by
Rob Jones

The Cardiff Institute for the Blind apply passion and dedication to enhance the lives of blind and partially sighted people across the majority of South Wales. A partnership with the Cambrian Village Trust has proven to be an immensely fruitful bond and a visit from an enthusiastic group to the facilities in Clydach Vale left yours truly among many others with nothing but admiration and respect for a group of fearless and fabulous people.

The Cambrian Village Trust all inclusive vision is proving its worth to the local community and further afield. Events such as the current credit and the Strive & Thrive initiative are a tonic to an ever increasing number of our population.
Representatives from Welsh hockey, blind and visually impaired football plus Pedal Power – the Cardiff cycling organisation joined together with the clients and their assistants from the Pontypridd wing of the Cardiff Institute for the Blind plus folk from the Learning Curve, Llwynypia.
The end product was a gargantuan glow of feel good factor on a particularly cold February afternoon. A cause for celebration was recorded and this day will lead to many others in the future.

A group of energetic and enthusiastic persons from across the age spectrum united to try their hand at disciplines such as cycling, football and hockey. However, both the bravery and brilliance demonstrated by those with eye impediments was quite simply breathtaking.
There wasn’t the slightest hint of a no, not, cannot or will not. The positivity of this proud bunch comes despite the extra hurdles they face, but it was evident that there was only a desire to seek enjoyment. Such a noble spirit was an example to us all of what we can achieve even if there are extra obstacles put in the way.
There was application and energy when it came to the football and hockey but the gung ho drive when the bikes came out was simply immense. Tandems, side by side bicycles and three wheelers got everyone involved and the demand for increased involvement in the action was the order of the day.

Well done to everyone that participated and the precise planning to ensure that this event was a roaring success was met with an elevated level of professionalism. Sally Fowler at Cambrian has been hugely instrumental in this process and from there the ball has rolled out to entice a long list of characters who are to be applauded. The coaches, clerical staff and volunteers at this Clydach Vale outlet all played their roles in making things run smoothly but to see the happiness from the visitors was the ultimate goal and that was attained with bonus points!

For updates of what else is going on in a busy weekly schedule go to: cambrianlakeside.co.uk and find out about walking rugby (Mondays, 11.30am-12.30, £2), walking football (Tuesday, 11.30am-12.30, £2) , the Area 51 outdoor gym, plus the likes of archery, walking hockey, wood crafting, cycling and more!
Check out Cambrian Lakeside Healthy Living on Facebook by clicking on this link below:
https://m.facebook.com/leakesidehealthyliving/…