A golden start to the Gibbonsdown Olympics (From Barry And District News)

A golden start to the Gibbonsdown Olympics

ATHENS was not the only venue this year to host a successful Olympic event. Police in the Vale last week also celebrated Olympic success with the completion of the ever Gibbonsdown Olympics, held over the half-term break for 7-11-year-olds at the Holme View Leisure Centre, Barry.

The event, organised by the Gibbonsdown police community first team and the Vale of Glamorgan sports development officers, offered local children the opportunity to make the most of their school holiday by taking part in free sports, including sports they may not have tried before, such as tae kwon do, karate, basketball, dancing and lacrosse.

The activities took place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday last week, culminating with the presentation of medals to the winners. All who took part were also presented with T-shirts, key rings and water bottles, presented by Welsh women's rugby international Holly Probert.

The children also received information on when they can participate in karate, tae kwon do, gymnastics, lacrosse and basketball in the future.

Gibbonsdown community first team officer, PC Kate Mabbett, said, "This event has provided local children with something positive to participate in during their school holiday and we hope it has also helped to build links between the police and the local community."