Seven Swansea young people took on a gruelling cycle to make the experience of their Spanish exchange visitors as memorable as possible next month.
The group, aged between 14 and 19, cycled 55 miles along the Taff Trail from Brecon to Cardiff to raise money for activities to entertain a delegation from Catalonia when they come to Swansea in late August.
Thomas Davies, Michael Maddock, Daniel Court, Jordan Hurlow, Michael Garnett, Nathan Martin and Aaron Farrell took on the trip with help from the Townhill Youth Project run by Swansea Council.
The group is hoping to raise £400 and will also be donating some money to the children’s ward at Morriston Hospital.
The exchange between the Swansea young people and their Spanish counterparts is being made possible thanks to a grant from the British Council.
Swansea Council Youth Workers Gary Lerwell and Simon Wilkinson cycled the journey with the young people to help boost the funds available for the Spanish visit.
Gorseinon-based firm Swallow Cabs will be transporting the Spanish young people around the Swansea area during their trip.
Gary said: “The exchange is taking place thanks to the British Council but the young people were very keen to add to the funds and make the Spanish visit to Swansea as enjoyable as possible. It’s to their credit that they took part in the cycle and raised money that will now be spent on activities and entertainment for our guests from Catalonia when they come to Wales next month.
“The world is becoming an increasingly smaller place thanks to advances in technology and the group of young people from the Townhill Youth Project realise how important it is to forge links with their contemporaries overseas.
“Swansea already has strong Spanish links with the likes of Angel Rangel and Gorka Pintado plying their trade for the Swans at the Liberty Stadium and this visit will further strengthen the closeness between our communities.”
The Townhill Youth Project is run by Swansea Council’s Youth Service and is based at the District Housing Office building on Powys Avenue.
It caters for over 100 young people a week and offers activities such as a youth club and the chance for young people to undertake a Duke of Edinburgh award.
Call Gary for more information on 01792 470270.
