A day of sporting activities marked two special anniversaries at Michael Sobell Sports Centre, Aberdare.
Children from across Rhondda Cynon Taf took part in team games to mark the 10th anniversary of the Dragon Sport scheme on November 11. And to mark Michael Sobell Sports Centre’s 40th anniversary, free sports sessions were offered to visitors to the building.
Dragon Sport has offered extra curricular activities for seven-11 year olds across Rhondda Cynon Taf for the past 10 years. Year 6 pupils from the first eight schools, to sign up to the initiative in 2000, including youngsters from Gelli Primary and Oaklands Primary, were invited to join in the celebrations.
The youngsters took part in team-building activities incorporating Dragon Sport equipment. Once they had completed each activity, they were given items such as plastic bottles and card asked to build their own rocket. These rockets were then fired, symbolising launching Dragon Sport into the next 10 years.
To mark Michael Sobell Sports Centre’s 40th anniversary, adult visitors on the day were able to try free Zumba, Pilates and Body Pump, as well as tasters in Boxercise and Body conditioning throughout the morning.
The Council’s more card team had a stall with information about the Leisure card scheme and offered refreshments and a raffle, with prizes including training sessions with qualified gym instructors.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Mayor Cllr Simon Lloyd, who went along to the centre, said: “The day was a great success, thanks to the centre’s staff, the support of the volunteer University of Glamorgan students and RCT Sport Development Team.”
The Dragon Sport 10th anniversary celebrations were organised by Julie Price, a Dragon Sport assistant, who 10 years ago was one of RCT’s first adult community volunteers.
“We would like to thank all the teachers, children, volunteers and staff for attending. Teachers enjoyed the team building activities so much they are going to run them at school,” she said.
“The graffiti wall was very popular, with the children writing down their thoughts and drawing pictures on Dragon Sport and the event itself. Thanks to Danielle and Jodie, who ran this activity. Jodie is one of RCT’s first junior Dragon Sport leaders and has been volunteering for us for the past 10 years, since she was 14.”
Michael Sobell Sports Centre, Aberdare, was officially opened by HRH the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, on November 10, 1970. It was built following a donation of £366,000 by entrepreneur Michael Sobell to Aberdare Urban District Council, to provide sporting facilities for the communities in Aberdare.
Dragon Sports offers opportunities for everyone to play sport, regardless of ability/disability. The scheme is funded by National lottery and supported by WAG.
To find out more about regular activities at Michael Sobell Sports Centre, go to: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/leisure
