Sports Leaders Celebrate Success at Cardiff Convention
More than 120 Sports Leaders from schools, colleges and community groups across Wales joined sport and leisure professionals at the Welsh Institute of Sport on Thursday 25 November to celebrate their contribution to grassroots sport. The Deputy Leader for Plaid Cymru, Helen Mary Jones and Head of Active Young People, Sports Wales, Julie Rotchell attended the convention, where they met with local Sports Leaders and helped celebrate the success of sports leadership in Wales. A Dragon’s Den style challenge took place throughout the day, where Sports Leaders gathered into small teams to bid for a Sports Leaders UK project, to be held in their local community, linked to local priorities and tackling local issues. The Dragons, including Helen Mary Jones, Richard Dando from Sport Wales, and Ospreys Rugby player, Jonathan Spratt then judged each proposal and awarded financial support to all viable ideas. As well as celebrating their successes, Sports Leaders had the opportunity to take part in workshops run by SkillsActive, where they learnt skills to enhance their employability. 18 sport and leisure exhibitors were also on hand to discuss potential employment opportunities and training programmes that Sports Leaders could progress onto following their Sports Leaders UK awards and qualifications. Chief Executive of Sports Leaders UK, Linda Plowright said: “The Leaders for Life conventions enabled Sports Leaders from across the UK to benefit from the further information and opportunities that are available beyond their sports leadership awards and qualifications. “The Sports Leaders did a fantastic job in organising such a successful and productive event. I am thrilled that so many connections were made between Sports Leaders and potential employers, and with the prospect of the Dragon’s Den ideas becoming a reality.” 1 A Sports Leader is anyone that has gained a Sports Leaders UK award or qualification. They organise, communicate and get people involved in sports activities. Sports Leaders are role models; helping others to achieve their goals and encouraging their communities to lead fit and healthy lifestyles. Note to editors: Sports Leaders UK is a charity delivering sports leadership awards and qualifications to more than 200,000 people a year, through 4,000 schools, colleges, local authorities, prisons and young offender units. It acts as an Awarding Body providing nationally recognised qualifications, and has a Foundation to deliver free or subsidised courses in areas of greatest need. Sports Leaders UK Anne Compton, Public Relations T: 01908 689212 E: media@sportsleaders.org