South Wales Guardian Opinion (From South Wales Guardian)

Wales needs a new approach to sport with a balanced curriculum that gives equal weight and time to ALL sports. Rugby has predominated in all aspects of the boys curriculum to the detriment(in my view) of so many other exciting and challenging sports that can be lifelong delights. I left Glanamman in 1952 and joined the RAF as a PTI moving on to parachute instructing. It was there that I first participated in fencing,judo,olympic gymnastics, hockey,archery etc etc (I had been fortunate to have been taught gymnastics by the late great Glyn Adams at the grammar school and later to be my friend). Whereas mass participation must always be the objective it can only be achieved by introducing the broadest sports programmes in schools - a difficult task in Wales because of the emphasis upon rugby! I will, no doubt be castigated for daring to criticise the emphasis upon a traditional sport but not all youngsters can play rugby and from my vast experience in sport as a teacher, sports teacher trainer, British champion, national coach and sports administrator I pass on the above as a genuine appraisal of my observations of Welsh sport over the past 60 years and my continuing interest in 'ma vlast'. There have been British boxers, skiers, weightlifters and trampolinists from Glanamman in addition to the great Shane Williams who learned their sports away from the CWM from whence they/I learned their/my determination and the will to win. The Guardian is the ideal 'vehicle' to launch this renaissance in the area over the next four years so that 'our' youngsters are given equal opportunity with those now competing on the glorious 2012 Olympic World stage. Ewch am dani hi yr hen Gwm.