On 17th March, under bright blue skies in Abertillery Park, Tai Calon proudly hosted its inaugural Tai Calon x Dragons RFC Blaenau Gwent Schools Tag Rugby Festival, bringing together young people from across the borough for a day of sport, teamwork and fun.

Pupils from Years 5 and 6 from local schools took part in a series of matches that were not only competitive, but played in an outstanding spirit. The park was filled with smiles, laughter and cheers as teams showcased their enthusiasm, determination and impressive sporting ability. It was clear throughout the day that Blaenau Gwent is home to some incredibly talented young athletes.

At the close of the festival, every child was awarded a medal to recognise their participation and effort. A special ‘Fair Play Award’ was also presented to Swffryd Primary School. Despite many of their team experiencing an event like this for the first time, they demonstrated remarkable progress, teamwork and sportsmanship as the day went on, truly embodying the spirit of the festival.

One of the most memorable moments came after the medal ceremony, when a young participant approached a member of the team to say, “Thank you for the medal, Sir! Best day ever.” It was a powerful reminder of the impact events like this can have, creating lasting memories and inspiring confidence in young people.

This festival reflects Tai Calon’s ongoing commitment to supporting health, wellbeing and opportunities for children and families across our communities. By working in partnership with organisations like Dragons RFC, we can create meaningful experiences that bring people together and encourage active lifestyles.

We’re already looking forward to the next one.