County Council Chairman, Robert Llewelyn Jones said: “On behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate each and every one of today’s winners, who have demonstrated a great deal of hard work, commitment and passion in their chosen sport and are an inspiration to others.” Girl of the Year — Christie Pritchard (showjumping) Boy of the Yeart — Sam Henderson (Weightlifting) Team of the Year — Llanfairpwll Hotshots (football) Sports Person of the Year — Sarah Livett (Athletics) Young Volunteer of the Year — Aled Thomas (Athletics) Volunteer of the Year — Adrian Williamson (Football) Outstanding Achievement — Gareth Evans (Weightlifting)
Anglesey has the Outdoor Fever! The David Hughes Outdoor Activities club is a community based club which offers mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and climbing sessions all year round. The club has been active for two years and recently reached the magic 100 mark in terms of membership figures. The club which is based at David Hughes leisure centre has grown from strength to strength thanks to support from local businesses such as Hogans Construction group, The Cooperative, Watkin Jones and Waitrose.
Amlwch makes a splash at competition Congratulations to the 18 girls and 2 boys from Amlwch Swimfit Junior Club who represented Anglesey in the 2012 North Wales Water Polo Tournament. Children aged between 8 and 11 competed at the Waterworld swimming pool in Wrexham in November. Despite having little time to prepare themselves for their first water polo competition and competing against teams from Chester, Gwynedd, Wrexham, Chirk and Flint areas, one of the Amlwch teams competed well and qualified undefeated from their league matches to win through to the age group semi final where they faced a team from Flint. The semi final was closely fought in the first half but the Anglesey youngsters gained the upper hand in the second period to win through relatively comfortably by a score of four goals to nil to gain a place in the age group final, where Wrexham took the title. Mike Dilworth, Anglesey Aquatics Development Officer praised the children for their efforts and that of Mrs Nia Bown, a member of staff at Amlwch Leisure Centre who runs the children’s Swimfit Club. Mr Dilworth hopes that this success can be built on with more children and adults on Anglesey trying out water polo. He said: “It is an exciting and physically demanding sport which is relatively new to the North Wales area but extremely popular in other areas of the country.” Anyone interested in joining the Amlwch Swimfit club should contact Nia Bown at Amlwch Leisure Centre on (01407) 830060 for more information or go along to the Swimfit sessions on Tuesday and Friday evenings between 6 and 7pm. If anyone is interested in trying water polo or has experience in playing and is willing to assist in trying to establish a club on Anglesey, please contact Mike Dilworth on (01248) 752955 or e-mail mrdlh@anglesey.gov.uk.
Top Prize The Outdoor Partnership are celebrating success after scooping a top prize at the Sports Wales’ Coach of the Year Awards 2012. Held at Sport Wales’ National Centre in Cardiff, the Outdoor Partnership, one of three organisations nominated for the Sporting Partner of the Year 2012 Award, shone through to win the prestigious title. In 2005 it was identified that there was need to develop local people's access to outdoor activities in North West Wales and increase local employment in the sector. Since then the registered charity has provided over 23,500 outdoor activity opportunities, trained over 1200 volunteer leaders and established 60 outdoor clubs in the region and grown from four to twelve staff.
Competition North Wales Schools Bouldering Competition. March 13th at Llanfairpwll. See your 5x60 officer for details.
Athletics Startrack Athletics 2013—February Half Term at Amlwch Leisure Centre on Tuesday, February 12th and Plas Arthur Leisure Centre on Thursday, February 14th 2013. 10am until 3pm. £15 to include goodie bag and t-shirt or £10 to include goodie bag. The bag includes a back pack, water bottle, medal, certificate and soft javelin. Fun-filled track and field activities and quality coaching. If interested, please contact Barry Edwards on (01248) 752037.
Volunteers A new website will be launching soon for volunteers, by the Isle of Anglesey Council Sports Development Department. It will give sport clubs/events the chance to post volunteering opportunities and for volunteers to sign up with their interest.
Countdown to Bermuda Ynys Môn athletes have been preparing themselves for the 2013 Nat West International Island Games in Bermuda this July. With athletes training 5 times per week and competing in various road, cross country, and Track and Field events for Menai Track and Field / Eryri Harriers the Athletics Team promises to be one of the strongest ever seen from Ynys Môn. Specialist training and support from Ray Williams at the fantastic weightlifting facilities in Milbank will feature heavily within athlete development ready for the Games. Welsh Athletics National event coaches have been investing their skills, knowledge and time with several athletes going to Bermuda next year and are very impressed with their developments. The team will consist of open, regional and National athletics champions Chris Mcnaught, Rheon Jones, Connor Laverty, Aled Thomas, Mike Bland, Iolo Hughes, Andrew Morris Jones, Mared Baker, Sophie Lewis, Sarah Livett, Lydia Sharpe, Naomi Sharpe, Tiffany Branning, Brea Leung and Tom Rice Owen who will be competing in the steeplechase. Visits to the North Wales Indoor Athletics Centre in Deeside organised by Menai Track and Field have been a huge step forward for the Anglesey athletes who have completed various speed sessions, fitness testing and races. Ynys Môn Island Games Athletics coordinator Barry John Edwards commented: “The athletes travelling to Bermuda are training extremely hard and as a team who will be competing against athletes from all over the globe it is a great feeling to have 4-6 real medal hopefuls travelling to Bermuda from Anglesey.”
Anglesey primary schools competed in the first all-Anglesey netball competition organised by the Active Young People team on February 4th, 2013. The competition took place at Holyhead Leisure Centre. Schools that attended included St Marys, Niwbwrch, Parc, Caergeiliog, Llanfawr, Henblas, Morswyn, Llanfechell and Goronwy Owen, with 90 pupils in total. All schools played 8 matches each. The standard of netball played on the day was extremely high with the winners for 2013 being Morswyn with Henblas in second and Llanfawr in third. Morswyn and Henblas will now go on to play in the North West Wales Regional finals in Bangor on April 26th.
The Sports Development Unit aims to obtain and update information on local OUR sports clubs and organisations on Anglesey. To add your club to our sports DATABASE directory, you can print off a form from the Isle of Anglesey Council website (leisure pages). Alternatively, call (01248) 752026 or send an email to leisuremarketing@anglesey.gov.uk