Over 1,000 school children from Ospreylia and beyond took to the sand this week with OitC’s popular Beach Rugby Festivals returning to the beaches of South Wales.
For the 7th year running school pupils fromacross the region, and beyond, had the opportunity to take part in rugby festivals at fantastic venues around Ospreylia.
Over three days Rest Bay in Porthcawl, Swansea Bay and Aberavon Beach saw over 1,000 primary pupils from thirty different schools take to the sand and take part in rugby tournaments against other schools from their area. Not only was there plenty of on sand action, Aspire 2Be, Ash Wales and Tenovus were also at the events to work with the pupils.
Tom Sloane, Community Co-ordinator, Ospreys in the Community, commented on the success of the three events:
“It’s been another brilliant few days of OitC Beach Rugby Festivals and we certainly managed to book the weather this year! We’re into our 7th year of hosting the festivals and it’s just a really wonderful opportunity to get primary school children outside, being active and playing rugby. In many instances it’s the first time the children have tried the sport and we hope it’s given them a great taste of rugby, and even encourages them to join their school team, local club side or Hawks cluster in the future.
“We’re had some fantastic support this week too which we’re very thankful for. Rugby Leaders from several comprehensive schools from across the region have been with us over the three days refereeing and pitch managing and we’ve also had volunteers from our partners TUI who have been invaluable in helping to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“We’re also very grateful to our charity partners Tenovus who have been on hand at all three festivals, giving out free sunscreen as well as advice to the pupils and teachers on staying sun safe and to ASH Wales for joining us at our Swansea event to launch the Keep Sport Smoke Free initiative with ourselves.”
Mr Stonham, Year 5 Teacher at Pontlliw Primary School, remarked on the festival:
“It’s been a fantastic day, the children have really enjoyed and it’s great way to get them involved in rugby. We’ve brought 40 pupils down and there’s hundreds of others here all enjoying what’s been the perfect day, at a perfect location and it’s been fantastically organised by Ospreys in the Community.
“It’s certainly a long way from a cold muddy field on a winter’s evening so it’s been a real treat to get the children onto the beach in the sun and enjoying what’s been a wonderful day.”
Pupil Holly from Pontlliw added:
“I’ve really enjoyed
today because it’s been a lot of fun playing against all the other schools and
meeting them, and it’s really nice we’re playing on this beautiful sunny day.”
Photos from the three Beach Rugby Festivals can be found at facebook.com/communityosprey