05.04.2007

DRAGON'S ROARING SUCCESS CELEBRATED BY MERTHYR SCHOOLS

[Report from Merthyr Express 05/04/07]

CHILDREN from across Merthyr Tydfil followed in the footsteps of international sprinting stars at a special event to promote youth sport.

More than 800 children from schools across south-east Wales descended on the National Indoor Athletics Centre for the inaugural Dragon Sport Extravaganza.

The £7.lm athletics centre which is the training HQ of  Olympic 200m star Christian Malcolm and elite disabled athlete John McFall, hosted the day-long sporting session

in Cardiff this week.

Visitors to the centre included pupils from Goetre Juniors, Abercanaid Community School, Heolgerrig Primary and Pantscallog Primary, who tried their hands at 10 sports including tri-golf, hockey and cricket.

The event was run by the Lottery Funded Dragon Sport scheme, which was launched in 2000 and designed to attract children into sporting activities outside school hours.

In the seven years it has existed, more than 100,000 youngsters have been recruited and more than 1,500 adults who are not teachers are helping to run after-school clubs.

Philip Carling, the chairman of the Sports Council for Wales said “Participation in the programme has also helped schools to offer a wider variety of activities.

“Dragon Sport is experiencing a very happy seventh birthday.”

Sports Minister Alan Pugh said, “Our sports stars have the power to inspire and enthuse young people and while only a select few can achieve the standards set by our elite,

everyone can enjoy sport and the pleasure it brings.

 “Dragon Sport introduces children to sport at a basic fun-and-enjoyment level, and works at broadening their sporting interest.

“I‘m delighted to see the scheme going from strength to strength.”