The Royal Welsh Sports Village attracted more than 23,000 participants during this year’s Royal Welsh Show held in July, with visitors able to try everything from canoeing and cycling to rugby, hockey, basketball and circus skills.
A total of 23,638 participations were recorded across the four days, as the Sports Village brought together sporting organisations, national governing bodies and local partners to offer activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.
The Sports Village is delivered in partnership with the Mid Wales Sport Partnership and Sports Powys at Powys County Council, providing an opportunity for organisations to introduce visitors to new sports and encourage people to get active.
There was a wide range of activities on offer this year, including canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, rugby, cycling, hockey, basketball, squash, athletics, bowls, football, golf, capoeira, boccia and circus skills.
The Welsh rugby regions again played an important part in the programme, with Cardiff Rugby, the Scarlets and Dragons offering visitors the chance to put their skills to the test. Activities included the Cardiff Rugby Try Line inflatable and kicking tee, the Scarlets’ target throw and the Dragons’ passing cage. The Welsh Rugby Union women’s squad also attended, with players from across the regions appearing on their respective stands and in the ring during designated sessions.
Hockey Wales recorded the highest individual participation figure, with 3,245 people taking part in its speed cage, target shootout and activities in the marquee. Canoeing attracted 2,956 participations, while the two Sports Village activity areas recorded a combined 2,865.
Other popular activities included the portable squash courts provided by Squash Wales, Welsh Basketball, Welsh Bowls and Beicio Cymru’s Cyclo-Cross course and balance bikes.
There were also several new additions to the Sports Village this year, including Gwalia United, Capoeira and Welsh Athletics, alongside Welsh Rugby Union’s Caban Cymru, the Tour de France virtual cycling challenge and Principality Building Society’s Dylan’s Rural Relay.
Elin Wozencraft, Chief Steward of the Sports Village, said:
“Once again, it was a really successful four days in the Sports Village. The number of people taking part across the different activities was fantastic, and it was particularly pleasing to see so many families making use of the area.
“We had a great mix of sports and activities this year, including several new organisations alongside our regular partners. The support we receive from the Welsh rugby regions continues to be a big part of what we can offer visitors.
“This was our tenth year working in partnership with the Mid Wales Sport Partnership and Sports Powys, and it has been great to see the Sports Village develop over that time. I’d also like to recognise the work of Emyr Jones, Assistant Honorary Director of Countryside Care, Country Pursuits and Sports Area, whose leadership and support continue to be an important part of the Sports Village.
“Thank you to all of the organisations, coaches, volunteers and partners who helped make this year’s event possible.”
The Royal Welsh Sports Village will return for the 2027 Royal Welsh Show, taking place from Monday 19 to Thursday 22 July.
