Staff at a sports centre at the heart of the community in the Cynon Valley will mark its 40th anniversary this month.
Michael Sobell Sports Centre, Aberdare, was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, on November 10, 1970. The building’s 40th anniversary will be celebrated with a day of activities on November 11, when the Dragon Sport scheme also celebrates ten years of providing sporting opportunities for children.
Sobell’s 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.
It has done so for generations of customers ever since, and has welcomed famous visitors over the years, including celebrity biker Eddie Kidd and a reigning Miss World!
As well as sporting competitions, the building has hosted many events including the South Wales Motor Show, the County Show and the Welsh Regiment’s Freedom of the Borough dinner.
When keep-fit sessions became popular in the 1980s, the centre was one of the first in the Valleys to open a dedicated fitness suite – Busybodies – in 1985.
The centre is also home to the Cynon Valley Sporting Hall of Fame, which has plaques dedicated to local sporting heroes including athlete Andrew Davies, who works at the building.
Children from local schools will be taking part in team games led by Dragon Sport instructors on November 11. Special guests on the day will include Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Mayor, Cllr Simon Lloyd.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “Michael Sobell Sports Centre has nurtured countless sportspeople of all ages over the years. It was one of the first generation of sports centres ever built in Wales and continues to offer a wide range of facilities and classes to suit all tastes.
“We are delighted to be celebrating its 40th anniversary and want to take the opportunity to remind people of the range of facilities and activities it offers.”
To find out more about regular activities at the centre, go to: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/leisure
Dragon Sport offers a wide range of sporting opportunities to children aged seven to 11. It is delivered through a network of co-ordinators based in each local authority in Wales.
