Sport Wales

Cyngor Chwaraeon Cymru logo

Sport Wales (Welsh: Chwaraeon Cymru) is the national organization responsible for developing and promoting sports and physical activities in Wales. It is a Welsh Government-sponsored body that aims to increase participation in sports and improve the performance of Welsh athletes on the international stage.

History

Sport Wales was established in 1972 as the Sports Council for Wales. It was rebranded as Sport Wales in 2010 to better reflect its mission and objectives. The organization operates under the guidance of the Welsh Government and works closely with various stakeholders, including local authorities, schools, and sports clubs.

Objectives

Sport Wales has several key objectives:

• To increase participation in sports and physical activities among all age groups.
• To support the development of talented athletes and help them achieve success at national and international levels.
• To promote the benefits of physical activity for health and well-being.
• To ensure that sports facilities and opportunities are accessible to everyone in Wales.

Programs and Initiatives

Sport Wales runs a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at achieving its objectives. Some of the notable programs include:

• Community Sport - This program focuses on increasing participation in sports at the grassroots level. It provides funding and support to local sports clubs and organizations.
• Elite Sport - This initiative aims to identify and nurture talented athletes, providing them with the resources and support needed to compete at the highest levels.
• School Sport - Sport Wales works with schools to integrate physical education into the curriculum and encourage children to participate in sports from a young age.
• Inclusive Sport - This program ensures that sports opportunities are available to people of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

Facilities

Sport Wales manages several national sports facilities, including:

• Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff
• Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre in Gwynedd

These facilities provide training and development opportunities for athletes and are also available for public use.

Partnerships

Sport Wales collaborates with a range of partners to achieve its goals. These include:

• National Governing Bodies of Sport - Sport Wales works with these organizations to develop and implement sports programs.
• Local Authorities - Collaboration with local councils helps to ensure that sports facilities and programs are accessible to communities across Wales.
• Health Boards - Sport Wales partners with health organizations to promote the benefits of physical activity for health and well-being.

Governance

Sport Wales is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Welsh Government. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that it meets its objectives.

See Also

• Welsh Government
• Sport in Wales
• National Governing Bodies of Sport
• Physical Education