Active Anglesey - Isle of Anglesey County Council

Active Anglesey
Leisure and Sports Development Newsletter - Issue 7
Mascot comes to join Anglesey’s 100 days
celebrations!
On April 18th Anglesey celebrated the forthcoming Olympics with Anglesey
County Council Sports Development Unit’s hugely successful “100 Day’s To
Go” event. The festival held at Plas Arthur Leisure Centre, Llangefni provided
250 secondary school pupils from across Anglesey with the opportunity to try
out several Olympic and Paralympic sports. It filled every corner of the leisure
centre with children sampling a wide range of activities including fencing,
weightlifting, judo, wheelchair basketball, archery, athletics, football,
badminton, and swimming.
Each pupil received a t-shirt representing a country competing at this years
London Olympic Games. Pupils from different schools then joined together to
form a team representing that country and provided them with a great
opportunity mix and to make new friends whilst ensuring the Olympic and
Paralympic values, including friendship and respect were central to the day.
One young participant said, “It has been a great day, and I’ve had the
opportunity to try sports which I would not normally have tried!”
Olympic hopeful and Anglesey sports person of the year Gareth Evans from
Holyhead attended the event and passed hints and tips onto the young pupils
during the weightlifting sessions. The event was also attended by the London
2012 Olympic mascot “Wenlock”, Olympic athlete Elaine O’Neill and
Paralympian Bev Jones who are pictured together below.
Owain Jones, AYP Officer for Anglesey County Council said "It’s been a fantastic day and I would like to say a special thank you to the national governing
bodies, local club coaches, young ambassadors, and the Olympic and
Paralympic athletes for assisting and leading the activities. This event has been
a great opportunity to showcase what sports are available for young people on
Anglesey. We will now look forward to the 30 Days To Go Event for primary
schools on June 28th during National School Sports week.”
Remember to look out
for the 30 day’s to go
celebrations on 28th
June, 2012!!
Anglesey confirms its unique Olympic torch route
The 2012 Olympic Torch will travel in style during
its visit to the Isle of Anglesey with a unique
voyage on the high seas.
A trip aboard the RNLI’s Annette Mary Liddington
along the Menai Straits will be a highlight as the
Olympic Torch Relay 2012 visits Beaumaris and
Menai Bridge on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012. This
will be the torch’s only trip aboard a lifeboat during
its journey around the UK.
The much anticipated visit will give school children
and residents an opportunity to join in the Olympic
celebrations as the world’s greatest sporting
spectacle draws ever nearer to London 2012.
Several local athletes have been selected to carry
the flame
including Connor
Laverty, a pupil
at Ysgol David
Hughes. He has
won endless
athletics
competitions and
holds two North
Wales Indoor
records in Triple
jump and Shot.
Connor is also
the current
National Indoor
Champion in the
same events. He
has also
competed in
several International competitions, gained a bronze
in Shot at the UK Indoor Championships, 4th place
in the UK in his first Heptathlon in Sheffield, and
Silver at the Welsh National Combined events.
Lorna Price is a 15 pupil attending Ysgol Syr
Thomas Jones, Amlwch and her inspirational story has been chosen out of tens of thousands to carry the UK Olympic Torch in Beaumaris.
Lorna is visually impaired and her story of not only her personal achievements but also her success in Shotokan Karate is remarkable. Lorna
began Karate with the Welsh Traditional Karate Federation (WTKF) at the Amlwch club at the tender age of 7
and when she was 13 she graded for Black Belt with the world famous karate Master Masoe Kawasoe 8th
Dan. Lorna had achieved the coveted Black Belt when graded by one of the Worlds top karate masters. This
July she is hoping to be grading again for her black belt 2nd Dan.
Others include, Elen Evans; a member of the Welsh Womens rugby team and the sailor Mari Davies who is a
member of the Pwllheli Sailing Club, the Welsh Sailing Cohort and the British Sailing Cohort.
An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the
UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27th July 2012 for
the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the
official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Community Chest scheme invests in 42
projects on Anglesey
Fancy £1500 towards your community sport project?
Community Chest offers grant of up to £1500 in any 12 month period for activities that encourage more people to become more active, more often, and, or,
raises the standards of existing activities.
The last year has been busy for Anglesey’s Community Chest panel, with a grand
total of £41,888 has been distributed to various clubs and organisations in the area.
Many new opportunities have been created such as junior Golf at Henllys Golf Club
and coach education for Gwynedd Sub Aqua Club.
Helen Howard Jones of Gwynedd Sub Aqua said ‘
As most of our original Instructors were retiring and
hanging up their fins as it were, Gwynedd SAC was
desperately short of qualified Instructors to keep our
Club training and affiliated to the UK's governing
body for scuba diving, the British Sub Aqua Club
(BSAC)
What’s next for
Community Chest?
The year 2012/2013 is set to
be a busy year for the
Community Chest with many
extra opportunities available
on the back of the Olympics.
Applications are encouraged
Without qualified Instructors our Club was at risk of to utilize the Olympics as an
losing its heritage and affiliation to the BSAC.
opportunity to generate new
projects and generate new
The Community Chest grant enabled members to members.
become BSAC Instructors which meant that
Gwynedd SAC was able to continue scuba training to the standards set out by our
governing body.
Since receiving the Grant our Club has been able to take on many more new
members than in recent years and for the first time, we have been able to train up
junior members to be qualified to dive in open water
The next three closing
dates are listed below
June 5th 2012
For top tips on filling out your application contact Karen Williams August 28 2012
November 13 2012
on the details below or visit the Sport Wales website.
Total amount awarded to local projects on Anglesey during 2011 -
£ 41,888.93
For more details on Community Chest or to
discuss your application contact:
Karen Williams on 01248 752026 or
kawlh@anglesey.gov.uk
Anglesey Young Ambassadors @ the UK School Games
Anglesey Young Ambassadors were given a unique opportunity to visit the Olympic Park and the Sainsbury’s 2012 School
Games on May 9th 2012. Thirty Young Ambassadors travelled to London and visited the Games site as a reward for their
hard work in assisting the Sport Development team during 2011/12 and promoting and encouraging more pupils and Anglesey
residents to take part in sporting activities..
Backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, the Sainsbury's 2012 School
Games was a multi-sport event for 1,600 elite young athletes. The Games took place from 6-9 May 2012 with the Olympic
Stadium, Velodrome and Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park among London venues hosting the competition.
The Sainsbury's 2012 School Games finals event in May formed one part of the wider year round School Games initiative, and
used the inspiration of London's Olympics and Paralympics to transform competitive sport in schools and get more people
playing sport. Thousands of schools across the country signed up to take part in local class versus class and school versus
school competitions along with county wide sports festivals.
The event was supported by a range of partners including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Youth Sport Trust,
Department of Health, Paralympics GB, Sport England,
Sport Wales, Sport Scotland and Sport Northern Ireland.
The Anglesey Young Ambassadors visited the Olympic
Park as spectators for the athletics event – the final
event to be held at the Olympic Venues before the
London 2012 Olympics actually begin at the end of July.
Owain Jones, Active Young People Officer for Anglesey
County Council said "Attending the 2012 Sainsbury's
School Games proved to be a brilliant experience for the
Young Ambassadors. They were given all day access to
the Olympic park, and attended the Olympic Stadium as
spectators for the track and field events. Being able to
support local athlete Connor Laverty who is a Silver
Young Ambassador also added to the day's success".
Prime Minister, David Cameron commented on the
athletes' successes: "Huge congratulations to all the
winners, runners up and everyone who took part in the
School Games Finals this week”.
"Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has always been the legacy, so it's
brilliant to see over 12,000 schools signed up to the School Games, encouraging children to take part in competitive sport and
it's very fitting that some of these young people are amongst some of the first athletes to experience the thrill and excitement of
competing at the Olympic Stadium, Velodrome and Aquatics Centre”.
He went on to add, "Perhaps we have seen some of the great sports heroes of the future compete this week, but more
importantly, I hope they will inspire many more young people to get involved in sport. It's a great way to mark the lead-up to the
2012 Games."
Anglesey Young Ambassadors Connor Laverty and Cara Hope represented their country in the
athletics and rugby competitions during the 2012 UK School Games.
Cara said, “the UK School Games provided a fantastic opportunity for us to experience high level
competition while representing our country.” Cara listed another highlight as,
“having the opportunity to draw inspiration from the many Olympian and
Paralympians who came from a variety of sporting backgrounds, including hockey,
rugby, and athletics which would not have been possible without the UK School
Games platform.”
Connor Laverty who will be one of the torch bearers when the Olympic torch visits Anglesey later this
month narrowly missed out on gold in the shot putt finishing 2nd with a huge new personal best of 16.12m.
For further info and results visit : www.2012schoolgames.com
New innovative machine helps improve fitness
A scheme run by Anglesey County Council has introduced a new
and innovative fitness machine. The National Exercise Referral
Scheme uses the machine to help people’s walking ability by building up muscle strength in both arms and legs.
The ‘Motomed’ machine is currently in use at Holyhead Leisure
Centre. It can help improve circulation and prevent joint stiffness,
therefore improving the patients movement. The machine is used
by Anglesey Council and physiotherapist Louise Cartner who sees
patients referred from Ysbyty Penrhos Stanley onto the scheme.
Many patients who previously might not have attended the leisure
centre due to their condition are now doing so as part of a group.
Patients who have had a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral
palsy or spinal cord damage are all benefiting from the new machine.
Pictured is Wyn Jones with physiotherapist Louise Cartner
For more information about the National Exercise Referral Scheme contact:
Mair Eluned on 01248 752975
Island Race and Dragons Dash Review
Over 300 runners embarked on The Island Race, with weather and racing only matched by the stunning scenery for this brand
new North Wales half marathon. The race provided the unique opportunity of running over the Menai suspension bridge free
from traffic. Local runners Rob Samuel and Siobhan Jones made it a Welsh double at the inaugural Anglesey Half Marathon
on Sunday.
Speaking after his win Rob said;
"I am very pleased with that run. After my disappointment at the London Marathon last month I feel my running is starting to
come back together. Today's run was pleasing, but most of all it was a really stunning and enjoyable course. The views across
to the coast were amazing, especially with the great weather".
Tim Lloyd from Always Aim High Events was keen to stress that it was the support of the event partners which really made the
event possible:
"It was great to see the local communities embrace the event, with the Menai Bridge
Brass Band playing and bouncy castles for the kids on the day and the Anglesey
Council Sport Development Team helping to facilitate over 75 youngsters taking part
in the Dragon's Dash kids races - all part of the build up ahead of the visit of the
Olympic torch to Anglesey on May the 29th.
"However, we really couldn't have put the event on this weekend without the support
of EnergySolutions and Anglesey Council. They have been extremely supportive of
the event and share our vision that this race will only grow from here and hopefully be
a major sporting event for the area.”
As part of the Island Race Half Marathon, Anglesey County Council Sports
Development Units Active Young People Team organised “The Dragon's Dash” for
school children of primary and secondary school age. This proved to be a huge
success! Three junior races took place - one for years 3&4 which was 0.8 miles, one
for years 5&6 which was 1 mile and one for years 7,8 & 9 which was 1.2 miles. Over
80 children competed on the Sunday morning. This will now be an annual event along
with another Dragon's Dash event that will
be organised later in the year. The AYP
team would like to thank all of the young
volunteers and Young Ambassadors that
assisted on the morning to make the event
a success.
Pedal Power Demonstration Day
Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Sports Development Unit in partnership with
Age Friendly Communities and Pedal Power are looking to establish an exciting
new cycling programme on Anglesey aimed and children and adults with
disabilities.
A two day taster session was held at the Mona Showground with a selection of
cycles provided by “Pedal Power”. Around 50 individuals with physical
disabilities, learning disabilities and various
health conditions came along to try out the
bikes.
Feedback from one individual who had never
been able to access these bikes before wrote;
“Fantastic afternoon, best way to enjoy and benefit from these kinds of activities. Need
more of the same I surprised myself with what I have done”.
Karen Williams, Disability Sports Wales Officer said “today was about encouraging cycling
activity for individuals with disabilities. There was a great turnout and a great location for it.
We would like to thank the Agricultural Society at Mona who provided us with the location
and “Pedal Power” for their involvement and supplying the cycles for all to experience.
HALF TERM ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES — LEARN TO CLIMB
Where? The activities will be run by the Conway Centre near Llanfairpwll.
(For more please visit www.conwaycentre.co.uk)
What? Climbing, programme will depend on the groups ability/experience. It will include, indoor /
outdoor rock climbing, placing ‘gear’, and possibly learning to lead.
When? 6th – 8th
of June 2012. (You will need to attend all 3 days.)
Who? Young people from Anglesey between the age of 11 - 16. (Parents are welcome to take
part).
What will we need? All you need to bring is suitable warm clothing and trainers (old ones),
you are welcome to bring any own waterproofs / shoes. However there will be an opportunity to
borrow waterproofs, and boots.
All equipment including safety equipment will be provided by the Conway centre.
YOU WILL NEED TO FILL OUT A PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT FORM AND RETURN IT TO
THE ADDRESS BELOW WITH A CHEQUE FOR £30.00 (CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO
“ANGLESEY COUNTY COUNCIL”)
Any further queries please contact:
Simon Jones, Outdoor Activity Development Officer
Plas Arthur Leisure Centre, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7QX
01248 752036 (sjxlh@ynysmon.gov.uk)