Posted on Friday 15th June 2012
Young people have put their best feet forward to honour the spirit of the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Rhondda Cynon Taf is pleased to be one of the Councils to be awarded an Inspire Mark by the London Olympic Games Organising Committee for its commitment to the legacy of The Games.
This means it has an exciting and robust plan in place to ensure all residents, regardless of their, age, interest or ability, can be inspired by the sporting achievements of The Games and try something that helps them towards a healthier way of life.
An innovative example of this was the recent celebratory walks that saw children from secondary schools walk the routes that link our communities in an event organised by the Council’s Services for Young People, and RCT Sports Development.
Over nine days, almost 500 young people have taken part in hillwalks, trying new experiences, enjoying our open spaces, embracing health and wellbeing and raising money for their own schools and also for their peers in developing countries via the Schoolchildren for Children charity. Some of them also gained accreditation through the National Navigation Award Scheme.
Each day, they carried a specially-designed Rhondda Cynon Taf Olympic Torch, created by students at Blaengwawr Comprehensive School, via a route taking in the hills and countryside between school sites.
Walking routes were planned and checked by qualified personnel and the walkers were accompanied by trained and qualified Rhondda Cynon Taf Council staff and volunteers.
It gave the young people the chance to navigate between schools using the existing paths, tracks and trails that link the county borough and are open for all to enjoy.
Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Rhondda Cynon Taf is proud to be at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games celebrations.
“We have already hosted the iconic Olympic Torch Relay, which saw thousands of residents line the streets to celebrate as the flame was carried through our communities.
“We have also been internationally recognised, via an Inspire Mark, for our commitment to the Legacy of the Games. This magnificent achievement by our young people is proof of that commitment.
“The pupils were able to enjoy outdoor experiences and get involved in the activities on offer.”
The walks were:
17/05 Porth County + Ysgol Gyfun y Cymer walked to Ferndale Community School.
18/05 Ferndale Community School walked to Aberdare High School.
21/05 Aberdare High, Aberdare Girls, and St John the Baptist walked to Mountain Ash
Comprehensive.
22/05 Mt Ash Comprehensive + Blaengwawr walked to Pontypridd High School
23/05 Pontypridd High School walked to Hawthorn High School.
24/05 Hawthorn High + Cardinal Newman High walked to Bryncelynnog Comprehensive.
25/05 Bryncelynnog Comprehensive + Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg walked to Ysgol Gyfun
Llanhari.
28/05 Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari + Y Pant Comprehensive walked to Tonyrefail Comprehensive.
28/05 Tonyrefail Comprehensive walked to Tonypandy Community College.
29/05 Treorchy Comprehensive + Tonypandy Community College walked to The Pavilions,
Clydach Vale.
Follow in the footsteps of the pupils! Secure full information on the routes used from Andy Jones, Leisure Services – 01443 400563, or Kerry Rees, Services for Young People – 01443 744107
Find out more about all the great Services For Young People initiatives you can enjoy|