Active Anglesey - Isle of Anglesey County Council

Active Anglesey
Leisure and Sports Development Newsletter - Issue 5
Summer 2011
Commonwealth Event arrives in North Wales
Over 25 commonwealth countries will be taking part with over 200 athletes in the 2nd Commonwealth Mountain and
Ultra Distance Running Championships that will be hosted in three spectacular north-west Wales locations - Llandudno,
Llanberis and Newborough Forest, Anglesey. The combined events of mountain races, ultra-distance races, and trail
running, for both men and women will produce a long weekend international festival of running.
An opening ceremony will be held in Llandudno in September and will include a Commonwealth Youth Festival to be held
with local primary and secondary schools invited to take part in an athletics festival. Around 750 school children from Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy are expected to descend on Llandudno for what will be a memorable event. Representatives from
all commonwealth countries will be present in the opening ceremony, along with national media and local press
Events will include a 5000 meter team challenge on the marked track promenade, Relays, mini athletics sessions and much
more.
Younger children will have also have the opportunity to be involved in an event as Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Sports
Development Unit will be holding their own mini event to coincide with the championships, the‘ Dragons Dash’ in
Newborough, for ages 7 to 14.
There is also an open 10k trail race through spectacular scenery in Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn
Island.
For further information visit www.cmudc2011.org for full details.
For details on the Dragons Dash race contact Barry Edwards on 01248 750237
Could your club benefit from up to £1500?
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
 Raises the standards of existing activities
In a recent committee meeting, a total of £4,000 was awarded
between several projects , which included Clwb Criced Bodedern, Amlwch Judo Club and Ynys Môn Island Games Association
Geraint Jones of Clwb Cricied Bodedern said ‘ Bodedern
Cricket Club’s Community Chest grant has enabled us to put 3
members through the level 1 coaching course, and in conjunction with local schools have increased our junior membership
three fold. The Community Chest grant is the back-bone of
small club’s development. It has enabled us to put an U15 team
back in the Eryri league. The junior section is going from
strength to strength ‘
The next deadline for applications is August 30 2011
Contact Mandy Jones to for more information on 01248 752026
or visit www.anglesey.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment
Children enjoying cricket sessions at Bodedern Cricket
Club
New Panel Members Needed - The Anglesey Community Chest panel needs volunteers to distribute grants to various clubs on the island. We meet 5 times a year to
discuss grant applications & decide who is eligible & how much they can have.
If you’d like to join us or want more information, please contact Mandy Jones on
01248 752026 or email: mjxlh@anglesey.gov.uk
Swimming initiative provides new opportunities
New disabled sessions as part of the free swim initiative funded by the
Welsh Assembly Government is now at Plas Arthur Leisure Centre,
It offers the opportunity for fun swimming sessions and enables persons
to enjoy of an exclusive environment in the swimming pool.
The Specialist Children Services supports the initiative attending the
weekly sessions with children and young people from the Saturday Club.
Working together has ensured that correct facilities are available
These fun sessions are free of charge.
Sessions are held every Saturday from 3pm to 4pm
Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern gets Gold Star for Physical Education
Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern has finished top of the class after their work
in Physical Education received a glowing report.
Sport Wales and the Association for Physical Education (afPE) are
championing schools which recognise the importance of PE.
All schools can apply for Active Marc Cymru and, this year, 29 schools
from across Wales have sailed through. Active Marc Cymru endorses
schools that are committed to developing high quality physical education and school sport and for promoting the benefits of physical activity.
Chair of Sport Wales, Professor Laura McAllister, said: "We believe that
schools play an essential role in building a Wales in which children are
hooked on sport for life. It is important that young people have positive
early experiences of sport and physical activity that build a foundation
for lifelong involvement in sport. This award recognises those schools
that are giving our children an excellent start.”
Mrs Anwen Morgan, Head of Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern said,“We are very proud to win yet another prize for the school. I’d
like to thank everyone for their constant hard work in maintaining high standards and particularly deputy head Mrs Catrin Jones
Hughes, Mr Tom Williams 5x60 officer and Mr Keith Withers, Head of the Physical Education Department for their tireless work
in putting the bid together.”
A spokesperson for the Association for Physical Education said: “There is strong evidence that children who receive high quality physical education within curriculum time, build a firm basis for future participation and achievement; and also do better in
the rest of their schooling.
“It is good to see that schools which make adequate provision for physical education also report higher achievement across
the school, in other subjects, but also in behaviour, attendance and retention. The Active Marc award recognises this vital contribution to school life and children’s education. Physical education in schools is a great investment!”
If your school wants to apply, please visit www.sportwales.org.uk
Get Ready, Get Set, Go!
Anglesey Schools are gearing up to what will be one of the biggest events to be held on UK soil in almost 60 years.
The Olympics and Paralympic Games will be held in London during the summer of 2012, and the Olympic fever is spreading
fast across the nation. The Olympic games have been around for over 100 years and is a prestigious event in the sporting
calendar.
With less than 400 days to go, the countdown has begun and events are being held across Anglesey. Schools have the opportunity to register to the Olympic ‘Get Set' Education Programme. The programme is set out to inspire learners to get involved in
sports and understand the values of the Olympic and Paralympics Games. Schools will also benefit from a range of resources
to assist in getting the most from the Olympic season.
Barry Edwards, Active Young People Officer explained 'Having the Olympic Games come to the UK is a great opportunity to
promote sport and physical activity to children and young people. The next 12
months will be very busy promoting the Olympic Games and organising specific
events linked to the Olympic theme. Schools have already been given the opportunity to sign up to the National School Sports Week and Get Set programme'.
Owain Jones, Senior Active Young People officer says ‘we believe it’s important to
empower and inspire young people to become role models for their peers and encourage sport participation by everyone. Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol UwchraddBodedern have already seen the benefit of the scheme receiving an allocation of
tickets for next years games'.
For further information on the Olympics or for more information on the ‘ Get Set scheme visit www.getset.london2012.com
Sheriff praises work of volunteers
Ten youngsters from Anglesey have been recognised for their outstanding commitments to volunteering. An awards ceremony was held during Volunteers Week in June, which is an annual UK event
with aims to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers.
Medrwn Môn organised the award ceremony which
was held at the home of the High Sheriff of Gwynedd, Mr Robin Grove-White.
Pictures above l –r: Sasha Jones, Sophie Roberts, Tom Graham,
Stuart Jeffries, High Sheriff Mr Robin Grove White, Tom Kirkham,
Geoffrey Atherton, Sam Jones, Dylan Williams
The youngsters have been awarded for their commitments to volunteering to Sports Wales initiatives
Dragon Sports and 5 x 60 where they have all been
involved in activities such as tag rugby, basketball,
street dance, fitness sessions and regular events organised by various organisations
The excellent voluntary work that the youngsters are giving has earned two pupils at Ysgol David Hughes the prestigious title
of Gold Young Ambassadors for Anglesesy. The Gold Young Ambassador is linked to the Olympic Games and the promotion
of the Olympic and Paralympics games.
If you are interested in volunteering you can contact the Medrwn Môn Team on 01248 724944
Summer at your leisure centre
There is something for everyone this summer with Anglesey leisure centres. There is
Swimming sessions
Go karts,
Sea scooters,
Football
Gymnastics
and much more
Summer Play Schemes are also organised by the Sports Development Unit. Activities will
include cricket, tennis and mountain biking.
Full details will become available online in the next few weeks, or you contact your local
leisure centre on the numbers below
Amlwch Leisure Centre
Beaumaris Leisure Centre
David Hughes Leisure Centre
Holyhead Leisure Centre
Plas Arthur Leisure Centre
Sports Development Unit
01407 830060
01248 811200
01248 715653
01407 764111
01248 722966
01248 752026
Beaumaris Leisure Centre also have theatre events throughout the summer, one event
includes a visit from the World Wide Wresting Team on August 13th! Contact the centre to
book your tickets today.
Keep fit for less than £1 per day!
£26.50 per month
You can enjoy unlimited access to:
3 swimming Pools
5 Fitness Rooms
and over 30 fitness classes
at ANY of our 5 leisure centres
Less than
£1
per day!
Contact your local centre for details
Amlwch: 01407 830060
Holyhead: 01407 764111
Plas Arthur: 01248 722966
Beaumaris: 01248 811200
David Hughes: 01248 715653
Staff get paddling at Plas Arthur
Two leisure centre staff have taken their own initiative
and completed a British Canoe Union Level 1 in Paddle sport
Coaching through Canoe Wales. Kevin Roberts and Gavin Williams
have since started running eight week taster courses at Plas Arthur
Leisure Centre and have been very well attended.
The taster sessions have proved popular. Gavin said ’ this has
been great for the kids to develop another skill in water and able to
continue after Plas Arthur with outside clubs. Kevin explained ‘We
have enjoyed our training and have expanded our skills set, and its
rewarding to see youngsters enjoying the activity and developing as
individuals throughout the sessions’
Taster Sessions are held during the school holidays with the next
set of sessions due to start during the summer Holidays. The next 8
week course will start in September.
For more details or to put your name down for a taster course, contact reception 01248 722966
If you would like to train to deliver sessions contact Canoe Wales on 01678 521199 or visit www.canoewales.com
Come and try Sailing at the Conway Centre
For young adults aged 16 and over with a Disability
Saturday 6th August
09.00 - 13.00
£5 per person
Contact Karen Williams, Disability Sports Development
Officer for more details 01248 752046
Come and see us at the Anglesey Show
Leisure Services will once again have a presence at the Anglesey Show. This year the Sports
Development Unit will have an opportunity to have a go a mountain biking skills
In the main council tent there will be information and staff on hand to answer any questions on
facilities and activities available at your leisure centre.
Also the Ynys Môn Island Games Association will be there to raise funds to compete in the
2013 Island Games in Bermuda.
We will also have taster sessions on our fitness room machinery for you to have a go
Primary Schools having a splash
The Leisure Department of the Isle of Anglesey County Council held primary school swimming galas across the island leisure centres in March where 36 schools participated and an Anglesey swimming gala final was held at Plas Arthur Leisure
Centre in May. The Galas proved to be very popular amongst pupils and teachers.
Mike Dilworth, Swimming Development Officer said ‘ The galas
have gone down well with everyone. It had a real buzz to it and it
is great to see both children and adults enjoying the event’
The Anglesey Primary School Gala event on May 18th was a
great success, with finalist from all the earlier galas coming together
All participants across all events received a certificate for their
efforts and the top three in each competition were awarded medals which were kindly sponsored by the Royal Air Force in Valley
Due to its great success it is hoped that the galas will be an annual event as its provides great opportunities for youngsters to
swim, develop their skills, and meet youngsters from other
schools
Intergenerational opportunities takes first step
Work is underway to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle
through developing a variety of physical activity opportunities within
local communities.
In April, a Frisbee Golf challenge was held by Age Well and Age
Friendly Community Project at Lon Goch Community Park. Four
Teams took part in the exiting game. The Frisbee Flyers were the
winning team on the day.
More events and activities will be arranged for the summer months.
If you would like more information or wish to speak to someone
about Age Well, contact Delyth on 01407 831862
Also as part of Adult learners week various partners got together for
the Go Green– Get fit scheme held at Amwlch
The day involved various activities including a walk, litter pick,
garden visit and indoor activities. Over 60 pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Amlwch accompanied by teachers, parents, Age Well Volunteers and other partners such as Keep Wales Tidy, Parys Training,
National Trust and Anglesey Community Education
John Pritchard of Age Friendly Community Project said ‘The day has
been a great success, enabling all ages to participate in a variety of
activities together and we hope to organise similar activities in the
near future’
For more details on any of the above, contract John Pritchard on
07831 510262
Fitness Craze on new wave
David Hughes Leisure Centre has boarded the train for new craze Zumba. Classes are proving very popular with members, but more so with the younger generation.
Class instructor Emily Bratherton has introduced ‘Zumbatomic’ a new generation of classes aimed at youngsters .
The sessions at Ysgol David Hughes Leisure Centre are aimed at 8 to 12 years, but sessions are available at other locations for as young as 4 years
Brian Hughes, Centre Manager says ‘ These classes have
really took off at the centre, especially the session for
younger children. We hope to develop more on our classes
in the near future to provide something for everyone in the
community’
The sessions are held at Ysgol David Hughes Leisure Centre, Wednesdays and Fridays. Contact the leisure centre
for class details and times.
Also, as part of National Carers Week in June, a Zumba
class was held at Plas Arthur Leisure Centre. Over 60 people took part in fancy dress. Emily, Fitness instructor said ‘
It was a great turnout, we all had lots of fun whilst raising
money for a good cause. Zumba is very energetic and keeps you in great shape, I Love it!’
Zumba Classes are now available across all of Anglesey Leisure Centres, for details about your nearest class contact your
local leisure centre.
Anglesey Sandman
Llanddwyn beach and Newborough forest on Anglesey will play host to a brand new Anglesey Sandman Triathlon. Over 600
athletes are expected to take on the challenge of a 1000m sea swim, followed by a 60km road cycle and 10km off road run.
The sandy, blue flag beach of Llanddwyn will host the 1000m swim discipline. The athletes with then cycle through quiet
villages of South West Anglesey returning along scenic coastal roads. Competitors will then take a 10km trail run through
Newborough Forest, over the sand dunes and beach to finish.
Events organisers are confident that the Anglesey Sandman Triathlon will bring in a significant amount of revenue to the area
as competitors will come from far and wide to support the local tourism and other related businesses.
For further details on how to register for the event or for more information visit www.angleseysandman.com
New 2011/2012 programme now available
The new walking programme for a variety of walks
across Anglesey is now available
Pick up a copy at your local leisure centre or contact Roger Pierce on 01248 752034 or email
rpxlh@anglesey.gov.uk for details
Free Summer Outdoor Activities
Free Coasteering, Sailing, Raft Building and Surfing sessions are to be organised
by the Outdoor Partnership this summer at the Conway Centre, Llanfairpwll
Sessions will be held on July 27th and 24th August
9am to 4pm
Ages 9 to 14
All equipment will be provided. There are limited spaces.
To book your place contact Simon Jones, Anglesey Outdoor Activities
Development Officer on 01248 752036 or sjxlh@anglesey.gov.uk
Anglesey Sports Club Database 2011
Visit our online directory for the latest information on Sports Clubs on
Anglesey
Take a look at
www.anglesey.gov.uk/sportsclubs
Are you involved with a sports club? Or know about a club that’s not on
our database?
Let us know about it by emailing marketing@anglesey.gov.uk
Join our network
Join the new official Isle of Anglesey County Council Facebook page for the latest
information and links on council services.
Kayaking Sessions for all the family
The kayaking and canoeing taster sessions are being run by Andy Short (BActive@Rhoscolyn) on behalf of the Isle of Anglesey
County Council. The sessions are for anyone, whether resident or visitor, to experience the fun to be had kayaking
around the Anglesey coast.
The sessions will last for two hours and will be run by fully qualified and experienced local kayaking and canoeing instructors
Dates, Venues and Booking
For dates and booking please visit : www.kayakanglesey.co.uk
For any further questions contact: info@b-active-rhoscolyn.co.uk, or if you are unable to book on-line please telephone 0845
126 0609
Having registered for a place, you will receive confirmation of your booking by email. This will include a consent form and
medical form to be completed and brought to the session.
Lowri Hurdman
Marketing Officer
Sports Development Unit
Plas Arthur Leisure Centre
Llangefni
Anglesey
LL77 7QX
Tel: 01248 752033
Fax: 01248 752044
Emaill: leisuremarketing@anglesey.gov.uk
Have your say
If you have any comments on this newsletter or
suggestions for future stories, we would be happy to hear
from you. We would particularly like to hear good news
stories from sports clubs and organisations on Ynys Môn
Email your articles and pictures to:
leisuremarketing@anglesey.gov.uk