SAMUEL KURTZ MS recently visited Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club to see first-hand the club’s pioneering disability boxing sessions and the inspiring work being led by chairman and coach Chris McEwen.

During the visit, Samuel joined one of the adaptive boxing sessions, including taking part in a wheelchair boxing session which used VR headsets to experience a live boxing match. Samuel was joined by the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins, and together they met with participants and volunteers to learn more about how the club is creating opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved in the sport.

The club has gained national recognition for its inclusive approach, having previously received the Insport Blue Ribbon Award from Disability Sport Wales and being named Parasport Club of the Month for its work supporting disabled athletes and vulnerable members of the community.

Chris McEwen, a former member of the Royal Air Force who is himself disabled, has been championing disability boxing and working with organisations including Welsh Boxing, England Boxing and Disability Sport Wales to help develop a safe, regulated pathway for adaptive boxers.

A key ambition of the project is to see disability boxing formally recognised under amateur boxing regulations, creating opportunities for adaptive boxers to compete and potentially opening the door to major competitions such as the Invictus Games and, one day, even the Paralympics.

Samuel Kurtz MS also hosted Chris McEwen at an event at the Senedd last month to showcase the pioneering Netflix documentary Fighters and highlight the merits of the sport with fellow Members of the Senedd.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “I was delighted to visit Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club and see the disability boxing sessions in action. Chris McEwen and the team are doing incredible work to ensure that boxing is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

“The club is not only helping people improve their fitness and confidence but also providing a supportive community where people can thrive. Chris’s vision to see disability boxing recognised as an official sport is truly inspiring, and I am proud to support the work he is doing to make that ambition a reality.

“I also want to thank Chris, the coaches and volunteers for their dedication and for the positive impact they continue to have across Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

“The club has become a real community hub, offering inclusive boxing sessions, in-school support for vulnerable young people, and free training opportunities for disabled participants.”

Chris said “Samuel has been a breath of fresh air with the support that he has given us. He is always ready to roll his sleeves up and get involved as his recent visit to the club has demonstrated.

“The town of Pembroke Dock is very special to me and I am pleased that Samuel was able to see first hand the work that we undertake here and get to meet many of our members.

“I echo the views of the whole club in thanking Samuel for the support that he has given to our club, our town and the inclusion community. We are firmly in your corner and thank you for everything that you do”

CARMARTHENSHIRE has been ranked among the safest places in the UK for children to play outside, according to new research analysing child safety across Britain.

The county placed sixth overall, with a child safety score of 7.74 out of ten, as Welsh areas dominated the top ten rankings.

The study, carried out by outdoor play equipment specialists Outdoortoys, examined a range of factors including road safety, access to parks, levels of antisocial behaviour, and population density of children.

Nine of the top ten safest areas for outdoor play were found to be in Wales.

The Vale of Glamorgan ranked first overall with a score of 8.33, followed by Monmouthshire and Ceredigion in second and third place respectively.

Pembrokeshire also featured prominently, ranking fifth with a score of 7.89.

The research found that Carmarthenshire benefits from relatively low pedestrian casualty rates, good access to parks and playgrounds, and a high proportion of urban roads with 20mph speed limits.

Across Wales, lower population density and widespread 20mph zones were identified as key factors contributing to safer outdoor environments for children.

The report also highlighted stark contrasts with more densely populated urban areas, where higher traffic levels, increased antisocial behaviour, and fewer accessible play spaces contributed to lower safety scores.

Stoke-on-Trent was identified as the least safe area in the UK for outdoor play, with significantly fewer 20mph roads and higher risk factors overall.

The study also found that Gwynedd has the highest number of parks and playgrounds per child anywhere in the UK.

Alex Price, a product expert at Outdoortoys, said: “Outdoor play is essential for children’s physical health, social development and confidence. When parents feel it is unsafe for children to play outside, it limits their independence and development.

“Creating safe environments, whether in public spaces or at home, is vital to ensuring children have the freedom to play, explore and grow.”

The findings come amid ongoing concerns about road safety and rising traffic levels, which campaigners say are making it increasingly difficult for children to play outdoors freely.

Local diving club showcases the importance of rescue skills as part of British Sub-Aqua Club training

A LOCAL diving club has been highlighting the importance of life-saving skills after hosting a rescue-themed training session this week.

Cardigan Sub Aqua Club, which is part of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), held a structured pool session focused on practising emergency rescue techniques and drills.

The club shared that the session was designed to simulate real-life scenarios divers may face, helping members build confidence and competence in dealing with potential underwater emergencies.

BSAC is the UK’s national governing body for recreational diving and is known for placing a strong emphasis on safety. Unlike some other training organisations, such as Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), BSAC integrates rescue skills and emergency response training from the very beginning of a diver’s learning journey.

This means that even novice divers are introduced early to essential techniques such as assisting distressed divers, controlled ascents, and managing incidents both in and out of the water.

A spokesperson for the club said the session had a clear focus: “Last night’s pool session had a rescue theme. One of the main differences between PADI and BSAC is that rescue scenarios and drills are embedded in training with BSAC from the very start.

“It’s always good to practise rescue skills and drills.”

Clubs like Cardigan Sub Aqua Club regularly use swimming pools as a controlled environment to rehearse these scenarios before applying them in open water, such as along the Pembrokeshire coastline.

The training not only improves diver safety but also ensures members are prepared to assist others in emergency situations—something that can be critical in a sport where conditions can change quickly.

With Pembrokeshire offering some of the UK’s most popular diving spots, the club says ongoing training and refresher sessions are key to keeping divers safe while enjoying the county’s waters.