Oil firm pumps cash to Pembrokeshire's sporting life

ChevronTexaco, owners of the Pembroke oil refinery, has confirmed it will extend its backing to more Sport Pembrokeshire initiatives in 2006.

The move cements a 16-year link between ChevronTexaco and sports development in the County, which has benefited local sportspeople to the tune of thousands of pounds.

Councillor Rob Lewis, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Sports, Leisure, Tourism and Cultural Services said he was extremely grateful for Texaco’s continuing support.

“Texaco is our longest-standing sponsor of sport development,” he said. “We particularly appreciate its commitment to projects that take many years to show results.

"Sports development seeks to increase grass roots participation levels and help equip youngsters with the basic skills for a healthy lifestyle. By definition this is part of a long game and one which Texaco has supported us throughout."

The new aid will be spent on:-

• Extra curricular school sport including Sports Coach Education and Sports Leadership training.
• The ongoing Women and Girls football development programme, including the new Texaco Pembrokeshire Women’s Football Summer League
• The new Texaco Disability Football League
• A tennis development programme, including four new Tennis Clubs (at Tenby, Milford, St David’s and Fishguard) and the establishment of a new Texaco Pembrokeshire Tennis League.

Phil Thompson of Texaco said the company was delighted to sustain its partnership with Sport Pembrokeshire.

"We are happy to be associated with a team, which has the best interests of grass roots sport at heart," he said.

"The school and community links that underpin Sport Pembrokeshire are highly valued. We especially appreciate the long-term gaol of training more and better sports coaches, which are the lifeblood of sustaining such community partnerships."

Picture: Left to Right: Phil Thompson; John Deason, Sport Pembrokeshire; Councillor Rob Lewis; Gerry Rigby, Football Development Officer; Carl Smith, trainee Sports Leader; Emma Rowell, Coach and members of the Girls Under 12s County Football Squad.