Lions spotted at Porthkerry Park

Two of Wales’ biggest rugby heroes delighted local fans at the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s sports and play family fun day at Porthkerry Park in Barry.

Cardiff Blues stars Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins, both recuperating from injury after this summer’s Lions tour of South Africa, were at the park to show their support for the free event and encourage youngsters to get involved in the range of activities on offer.

The fun day, organised by the Vale Council’s sports and play development team, in partnership with the council’s parks department and arts development officer, was the climax of a fun-filled summer programme.

Wales star Martyn Williams, who along with Gethin is recovering from shoulder surgery, said: “It’s always great to get out and about in the community, and you obviously get extra opportunities to do so when you are injured. With two children of my own I’m totally aware of the need to keep them occupied during the summer and free events such as these are absolutely brilliant for kids.”

The day involved play workers encouraging families to take part in a wide variety of play activities, music, drama and dance workshops, while a series of sports taster sessions were also on offer, giving children a chance to try their hand at athletics, golf, volleyball and karate.

Martyn, who has targeted a return to rugby action in time for Wales’ autumn internationals, said: “I’d always encourage young children to play every sport they can. When you are older you may have to pick a particular sport, but when you are younger, just try them out – even when the weather isn’t so good, just get out there and enjoy yourself.”

The Vale Council’s sports and play manager Karen Davies was delighted to see so many local families enjoying themselves at the fun day, and said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved for another really successful Family Fun Day and hope that everyone who attended had a great time. This annual event provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to have a go at a number of sports and play activities, many of which they may never have experienced before. The event also helps us let people know about the Dragon Sport and 5x60 initiatives which encourage young people to get more active, more often, by taking part in extra-curricular sport.”

If you’d like to find out more about sports and play in the Vale of Glamorgan please call the council’s sports and play development manager Karen Davies on 01446 704614 or go online at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/sportsandplay

Photograph: Local families were delighted to meet rugby stars Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams at the Vale Council’s sports and play family fun day at Porthkerry Park.