A sporting stalwart from Pembrokeshire and founder of the Long Course Weekend has been officially inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame - receiving the esteemed Lord Brooke Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Sport’.

Matthew Evans of Activity Wales was officially inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, June 6.

As well as organising the LCW triathlon in and around Tenby, Evans was also co-Founder of Ironman Wales in 2011, bringing the popular event to the seaside town for the first time.

He said: “To be inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame with the Lord Brooke Award is truly humbling. The journey began with the birth of Long Course Weekend in 2010 and the arrival of Ironman Wales the following year.

“Since then, we’ve developed world-class sporting events across Wales and around the globe — a journey made possible only through the support of an incredible team.”

The award recognises not just Evans’ leadership, but the transformational impact his work has had on Welsh sport, tourism, and the nation’s global identity. His events have generated millions in economic benefit, attracted thousands of visitors to Wales, and helped redefine the country as a serious global player in endurance sport.

“From a government that understood the vision, to a county that helped with the hard yards, to communities that came together to deliver a world-class visitor experience – and a team that disrupted the market and created something truly Welsh and world-class – this has always been about collective belief and effort,” explained Evans.

Today, Long Course Weekend is one of Wales’s leading sporting exports, with events hosted in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Maastricht, Mallorca Holland, and Yorkshire – all flying the flag for Wales on the international stage and showcasing the country as a destination for challenge, celebration, and community.

Beyond the races, Evans’ work has introduced:

• A Legacy Programme for children

• A pioneering volunteer scheme

• Local business partnerships that strengthen host communities and create sustainable impact

These initiatives have now become blueprints across the industry.

He also paid tribute to the athletes and supporters, stating: “A heartfelt thank you to the athletes who’ve supported us so loyally over the years – and to their loved ones who party, cheer, and make our red-carpet finishes famous across the world. Your passion brings our events to life.”

And finally, Evans ended on a personal note: “A final shout out to Scott Powell, who’s been there since we were 16 years old – front row at Llandovery College – and still by my side today - although thankfully, he doesn’t drop the ball anymore! This one’s for us both, for the team, for the county, and for everyone at Major Events in Welsh Government.”

Long Course Weekend returns to Tenby and its surrounding area this month, on the weekend of June 27 to 29.

Friday kicks off the weekend with The Wales Swim on Tenby’s North Beach, one of the largest open-water swimming events in the UK.

Saturday sees thousands of cyclists take on a choice of 112 mile, 72 mile or 40 mile courses set in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Rounding up the weekend on Sunday is The Wales Marathon, The Wales Half Marathon, The Wales 10k and The Wales 5k all finishing with massive crowds back in Tenby at the Salterns.