NINE PUPILS from Ysgol Erw'r Delyn (Penarth) and Ysgol Maes Dyfan (Barry) represented the Vale of Glamorgan in the Rotary International Welsh Disabled Sports Team Championships.

Competing for a Vale United team in the Newport event, the youngsters faced opposition from 14 other teams from across the whole of Wales.

The Rotary Clubs of Barry and Penarth part funded the Vale team's blue and gold polo shirts, and club representatives Gordon Kemp and Martin Hood travelled in support.

The Vale Council's Cabinet Member (Economic Development and Leisure), Cllr Mike Harvey, said: "It is great the local Rotary Clubs are showing support for local youngsters participating in sport. Their sponsorship is very much appreciated."

Organised and funded by Rotary International, the championships comprised 10 sports, with individuals able to take part in up to three sports.

The Vale team made a great start when swimmers Michael Owen, Mark Eveleigh, Ceri Ann Reece and David Parsons, a Cardiff pupil who joined the team, took three first places and a second spot to win the team event. Excellent performances for the Vale continued when the boccia team of James Thomas, Gareth Jones and Liyan Price made it through to the semi finals before securing third place.

Showing tremendous improvement on past performances, Eveleigh reached the table tennis play-offs, while Reece also produced a fine display.

In the shot putt, Price and Eveleigh again put in fine displays, with the former showing great talent and potential.

Owen's successful day continued with progress through o the quarter finals of the darts event where he just lost out to a much more experienced player.

Daniel Martin, Richard Fish and Anthony Snooks were Vale representatives in the pool event, with Martin just missing out on progressing to the second round in the singles when he lost with only the black ball remaining. Fish and Snooks also produced fine displays.

Fish joined Price and Parsons for the basketball shoot out, the trio gaining valuable points with some great shots.

In between numerous rounds of boccia, Jones and Thomas impressed with accurate strikes in the skittles event.

A long, but great day of sport drew to a close with the presentations, and each team member received a medal for their hard work.

The Vale's Disability Sports Development Officer, Karen Davies, who took the role of Vale United team manager, said: "I would like to congratulate each team member on their excellent performances and team spirit, and thank Joy Lamacraft, Karen Coyle and Chris Chaulk, who were coaches and team officials."

Further information on disability sports development in the Vale can be obtained from Karen on 01446 704728.