Carmarthen coach Aled Jones-Davies has today been named Community Coach of the Year for his dedication to Taf Running and Orienteering Team (TROTs).
The award will be presented at the Wales Sport Awards 2018, celebrating the best of elite and grassroots sport in Wales at Celtic Manor on Tuesday 4 December.
Club member Yvonne Davies has praised the hard work of local ambassador Aled.
She nominated Aled on behalf of the club, for encouraging them and helping them improve their running.
She explained: “He has brought sport into the lives of many through his tireless work. I’m not the fastest runner, but Aled has always motivated me to train and race.”
Yvonne also thanks Aled for helping her daughter Ffion, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, find a passion for running.
She continued: “Ffion has been fully integrated into the junior group and Aled helps her do the activities like all the others, but just adapts some for her.
“She absolutely loves the club and cannot wait for Thursday nights.”
“His decision and hard work setting up the junior sessions and working with local schools shows his passion for the future of the sport.
“He is giving children opportunities otherwise not open to them.”
The Community Coach of the Year Award recognises the outstanding contribution of a coach in getting more people started, enjoying and succeeding within community sport.
Builder Aled has not only used his spare time to grow club membership but also to promote the sport to the wider community.
He re-introduced the Cilycwm fun run two years ago, something he loved taking part in as a child before it stopped.
The now-annual event helps to raise thousands of pounds for Llandovery Community Hospital and other local causes.
On top of all this, he helps marshal at the local Parkrun – including a Christmas Day special event.
Chris Davies, Direction of Parkrun Wales added his recognition for Aled: “It’s wonderful that he has received this accolade which not only recognises his dedication to coaching but also for volunteering his support for Parkrun.
“Without his help, and other volunteers like him, it simply couldn’t flourish as a major influence in a happier and healthier Wales.”
Sarah Powell, CEO at Sport Wales said: “Yet again, we have exceptional community award winners who demonstrate the amazing work happening in grassroots sport.
“I have no doubt that hearing about these groups and individuals will help motivate and inspire others to enjoy sport and the many opportunities it offers.”
For more information about the event, please go to www.walessportawards.co.uk or follow #WSA2018