The Welsh Sports Association<\/a> (WSA) would like to extend its gratitude to everyone who made the inaugural WSA Sports Industry Awards, sponsored by Complete Background Screening<\/a>, such a wonderful occasion.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a special night during which the WSA membership base, WSA partners, Sport Wales, and Welsh Government came together to celebrate the best in sport and leisure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We were delighted to share best practice among such a variety of our members, who saw eight awards handed out throughout the event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Following a drinks reception sponsored by Sportin Wales, our compere Lauren Jenkins introduced WSA Chair Lynn Pamment, who talked about the WSA\u2019s role and the services it provides to its membership base as well as outlining the importance of the newly launched Welsh Sports Foundation, which aims to tackle child poverty, through sport, throughout Wales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Dawn Bowden MS then delivered an address in which she exclaimed how \u201cpleased I am that I\u2019ve been invited here to see so many of the sporting family come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Welsh sport and leisure industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Deputy Minster continued to \u201cthank Andrew (Howard), and everyone at the WSA team for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that their members have an independent voice in the sector \u2013 something that can\u2019t be achieved of course without those members, partners and sponsors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe know that, in Wales, sport and leisure play such a crucial role in our culture and our society. We\u2019ve all seen first-hand the power the sector has to bring people together in such a positive way; and, of course, how this happens can vary greatly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSport is a key priority in our programme for Government,\u201d the Deputy Minister continued, \u201cand we our absolutely committed to promoting equal access to sports as well as supporting talented athletes. It is vital that we reach as many people as possible and impact positively on their physical and mental wellbeing, particularly those who come from communities in most need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re also committed to continuing to improve the facilities throughout Wales… ensuring equal access across as many communities as possible. Without improving these facilities, we won\u2019t encourage wider take-up of sport and physical activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWelsh Government can\u2019t do this on its own, so we recognise the important and valuable role that all of our partners \u2013 from Sport Wales to sporting governing bodies and organisations such as the WSA \u2013 play in that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe WSA Awards are an opportunity to recognise (the role sport plays across society) and are a marvellous tribute to those who have made such a tremendous contribution to sport. The award categories,\u201d concluded the Deputy Minster, \u201crecognise that sport and leisure plays an essential role across a wide range of issues.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Intermittent pauses throughout a beautiful dinner provided by the Parkgate Hotel saw eight WSA members pick up their eco-friendly bamboo trophies from our award sponsors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfc9\ud83d\udc4fFirst #WSASIA2023<\/a> winner of the night is @CommunityOsprey<\/a>, who picked up the Best Collaboration Initiative award, sponsored by @networldsports<\/a>, for their project with Action for Children and Philtronics Ltd, supporting young people\u2019s mental and physical wellbeing in schools. pic.twitter.com\/JTH0teKhUx<\/a><\/p>— Welsh Sports Association (@WelshSportAssoc) June 8, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>