Lottery funding has assisted Vale sports projects
Around £20,000 from the Big Lottery Fund has helped the Vale of
Glamorgan Council deliver a wide range of sporting opportunities
over the last four years.
The lottery money has supported the council's "Motivating
Movement is Magic" project which is improving out of school
sporting activities for children with disabilities or young people
affected by ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Delivered by the council's Sports, Arts and Play Development
team, the project helps clubs with the cost of hiring halls,
coaching, equipment and coach education courses.
Many of the projects have been delivered in collaboration with
local primary schools including Oakfield, Palmerston, Jenner Park
and Ysgol Maes Dyfan in Barry, and Ysgol Erw'r Delyn, Penarth.
A wide range of clubs, which will reap the benefits for many
years to come, are now well established including a multi-sport
club for children at Hen Goleg Resource Centre in Barry.
Disability Sport Wales development officer (Vale) Linda Ruston,
with the vital support of volunteers Bev Hopkins, Lynette Bowsher,
Karon and Rebecca Breed runs two sessions of Vale Allsports every
Tuesday (6 - 7pm and 7- 8pm), enabling participants to try a range
of sports such as curling, football, cricket and boccia.
After school swimming lessons and activities for pupils with
ADHD or learning difficulties, in a challenging yet non competitive
environment, are offered at Barry Leisure Centre, with partners
including Vale sports, arts and play development manager Karen
Davies, Oakfield School and the centre's SwimStyle team. On
completion of the lessons, participants are invited to join either
Swimability or Barry Beavers Swimming Club to further their
confidence and skills.
A weekly dance class for children with disabilities is organised
by Vale arts development officer Tracey Harding, Linda, local dance
tutors and local schools including Maes Dyfan, High Street,
Palmerston, Oakfield and Jenner Park.
The Vale Karate Club, with the support of Linda, is providing
opportunities for children with disabilities. The hour-long classes
are aimed at developing control, focus, self-discipline,
co-ordination and confidence. Sessions are held every Monday (7 -
8pm) at Barry YMCA.
The funding has also helped establish the Vale Reds Football
Club, with partners including FAW Trust and local volunteers
Michael Williams, Jenny Conibear and Natalie Silva. The club meets
at Barry Comprehensive School every Thursday (7.30- 8.30pm) and is
suitable for those aged eight and over.
Karen commented: “Over the past four years, the project has
funded some fabulous opportunities for children and young people of
all abilities and, in some cases, helped them try a new sport, get
active and meet new friends.”
For more information regarding the project, contact Karen on
(01446) 704614, Linda on (01446) 704728 or Tracey on (01446)
704614.