December 12, 2019 - 1805 views
A partnership between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Disability Sport Wales saw over 60 students with additional needs take part in a Rugby World Cup-themed festival.
The event, which took place at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay, saw ILS (Independent Living Skills) students with moderate, severe, or profound learning difficulties from the ILS departments within Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's Rhos-on-Sea, Llangefni, Glynllifon and Dolgellau campuses, compete at the inclusive festival.
The students were welcomed by Wales rugby legend Rachel Taylor, who was recently appointed as the first female Welsh Rugby Union regional academy skills coach.
Welsh Rugby Union and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai staff worked together to implement the day's programme. The students were joined by a team of college volunteers and 20 members of the newly-formed Active Ambassador Programme, who attended the event to lead and coach at a variety of designated stations.
The festival proudly displayed the 6 Nations and Triple Crown trophies, allowing eager students to grab photo opportunities with the trophies. Each student was presented with a Grŵp Llandrillo Menai hoodie or t-shirt during the finale.
Last year, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai partnered with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to host a rugby engagement officer as part of the WRU hub programme, which aims to grow, develop and enhance the national game, whilst broadening its appeal.
Hannah Hughes works across the Grŵp's campuses in Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey and is involved in developing an inclusive programme of learner participation including an Active Ambassador Programme.
The Active Ambassador Programme is designed to develop leaders of the future across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, promoting the importance of health and wellbeing, reducing sedentary behaviour and participating in physical activity.
Across the college group, hundreds of learners signed up to the programme in the first two weeks of the new term - registering their interest in becoming an ambassador - and are already building community connections and volunteering with a variety of projects.
Hannah Hughes said; "It was great to work in partnership with the WRU and Disability Sport Wales to enable Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's ILS students to have the opportunity to experience rugby for the first time.
"As the college's rugby engagement officer it was also fantastic to allow the Active Ambassadors to demonstrate their leadership skills in organising and leading throughout the day.
"It was amazing to see so many smiles on faces and seeing the positive impact rugby can have on students".
