The Neath Port Talbot Festival of Sport for children with disabilities will benefit from a continued partnership with Admiral, the South Wales based motor insurance specialist, who are sponsoring the event for a fifth year running.
This year's event will see around 150 children of varying ability from across the County Borough participate in activities including canoeing, rock climbing, archery and shooting at Margam Country Park during the first week of August.
Neath Port Talbot's PASS, (Physical Activity & Sport Service) Disability Sport Development Officer, and festival organiser, Victoria Radmore said, "We are very grateful for the continued support from local businesses such as Admiral. Without their support we would not be able to accommodate as many young people let alone provide the diversity of activities."
In addition to financial assistance, 150 Admiral employees will volunteer at the weeklong festival to assist the young people with games and activities; something the company has done each year it has supported the event. The staff receive specialist training in order to ensure they are equipped to take part.
Rhys Pearce, a team manager in Admiral's claims department, has volunteered at the festival for the past four years. "I got involved originally because we have it very good here, and I wanted to do something for charity, for those less fortunate, " Rhys said.
Over the years he has gotten to know the children who attend regularly. "It's nice when you turn up and they recognise you, and you can see how they've grown and changed. One young lad gives me a card at the end of every week.
"We're lucky in Admiral that we're encouraged to take part. And you come back re-energised, with that feel good factor, knowing that you've given the children a week's holiday and been able to do something to help."
Neath Port-Talbot's Cabinet member for Community & Leisure Service Councillor Mike James said, "This is a fantastic event that raises the confidence and self esteem of the children enabling them to explore and develop their skills whilst testing their developmental, team building and social skills, and promoting a better life through active living.
"We are extremely grateful to Admiral for funding this event and also to Corus for their continued financial support in various initiatives throughout the year."
Nic Weng Kan, Admiral's Director of UK Operations, said, "Admiral is very proud to support the Festival of Sport and all the children who participate. We hope our assistance will enable more disabled young people to take part and give them the confidence to carry on exploring new activities."
