News

28/02/2023 00:00, In Blog /

Today, we were delighted to introduce the Prince and Princess of Wales to our Physical Literacy Programme, Starting Blocs at Aberavon Leisure Centre in Port Talbot.

As part of William and Kate’s visit to Wales ahead of St David’s Day, the couple are visiting many initiatives that support mental health and well-being.

We hosted a Starting Blocs session for Tywyn Primary School for 25 pupils. The session introduced the children to running, jumping and throwing through a series of exciting and fun games.

Hannah Pretty, Head of Development, Participation and Inclusion at Welsh Athletics added:

Starting Blocs launched in 2020 with the objective of introducing more children to the fundamentals of athletics in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. We know that exposure from this young age to physical activity encourages children to enjoy a lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.”

Commonwealth Games athletes Hannah Brier and Harrison Walsh kicked off the day with an interactive Q&A session with the children and gave them a great opportunity to delve into the life of an elite athlete.

Sprinter, Hannah Brier reacted:

I had a really good day today, it was lovely to come down and inspire children to take part in different types of athletics. It was also great to see the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoying our sport. The kids were all brilliant!

Discus thrower, Harrison Walsh added:

It was brilliant, I love working with kids. The best thing about working with kids is the enjoyment, you can see the happiness on their faces in their body language when they get it right and you see that spark go off in them. Athletics is competing with football and rugby and to see the kids loving running, jumping and throwing is just awesome especially when they pick up the technique.

James Williams, CEO of Welsh Athletics shared:

Our sport has a unique opportunity to impact the lives of so many people across Wales. Today’s activities focused on introducing young people to run, jump and throw and we were delighted to be able to showcase the Starting Blocs program to the Prince and Princess of Wales.

About Starting Blocs

Powered by Welsh Athletics, Starting Blocs is a fun and exciting physical literacy program to introduce children to the sport of athletics. Children learn the key movement skills needed for a life in sport, in a safe and positive environment, through games that are designed to teach children the foundations of running, jumping and throwing.

Starting Blocs provides the tools and training for clubs, schools, Local Authorities and private providers to deliver inclusive, progressive and fun activities with a child centred focus, to children aged 4+. These activities improve a child’s confidence and resilience whilst also developing their physical skills. 

There are currently 11 Starting Blocs providers across Wales covering 15 Local Authorities. To date, Starting Blocs has brought opportunities to over 3,500 children.

This year Welsh Athletics formed a partnership with The Urdd to become a new delivery agent offering Starting Blocs sessions in 13 different locations through the median of Welsh.

If you are interested in becoming a delivery partner, contact Hannah Pretty at: hannah.pretty@welshathletics.org  

For more information on Starting Blocs visit www.startingblocs.co.uk