Last Thursday evening saw the second Active Young People Development (AYPD) Leadership Pathway event, named \u2018The Road to Rio\u2019, celebrating the achievements of young people, schools and communities across Bridgend. <\/p>\n
The Leadership Pathway was set up by Bridgend County Borough Council to create a pool of volunteers who deliver physical activity sessions in their local community, saving the local economy a substantial amount of money whilst creating a skilled workforce. Over the last 12 months, pupils have delivered 2880 hours of work, equating to an impressive \u00a324,000 at minimum wage.<\/p>\n
Leading recruitment and training provider, New Directions Education were proud to support the Bridgend community and the AYPD Leadership Pathway event as sponsors of the Year 1, 2 and 3 Leader Award.<\/p>\n
Rhian Vernall, Branch Manager at New Directions Education attended the event, \u201cI have been overwhelmed by the talent I have seen. Bridgend is home to some truly inspiring young people who I am sure have a bright future ahead of them. I am honoured to have been invited to attend and present the young leader award.\u201d <\/p>\n
Beth Littlewood, an ambassador of the Leadership Pathway was helped by the initiative whilst recovering from cancer, \u201cThe skills I developed through the pathway, such as patience and positivity, helped me focus on my future outside my illness when I had lengthy spells in hospital undergoing treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Presenting many of the awards was Bridgend born, Welsh Paralympian athlete, Aled Si\u00f4n Davies MBE and Steve Brace, former long distance runner for Wales was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award for his own personal achievements and the commitment to helping others within the community to reach their goals. <\/p>\n