Rhys Jones, from Tonypandy, has today been awarded a Volunteer of the Year Award in the ‘Young Person ‘ Category.
Rhys, who is a member of the Disability Sport Wales Academy programme, only arrived back yesterday from a ten day Athletics camp out in Holland, which saw him compete in three International events against runners who have Paralympic experience behind them.
Rhys was identified for the Academy through the Disability Sport Wales Community programme, participating in the RCT Tigers Multi-Disability Football Club and in Special Olympics Badminton.
Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2011
The annual highlight of the volunteering calendar will take place on Tuesday 7 June, with the presentation ceremony of the awards run by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and supported by CCLA Investment Management Ltd.
A total of 16 winners in the five nomination categories of individuals, young people (under 25 years), groups, ‘green’ volunteers and trustees will be presented with their awards by BBC weatherman Derek Brockway at the ceremony, to be held at 11.30am at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
‘We are proud to have in Wales a wealth of dedicated volunteers who give selflessly of their spare time to making a huge difference in the communities in which they live,’ said Graham Benfield OBE, Chief Executive of WCVA.
‘The Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards is the opportunity for us to repay their efforts by saying thank you on a national stage.’
Young person category – Rhys Jones, Tonypandy
When Rhys Jones was two, he developed encephalitis which left him with paralysis on the left side of his body and problems with his sight. He would often spend time at home following school and not want to go anywhere, especially on his own.
However, since starting playing football with RCT Tigers Disability Football Club in 2008, the 16-year-old has ‘developed into a young man capable of influencing so many people’, said his nominator, Shelley Jones, Disability Sport Wales Development Officer for Rhondda Cynon Taf.
He is a volunteer coach with the club and also sits on the local authority’s Community Chest panel, helping to make decisions on funding for local clubs and sessions. He also gained funding to deliver three Disability Inclusion Training Courses for 60 people who will be deployed into local schools and clubs.
Rhys, of Clydach Vale, was selected as one of only four RCT Gold Young Ambassadors as a result of his sporting achievements, and because he is always trying to encourage other young people to participate in physical activity through sharing personal experiences with them.
‘Being a Young Ambassador has had an immense impact on Rhys,’ Shelley added. ‘He is now more independent and has made some amazing friends. This is something most people take for granted, but his sight had prevented him from going out on his own.
‘Children and adults, disabled or non-disabled, are inspired by Rhys’s story and successes. He donates a huge amount of time to volunteering and inspiring, as well as training and competing.
‘Rhys still has disabilities, which means he still requires a carer, and this is why this award is so special. It’s important that parents of children who have disabilities know that there is still something out there for them.
‘It can be very upsetting and daunting when your child does not have their independence. But sport has given Rhys so much more confidence, and he really enjoys helping with the coaching of the younger children in the club. Knowing that Rhys has disabilities himself really gives the other children something to aspire to.’
Rhys said he was very surprised and really pleased to receive his award. ‘I didn't think I was doing anything out of the ordinary,’ he added. ‘Being involved in disability sport has done so much for me, and I enjoy giving something back.
‘I would love to work with children who have disabilities when I leave school - I love seeing the children enjoying themselves.’
