The Pembrokeshire Sports Development Council (PSDC) held its annual general meeting on April 17, followed by a funding workshop held by the Sports Council for Wales (SCW) and Sport Pembrokeshire Officers from Pembrokeshire County Council. Over 40 local sports clubs and associations were represented by some 60 attendees. The PSDC supports those engaged in club administration and coaching, and provides a forum to discuss common issues. Benefits of affiliation include access to funding, grants, specialist advice and sports information, opportunities to contribute towards sport strategies, training, sponsorship, price reduction for sports equipment and clothing, and improved school/club links. The meeting confirmed the re-election of the executive officers John Deason (chair), Russell Jones (treasurer), Tony Organ (secretary). Jonathan Roberts, SCW regional development officer, outlined funding opportunities for sports clubs, including the Community Sports Chest, Sportsmatch and SCW Capital Funding schemes. Clubs then raised specific funding issues in smaller workshops, with SCW officer Claire Stevens. John Deason, who chaired the workshop, highlighted the potential for boosting sports participation during the 2008 -2012 Olympiad period. He announced Sport Pembrokeshire's commitment to the formation of a Pembrokeshire Olympic Legacy Partnership, which has support from schools, sports associations, the Western Telegraph and a major sponsor, Chevron. The first initiative will be an annual 'Sports Awards' scheme, which will be co-ordinated by Sport Pembrokeshire in conjunction with the Western Telegraph and the main sponsor Chevron. Nominations from the public for the nine categories will be invited from September 1, through the Western Telegraph. This prestigious event will acknowledge the achievement and contributions of both sport participants and volunteer coaches and helpers - including an unsung hero award. Rob Lewis, cabinet member for sport, said: "Sport Pembrokeshire is striving to ensure that this army of local sports volunteers receives the recognition they deserve. I urge all local sports clubs to affiliate to the PSDC - it could be the best £12.50 your club ever spends!" Phil Thompson, of Chevron, who will sponsor Sport Pembrokeshire's Olympic Legacy initiatives, said: "Grass roots sport is not only the best way to encourage healthy living, it is also a key to local community cohesion. "Chevron is delighted to be associated with this innovative initiative - Sport Pembrokeshire are to be complimented in connecting the high profile prospects of the Olympics to the detail of how best to assist community sports clubs at the local level." Any club which would like to affiliate to the PSDC should contact Sport Pembrokeshire on 01437 776191 for an affiliation form.
