Welsh rugby star Ian Evans returns to his old Cynon Valley school for its ...

Welsh rugby star Ian Evans returned to his old Cynon Valley secondary school for its final ever sports awards.

More than 120 awards were presented to young sporting achievers from Blaengwawr Comprehensive School on Friday in the company of the Wales and British Lions second row – formerly of Abercwmboi RFC.

Phil Steele, BBC Wales Sport presenter and former member of the teaching staff at Blaengwawr during the 1980s, was also a special guest for the occasion.

The awards were held in the school hall of the Aberaman-based school, which will close at the end of the current school term to merge with Aberdare High and Aberdare Girls’ to form the 1,600-pupil Aberdare Community School.

The ceremony was held late in the summer term so last year’s academic group, as well as the current cohort of students, could be included.

The awards ranged from most improved players in various sports, awards for gaining representative honours and for setting new school records, and also for overall sports personalities.

Each award had been designed and produced by Darryl Williams, head of Design and Technology at the school.

A statement from Blaengwawr Comprehensive said: “The school was delighted to have two special guests both of whom had strong links with the school.

“Both guests were welcomed by Steve Hanly, acting headmaster, who congratulated all the pupils for their outstanding efforts over the last two years.

“He then thanked the parents for their support, as well as Mrs Teryl Morgan and her PE staff for their dedication and commitment.

“The master of ceremonies for the afternoon was assistant headteacher Mr Marcus Gale who ensured that the afternoon ran smoothly.

“One of the highlights of the afternoon was a question and answer session, with the pupils and parents having the opportunity to pose questions to BBC Wales presenter, Phil Steele and Rugby international, Ian Evans.”

The ceremony ended with last year’s PE prize winners Kelsey and Tasmin Clarke presenting Phil Steele with a commemorative Blaengwawr slate plaque, while Elis Nash, 2013/14 PE prize winner, presented Ian Evans with a similar memento.

Article source: http://sportsbyte.sunderland.ac.uk/?p=41112

Welsh rugby star Ian Evans returns to his old Cynon Valley school for its ...