West Wales Sports Aid Lunch Event

The latest ‘Sporting Lunch’ hosted by the West Wales Committee of Sports Aid Wales at the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen was a huge success.

It featured Jim Mills, a living legend in the worlds of Rugby Union and Rugby League.

Mills, a former Wales, Widnes and GB Ruby League star, delighted an audience of nearly 200 at the Ivy Bush with tales of his life on and off the rugby pitch.

David Butler, chairman of the West Wales committee of Sports Aid, said afterwards: “Without a shadow of a doubt, Jim Mills is one of the finest speakers we’ve had at our regular dinners. He gave us a fabulous and very amusing insight into his colourful career.”

The West Wales committee of Sports Aid Cymru Wales has raised more than £16,000 for the charity this year.

Over the last 30 years, the charity has raised more than £290,000 to support the future of young sporting talent.

Sports Aid Cymru Wales is a voluntary organisation providing financial support to help rising stars in Wales improve their performance, with the aim that they go on to represent Wales and Great Britain with distinction.

Olympian Ron Jones, the director of Sports Aid Cymru Wales, praised the contribution made by the West Wales committee.

“The events you hold here in Carmarthen and truly remarkable. They are always great occasions and raise a wonderful amount of money to help the rising stars of sport in Wales.”

Mr Jones made reference to the Rio 2016 ‘success stories’ of sportsmen and sportswomen who have been supported by Sports Aid Cymru Wales.

The Rio Olympics roll of honour included –

Elinor Barker (cycling – track), won gold, team pursuit.

Hannah Mills (sailing) – won gold in Rio (silver in London 2012).

Jade Jones (taekwondo) – won gold in Rio (gold in London 2012).

Geraint Thomas (cycling road); Ieuan Lloyd (swimming); Chloe Tutton (swimming).

The Rio Paralympics roll of honour included –

Sabrina Fortune (shot put) – won bronze.

Rob Davies (table tennis) – won gold.

Phil Pratt (wheelchair basketball); Sara Head (table tennis); Rhys Jones (100metres – athletics); Kyron Duke (shot/javelin – athletics); Jordan Howe (100/200m – athletics).

Mr Jones said he was privileged to meet many of the Welsh Rio athletes at a ceremony at The Senedd in Cardiff. “The sportsmen and sportswomen who were supported by Sports Aid Cymru Wales were incredible grateful for the support given to them,” he said.

The West Wales Sports Aid lunch also featured an auction conducted by John Eirian Davies, a speech from Alan Hughes, vice-president of Sports Aid Cymru Wales, and an address by actor Julian Lewis Jones.

West Wales chairman David Butler said: “Our grateful thanks go to Delme Owens, of Carmarthenshire Tyre Services Ltd, who sponsored the event. Big thanks to all our other sponsors and advertisers.

The afternoon also saw a special presentation by former Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star editor Cathryn Ings.

She presented the Nigel Harrison-Rees Memorial Award, in memory of her father, to West Wales boxing hero Dai Maskell.

Website –http://www.sportsaid.org.uk/regions/wales/

Photos: Pictured above are members of the West Wales Committee of Sports Aid Wales with guest speaker Jim Mills. Included in the photo are chairman David Butler, Peter Evans , treasurer Dewi Jones, secretary Richard Gealy and Keri Coslett.