Keith Davies AM wishes poblwc to Commonwealth Games Team Wales

Keith Davies has given his backing for Wales’ top athletes in Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games. The event, taking place between 23rd July – 3rd August, will showcase Wales’ sporting talent on an international stage.

With Llanelli’s Dai Greene among the 33-strong athletics squad, Keith Davies spoke in the Senedd of the role that elite level sport can play in encouraging grass roots participation.

Emphasising the importance of grass roots and community sports to creating a healthier Wales, the Llanelli AM met and campaigned with the Carmarthenshire Unified Sports Committee.

Mr Davies thanked local volunteers responsible for running local and youth clubs; without whose time and expertise many would be unsustainable.

Speaking in the Chamber, Keith Davies AM said:

“Elite level athletes can and do have a role in encouraging promoting physical activity for all. Llanelli has a proud sporting tradition with the local community at its heart, and hosts first class facilities.”

“Ensuring that existing local capacity remains to host large scale events can encourage grass roots participation. We know that clubs often report increased membership after large sporting events – we can capitalise on this.”

“Last year AFC Llanelli faced uncertainty about joining the MacWhirter Welsh League. Stebonheath’s facilities were a key part of the argument I put forward. It’s a stadium that Welsh football cannot afford to lose and its academy offers training opportunities to young players.”

Llanelli and West Wales last year hosted the UEFA Women’s under 19 Championships. Mr Davies has met with Sports Wales on local initiatives to increase participation amongst girls and young women in sport.

“Girls and young women are a prime example of a group where there is greater opportunity to increase participation. When I sought to donate football’s to local girls teams, I found that there were substantially less teams than their male counterparts.”

“It’s an area I’ve worked on as the local AM, meeting with Sports Wales, seeing for myself the pilot schemes in operation.”

“Sports Wales run their ‘What Moves You’ campaign in Carmarthenshire. A ‘no pressure’ targeted approach encouraging girls and young women. We need to better understand the barriers, and innovative projects are a great way to explore best practice.”