SWANSEA PARA SPORT FESTIVAL
Disability Sport Wales has teamed up with national governing bodies of sport as well as some impressive Welsh Paralympic athletes – notably Team GB’s taekwondo star Beth Munro, who won silver in the Paralympic games last year – to create Swansea Para Sport Festival. The week-long festival event, part of a three-year programme, sees World and European champions head to Wales’ waterfront city and will include top-notch in sporting and competitive para sport events. Held at Swansea University, the aim is to create high-quality accessible opportunities for disabled children, young people and adults in the world of sport, and it will open with five competition events running in different venues on the first day of August.
Various venues, Swansea, Mon 1-Sun 7 Aug
Info: here
VOLVO 2022 WORLD TRIATHLON PARA SERIES
Following on from the above, later that week Swansea will host Britain’s first-ever standalone World Triathlon Para Series event. It’s being delivered by British Triathlon, who have collaborated with the Welsh Government and Swansea City Council among others to establish Swansea as a go-to city for development and performance in para and disability sport provision.
Prince Of Wales Dock, Swansea, Sat 6 Aug
Info: here
IRONMAN 70.3 SWANSEA
Following on from the World Triathlon Para Series, the weekend also sees Wales’ first Ironman 70.3 taking place. Athletes and spectators alike can enjoy the wonderful views from the Waterfront of Swansea Bay and Mumbles to the beautiful Gower Peninsula. The meaning of the figure in the title? Well, participants will undergo a 1.2 mile swim at the Prince Of Wales Dock, swiftly followed by a 56-mile cycle travelling all through the coastal cliff tops and rural Swansea, then finishing off with a 13.1-mile two-loop run course that will conclude at the Marina….and I’m out of breath just typing this!
Prince Of Wales Dock, Swansea (starting point), Sun 7 Aug
Info: here
SPORT IN THE PARK
Take advantage of the bored kids at home and get them active with Sport In The Park. The first is held at Beechwood Park in Newport, after which there’ll be two further dates at Tredegar Park (Wed 17 Aug) and the Rogerstone Welfare Ground (Wed 24 Aug). Expect a whole host of kids’ sporting activities and games for the whole family to get involved with and enjoy. No need to book – just turn up on the day.
Beechwood Park, Newport, Wed 10 Aug, 11am-4pm
Admission: £4 per child, adults go FREE
Info: here
FIM SPEEDWAY GRAND PRIX
For its 20th visit to Cardiff, FIM Speedway GP returns to Principality Stadium after a three-year break. Classed as Britain’s largest arena motorsport event, Saturday will see 16 speedway GP stars show off their skills over 23 races – whereas Sunday will host the second round of the newly revamped FIM speedway Under-21 world championship. They’re planning a load of surprises to celebrate this anniversary too.
Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 13 + Sun 14 Aug
Tickets: £20-£120
Info: here
MAGPAS AIR AMBULANCE SNOWDON CHARITY CLIMB
Known as one of the more popular charity trek events, Snowdon Charity Climb is an eight-mile walk up Mount Snowdon in support of Magpas Air Ambulance. Challengers will be rewarded with breathtaking views once they reach Snowdon’s summit – and if that isn’t enough to tempt you, a free Magpas Air Ambulance T-Shirt and fundraising pack will also be received. Above all, of course, funds will be raised for charity.
Llanberis, Snowdon, Sat 13 Aug
Registration fee: £55
Info: here
BMC GOWER CLIMBING FESTIVAL
A great weekend for climbing lovers here, with beginner and intermediate climbers alike welcomed. As well as the chance to scale various rock faces and enjoy the wonderful views of the Gower peninsula, there’ll be activities from yoga to gear demos, slacklining, campfires, and discos (with an on-site bar). Climbing or bouldering courses, held by Outdoor Matters’ Matt Woodfield, are additionally on hand if guests want to learn anything new.
Moorlakes Wood, Swansea, Fri 26-Mon 29 Aug
Admission: FREE
Info: here
WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Yes, a big bog snorkelling weekender in Mid Wales does exist and a world title is up for grabs! Now an internationally renowned event, previously placed in Lonely Planet’s 50 “must do” things in the world, it takes place at Waen Rhydd bog on the outskirts of Llanwrtyd Wells. A short walk or shuttle bus is needed to get to the bog, but guests won’t be stuck as there will be food and drink stalls, crafts, a bouncy castle, live music and a whole lotta snorkelling. Online entries close a week before the event takes place, but you can still enter on the day.
Waen Rhydd Bog, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sun 28 Aug
Admission: £15 seniors, £12 juniors
Info: here
words JOHN EVANS