Welsh Sports Association host first-ever WSA Sports Industry Awards

Welsh Sports Association host first-ever WSA Sports Industry Awards

The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) would like to extend its gratitude to everyone who made the inaugural WSA Sports Industry Awards, sponsored by Complete Background Screening, such a wonderful occasion. 

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. 

We were delighted to share best practice among such a variety of our members, who saw eight awards handed out throughout the event. 

Following a drinks reception sponsored by Sportin Wales, our compere Lauren Jenkins introduced WSA Chair Lynn Pamment, who talked about the WSA’s 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. 

The Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Dawn Bowden MS then delivered an address in which she exclaimed how “pleased I am that I’ve 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. 

The Deputy Minster continued to “thank 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 – something that can’t be achieved of course without those members, partners and sponsors. 

“We know that, in Wales, sport and leisure play such a crucial role in our culture and our society. We’ve 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. 

“Sport is a key priority in our programme for Government,” the Deputy Minister continued, “and 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. 

“We’re 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’t encourage wider take-up of sport and physical activity.  

“Welsh Government can’t do this on its own, so we recognise the important and valuable role that all of our partners – from Sport Wales to sporting governing bodies and organisations such as the WSA – play in that. 

“The 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,” concluded the Deputy Minster, “recognise that sport and leisure plays an essential role across a wide range of issues.” 

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. 

Following the conclusion of the prize-giving, we were privileged enough to cap off the night with a beautiful performance by Welsh star Sophie Jenkins, who sang the WSA Sports Industry Awards out with a rendition of Don’t Stop Believin’ – a fitting way to do so. 

The WSA would like to offer a massive congratulations to all eight winners, whose work has been deservedly recognised at these inaugural WSA Sports Industry Awards.  

All nominees and applicants throughout the process also deserve recognition; it has been truly fantastic to see all the brilliant work being carried out throughout our membership base. 

We would also like to thank our sponsors and partners for their support of these inaugural Awards, as well as Sport Wales – whose CEO Brian Davies and Chair Tanni Grey-Thompson were in attendance – and Welsh Government. 

We are also grateful to our amazing compere for the evening, Lauren Jenkins, Sophie Jenkins for providing such head-bobbing entertainment, and the Parkgate Hotel for their hospitality throughout the evening. 

We are immensely thrilled to have hosted such a successful first-ever WSA Sports Industry Awards, and are looking forward to the next one!