Tory AM tackles challenge for schools (From Barry And District News)

Tory AM tackles challenge for schools

BARRY Island School pupils put a politician through his paces - on the football field.

Tory Parliamentary Candidate for the Vale of Glamorgan, Alun Cairns AM put his soccer, rather than political skills to the test to net four local schools a number of footballs.

Alun Cairns, a keen midfielder, had to juggle the ball with his feet without letting it touch the ground in order to win the balls, 40 in total.

The challenge was part of an event, sponsored by McDonalds, called the Parliamentary Shield.

Teams from the Assembly, Westminster, the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly all competed in the charity event. After the event, individual politicians were given the chance to put their skills to the test in a 'keepy-uppy' contest and win footballs for local schools.

Alun Cairns scored a hit with children at Barry Island Primary, Murch Junior School, Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg and Eagleswell Primary School when he presented them with the footballs and was asked to display his technique.

After the presentations, Mr Cairns said: "I hope the donation of these footballs will help encourage the children to take up sport, we should all be doing what we can to promote a healthier lifestyle and I would like to congratulate McDonalds on their commitment to sport for schools."