After a request for public nominations three deserving people have been shortlisted in the Most Inspirational Person of the Year category to be presented at Saturday’s Ospreys Region Community Awards
Our nominees are:
Riley Davies – Maesteg Celtic RFC
When someone doesn’t let anything get in their way when it comes to playing their favourite sport it’s impressive, when that someone is a child it’s totally inspirational. Young Riley Davies does exactly that! Despite having an incredibly rare life limiting condition he lets nothing hold him back. Requiring oxygen 24 hours a day, the only way Riley can take part and play with his friends on the rugby field is by carrying his bottle with him on the pitch, so that’s exactly what he does.
A special mention to Riley’s Maesteg Celtic RFC teammates who support him all the way, seeing their friend rather than his oxygen bottle. A very special young team.
Mike Kelly – Cefn Cribwr RFC
Numerous people from both Cefn Cribwr and the wider rugby organisation took the time to nominate Mike Kelly in the Most Inspirational Person category. Mike, who has been involved in Cefn Cribwr RFC for over twenty years, was a major part of establishing junior rugby in the village, taking it from a minis section, to a youth team who then went on to supply the senior team year after year. Mike also impacted players who turned professional, such as the Ospreys’ very own Lloyd Ashley.
Many people mentioned how Mike had personally inspired them, and others, to take up rugby and how his energy and love of the game was infectious. A “vital part of the club”, Mike gives up his time to ensure rugby continues in the village by coaching the Rider Tots and creating a “welcoming and friendly family club at the heart of the community”. He ensures that the sessions he runs are challenging, friendly but most importantly fun, instilling a life long love of the game in his young charges.
Darren Carew – Welsh Rugby Union
Army veteran Darren was injured in an explosion whilst on patrol in Afghanistan. He sustained multiple injuries and lived in pain for years before having his lower leg amputated. With his injury and leaving the army, life could have gone in a different direction for Darren but inspirationally he instead became involved in disability rugby and went on to create his own rugby programme aimed at S.E.N pupils. Darren is now the WRU Disability Co-ordinator and never fails to amaze with his dedication to mentoring players no matter what their age or ability.
He provides support and advice to many and often speaks to young adults, providing them the insight as to what they can do to turn every negative into a positive.
Three incredibly deserving nominees, but which one will be named “The Most Inspirational Person of the Year” at Saturday’s Ospreys Region Community Awards Night? Follow Ospreys in the Community on social media to find out.