News

Welsh para-athletes secure best medal haul in decades

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2024

WELSH Paralympians have delivered their most successful performance in two decades at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing home a remarkable total of 16 medals. This marks their best tally since the Athens 2004 Games, where Welsh athletes secured 22 medals.

Out of the 22 Welsh athletes who travelled to Paris as part of the Great Britain team, 14 returned with medals across 10 sports, contributing to the wider ParalympicsGB success of 124 medals, including 49 golds. The Welsh contingent’s impressive haul comprised seven golds, five silvers, and four bronzes.

This is also Wales’ finest showing since the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, where they won 10 golds in a 14-medal total. Among the standout athletes in Paris was 17-year-old Rhys Darbey, the youngest Welsh competitor, who secured a gold in the mixed S14 4x100m freestyle relay and a silver in the SM14 200m individual medley. At the other end of the age spectrum, 40-year-old Rob Davies added a silver in men’s singles table tennis.

The Welsh gold rush

Wales’ triumphs began early, with five athletes capturing gold within the first 24 hours of competition. Matt Bush etched his name in the history books by becoming the first British male to win gold in Para-taekwondo, a victory made even sweeter after injury had denied him a place at both Rio and Tokyo. The 35-year-old’s triumph was followed by Ben Pritchard’s emphatic win in the PR1 men’s single sculls, where the Welsh rower comfortably beat reigning champion Roman Polianskyi of Ukraine by more than 10 seconds.

In cycling, James Ball, guided by fellow Welshman Steffan Lloyd, claimed gold in the men’s B 1000m time trial, avenging his second-place finish to Neil Fachie in Tokyo three years prior. Meanwhile, Sabrina Fortune lit up the athletics field with a record-breaking performance in the F20 shot put. Her first-round throw of 15.12m not only secured gold but also set a new world record.

Swimming prodigy Rhys Darbey added another chapter to the Welsh golden weekend, clinching gold in his first Paralympic race as part of the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay team, all of whom were teenagers. He became one of the faces of the Welsh success story in Paris.

Jodie Grinham also made headlines in Para-archery, taking gold in the mixed team compound event alongside Nathan Macqueen, while competing seven months pregnant. Her achievement was a fitting symbol of resilience and determination in Welsh sport.

Carmarthenshire’s golden duo

Following the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Carmarthenshire County Council expressed immense pride in its two Paralympians – para-cyclist Steffan Lloyd and para-taekwondo athlete Matt Bush, both of whom return to Wales as gold medallists.

Matt Bush, from St Clears, returns as Paralympic champion after defeating neutral Paralympic athlete Aliaskhab Ramazanov 5-0 in the men’s K44 +80kg final. His extraordinary achievement was further recognised when he was named the flag bearer for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the closing ceremony.

Steffan Lloyd, educated at Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn, won gold as a pilot for fellow Welshman James Ball in the men’s B 1000m time trial. His partnership with Ball delivered one of the most significant victories of the Games for Welsh cycling.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, commended their achievements: “Congratulations to Matt and Steffan on their remarkable achievements. Carmarthenshire is beaming with pride due to its two Paralympians, who have both won gold. We are looking forward to officially celebrating their success, along with our Olympians, later this year. Da iawn chi!”

Silver and bronze successes

While Welsh athletes revelled in their gold medals, there were also notable silver and bronze wins. Aled Sion Davies, who went into the Games as the shot put world record holder and favourite, had to settle for silver after what he described as a “massive underperformance.” Georgia Wilson also took silver in Para-equestrian, adding to her bronze in the individual event grade II competition.

Rob Davies, a veteran of Welsh Paralympic sport, captured silver in table tennis, while Phil Pratt led the men’s wheelchair basketball team to a silver finish. Jodie Grinham added a bronze in the women’s individual compound, alongside Paul Karabardak in the men’s doubles Para-table tennis and Hollie Arnold in the F46 javelin.

Disappointment for some

However, not all athletes enjoyed success in Paris. Paralympics boccia champion David Smith, who had hopes of adding to his illustrious career, narrowly missed out on a medal in both individual and team events, citing fatigue as a key factor in his performance. Track athlete Olivia Breen, a gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games, also left Paris empty-handed, missing out on the long jump bronze by the narrowest of margins after her second-best jump fell short.

A triumphant conclusion

As the Games came to a close, Matt Bush had the honour of being named Great Britain’s flag bearer for the closing ceremony, alongside swimmer Poppy Maskill. Welsh athletes leave Paris with a remarkable achievement to celebrate – their best Paralympic medal tally in 20 years, contributing to ParalympicsGB’s second-place finish on the medal table, only behind China.

With Paris 2024 now a memory, Welsh Paralympians can look back on a Games that cemented their place as a sporting powerhouse and left an indelible legacy for future generations. The closing ceremony at Stade de France promises to be a fitting finale for an unforgettable 11 days of sport.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.