Ben loves sport - and it really shows
Ben loves sport - and it really shows!
When we asked Ben Phillips if we could feature him in our Young Ambassador' series he was so enthusiastic that we allowed the student from Ysgol Bro Gwaun to tell his own story. This is what Ben had to say:
“I am really enjoying being a Young Ambassador. I am not an academic and am dyslexic and it is through sport and the feeling of team spirit that I have not only made friends but feel everyone has something to offer. It is fun.
"I was lucky enough to win a first in a competition organised by the charity 'Show Racism the Red Card', which involved a prize giving at the Millennium Stadium and with Colin Jarvis handing out the prizes! What an inspiring moment! I really wanted to wear a red shirt for Wales and encourage others to 'Go for It'
Big moment in tetrathlon
"My big moment came in 2010 when I was chosen to represent Wales and Borders at junior level in the sport of tetrathlon, which is is a fore runner of the pentathlon. It involves shooting, turning targets one handed from a distance of seven metres, then swimming flat out for three minutes as far as you can and you gain points for every metre you do. This is followed by running 1,500 metres, each individual setting off at one minute intervals and the faster you complete the distance the more points you gain. The following day you ride your pony cross country, gaining points for each obstacle cleared. The course involves opening and shutting a gate whilst mounted, within a certain time allowance and also at one point dismounting, opening a slip rail and then remounting within a certain time. In order to compete in pentathlon I would have to add fencing or technically epee to the above four disciplines.
Equestrian Sport is great fun
"All equestrian sports are gender-free except for tetrathlon so boys compete against boys and girls against girls! Juniors are from the age of 11 to 14 and I have represented Wales and Borders for the three years I have been eligible. The sport is run under Pony Club rules and at regional level the Welsh are up against the different regions of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Eire.
"We are not the best but we give it our best and the friendships formed and fun obtained from being a member of a team is irreplaceable.
" If you look on the Pony Club website all the rules of tetrathlon are there at http://www.pcuk.org/ under members activities.
"We are really fortunate in having Robin and Bryony Pilcher and now Tim Joynson to organise Area 18 tetrathlon. All their time is given freely and their enthusiasm is boundless. I have also been lucky enough to have been loaned two ponies one' Maggie' from Liz Dunwell, and 'Charlie' from Amy Turner. This would not have been possible without their kindness.
Ben's busy sporting timetable
"Being involved in sport at any level is really important since many of us sit in front of the TV or a computer or our mobile telephones and with the rising levels of child obesity and the resultant Type II diabetes. I feel really strongly about everyone participating. Dan Bellis and the 5 x 60 club at Ysgol Bro Gwaun have been great in allowing everyone a chance to participate in new sports. I have had an opportunity to play hockey!!!
"I am a member of Fishguard Flyers swimming club and train two or three times a week and also help coach once a week. I play rugby for the school and Crymych Rugby Club but due to my commitments with the pony did not play with Crymych last season. Shooting practice takes up one evening a week and I try to go out running once a week, which is on top of riding with The Tivyside Pony Club.
Simple message – give it a go!
"The reason I enjoy being a Young Ambassador is that I hope to pass my enthusiasm for sport onto others. I am not a very good shot as I become very nervous but this has not stopped me from trying and from that trying I have learnt more about myself. It also gave me the opportunity with others from Ysgol Bro Gwaun to watch my class mate Amy Leahy race in the hurdles at the Schools' Olympics in the Olympic Stadium in London. Thanks Mr. Roach for organising that!
"My message to others is simple – don't be afraid to try a range of sports because I really believe there is one out there for you. Don't be afraid to give it a go!"