Sports Villages

There are so many ways to get active, have fun and try something new – and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Sports Village give you an exhilarating taste of that.

The villages are brought to you by Sport RCT, the team that works across the County Borough to showcase and promote a variety of sporting and physical activities in a fun and appealing way.

Bringing a number of “sporting stations” into one place, the villages introduce people to new sports and activities that they can access and enjoy in their own communities and encourages them to get involved.

Fun, interactive and family-friendly, the sports villages offer something for everyone, regardless of their age or ability.

They form part of the ongoing work to ensure each and every resident can benefit from the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, using the high-profile event and its sporting stars – including some from Rhondda Cynon Taf – to inspire others to get involved.

Sports Villages will be established on May 26 to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay to Rhondda Cynon Taf. They will be opened in Pontypridd and Treorchy, so people who come out in force to see the Olympic Flame pass through their community can get involved – for free!

As well as forming an integral part of the Olympic Torch Relay celebrations being planned by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Sports Villages will also be opened at a number of events near you in the coming months, showcasing all that is on offer and how you can get involved.

The sporting stations include a football shoot out, bungee run, an inflatable speed cage to test your performance, netball shoot out, rugby skills, a fitness zone, water walkers, mobile skate park and mobile climbing wall.

Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will enthrall the world and inspire people to get involved, perhaps developing a sporting interest or trying a new one.

“Our belief has always been that there is something for everyone on offer from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Leisure Services and the Sports Villages are proof of that.

“They give people of all ages, interests and abilities the chance to get inspired and motivated by The Games and then get involved themselves via the Sports Villages, which are great fun.

“There are a few Rhondda Cynon Taf residents who will be flying the flag for us as part of Team GB in the Olympics and the medals that will be bestowed upon the sporting stars were made right here in RCT.

“We have a lot linking us to The Games and want residents to benefit from it. We have already secured an Inspire mark from the London Olympic Games Committee for the plan of action we have in place to ensure the legacy of the Olympics benefits our resident.

“We are now putting that action plan in place, via our Sports Villages, via the opportunities in our leisure centres, via free access through innovative schemes such as High 5 and more.”

Visit the Sports Villages in Pontypridd and Treorchy when the OIympic Torch Relay arrives in Rhondda Cynon Taf on Saturday, May 26.

You can also visit them during:

The Sport Relief Mile on Sunday, March 25 in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd.|

Ponty Fest at Pontypridd High School over the weekend of April 13.

Taste of Tonyrefail, Tyn-y-Bryn Playing Fields, Sunday, April 29.|

Aberdare Festival, Aberdare Park, June 2 and 3.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Family Information Day, Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad, Friday June 8.

Porth Carnival, June 30.|

Summer Fun Day in Bryncoch Playing Fields, Saturday, July 14.

Capcoch Primary School Community Summer Fete, Saturday, July 21.

Big Welsh Bite, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5.|

Tylorstown Rugby Club Open Day, Saturday, August 18.