A MAJOR sporting event for children with disabilities in Carmarthenshire has been hailed a huge success.

Scores of youngsters competed in the Disability Sports Wales Indoor Athletic Competition.

Some 80 children from across the county travelled to Carmarthen leisure centre for the tournament.

Young people aged six-14 took part in events including shot put, chest press, foam javelin, beanbag throw, wheelchair slalom, hurdles and races.

Carmarthen’s Queen Elizabeth High School collected 31 golds, 34 silver and 22 bronze medals.

Nantgaredig primary came in second with 13 golds, 14 silver and six bronze.

The tournament was the latest in a series of events aimed at encouraging young people with disabilities to take up sport.

It forms part of the groundbreaking Disability Sports Wales programme, which is a joint initiative between Carmarthenshire County Council, the Sports Council for Wales and the Federation of Disability Sport Wales.

Former paralympian Lisa Pudner is driving forward the scheme in Carmarthenshire and is working with schools and community groups.

All pupils were given a commemorative medal and Queen Elizabeth High School pupil James Beacham collected the Hanus Weisl Memorial Award for outstanding effort and his encouragement of other pupils.

Mr Weisl was Lisa’s orthopaedic surgeon until his retirement and he encouraged her to take up sport.

His family donated the trophy after his death last year.

Lisa said: "The event was a huge success and we were delighted to see such a good response from schools.

"All pupils were given a commemorative medal and it was particularly pleasing to see so many new schools on board this year."

Pupils from Ammanford special unit and Brynamman, Dewi Sant, Emlyn, Griffith Jones, Gwendraeth, Hendy, Maes Yr Yrfa, Nantgaredig, Parc Yr Rhun, Q.E. High, Saron, Stebonheath and Strade schools took part.

Helpers at the event included sports development officer Phil Bennett, Dr Hedydd Davies from Carmarthen Harriers, Andrew Jenkins from Welsh Amateur Athletics, Lindsey Bridgeman from the Federation for Disability Sport Wales, Amanda Daniels and students from Coleg Sir Gar, and Disability Sport Wales Officers from Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

Lisa added: "We are carrying out a great deal of work to help and encourage young people with disabilities to get involved in sport.

"This was a real opportunity for young people to try different activities and we are pleased that the competition was such a big success."

For further information on disabled sports contact Lisa Pudner on 01554 747521 or e-mail her at LPudner@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Press note: For further information please contact Claire Griffiths, Senior Press Officer on 01267 224913.

Picture: James Beecham from Queen Elizabeth High Schools who won the Hanuš Weisl Memorial Award.