Rhys Jones is a Gold Young Ambassador for the Welsh Rhondda Cynon-Taff valleys. Gavin Bennett from the local authority has noticed a huge change in Rhys’ confidence since becoming a Young Ambassador and his mother has commented how the programme has completely changed her son; to be outgoing, full of energy, putting into practice his ideas and really enjoying his sport.
When I was two I developed encephalitis which has left me with paralysis on the left side of my body and problems with my sight.
I have always loved sport but lacked the confidence to join a mainstream sports club. In March 2008, a school friend asked me if I would be interested in joining a disability football team, The RCT Tigers. 
Playing football has inspired me to take up other sports, I have now represented Wales in Badminton winning a silver medal at the Great Britain Special Olympics in the Men’s Doubles and athletics winning a total of 12 medals for Wales. I have attended a trial for the Federation of Disability Sport Wales to become part of their academy which helps disabled people reach their full potential in sport.
Promoting the Paralympic Values is important to me, when I play sport I try to demonstrate Determination, Inspiration, Courage, and Equality in all my competitions.
I was selected as a Young Ambassador as a result of my sporting achievements and because I have tried to encourage other young people to participate in physical activity through sharing my personal experiences with them. In my role as a Young Ambassador, I have worked hard to raise the profile of disability sport and the London 2012 Paralympic Games to young people in the Rhondda Cynon-Taff valleys.
Being a Young Ambassador has had an immense impact on me. I am now more independent and I have made some amazing friends, this is something that most people take for granted by my sight had prevented me from going out on my own.
Through the opportunities I have been given I have become more confident and self assured, and learnt many new skills that will help me when I enter a working environment. By experiencing both being interviewed and being part of a panel to find new Young Ambassadors I now understand how to prepare and conduct myself for interviews in the future.
The Young Ambassador movement has shown me how effective communication and presentation skills can help me achieve my goals, the importance of being an effective team member and given me the opportunity to voice my opinion in a positive and constructive way.
