Here is part one of three of our look back at major sporting events last year, 2021. This first part looks at months January through to April.

January: Rhayader Running Club donate £500 to St Johns following virtual race

In January this year, Rhayader Running Club donated £500 to St Johns Rhayader.

They raised this money through holding a virtual race, where participants ran 10-mile routes of their choice. Participants paid an entrance fee, and submitted their times via an app.

The virtual race replaced the Elan Valley 10 mile race which takes place every year, but was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The fastest time was Mark Whitehead from Aberystwyth AC with an incredible time of one hour six minutes. The fastest female was Julie Knill (pictured) from Rhayader Running Club, with a time of 1 hour 12 minutes. 100% of the entrance fees were donated to St Johns. Participants from all over Wales and the borders took part in the race, which took place on the weekend of November 21/22 in 2020.

The donations raised by Rhayader Running Club meant that St Johns Rhayader could continue their support of the Welsh Ambulance Service during the pandemic. The decision to donate all of the money raised was made at their AGM in January 2021.

A spokesperson from St Johns Rhayader said: “We rely heavily on donations to buy new equipment, repair and maintain the vehicles and the funds raised by our local Running club will help pay towards this and are very much appreciated.”

February: Gwernyfed RFC invests in the future

Due to the coronavirus pandemic local sport was halted throughout February, however, this didn’t stop Gwernyfed Rugby club investing in new equipment for youngsters.

In between lockdowns, sports clubs were encouraged to carry out distanced training, therefore the Rugby club bought hundreds of brand new rugby balls and invested in making their facilities safer. The aim of the investment was to encourage boys and girls to take up Rugby and enjoy being outside together which they missed out on during the lockdowns.

Gwernyfed Mini and Junior Section Chair Dave Roberts explained:

“There is little that a youngster likes better than playing with a new ball or new training equipment and the numbers coming along to meet their mates was a real reward for the money that the club has ploughed into these youngers.”

Gwernyfed is also host to The Red Kites Hub which offers girls of all ages across mid Wales to sample and play rugby.

The Hub leader Ceri Morgan highlighted the value of the club’s investment:

“As usual Gwernyfed come up trumps” said Morgan. “Getting girls together from across the area is a big challenge but the welcome offered by Gwernyfed RFC, typified by the kit we have received over the last few months, means that The Red Kites is one of the most successful initiatives of its type in Wales.”

The club also made plans to install a raised decking on the clubhouse that would overlook the playing pitches, and serve food and drinks. As well as this, they planned to install a toilet block, with showers and changing rooms.

March: Golf courses given the green light as restrictions relax

In March, the Welsh Government eased restrictions on outdoor sports facilities, allowing golf courses to reopen.

As well as golf courses, bowling greens and tennis courts were officially opened on Saturday, March 13 following the lockdown, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The last time golf courses were opened before March was, in the summer of 2020.

Conservative Senedd member, James Evans, was calling for golf courses to be reopened long before the decision was made.

Following the decision, Mr Evans said: “I am delighted that the Welsh Labour Government have finally seen sense and reopened our golf courses and other outdoor sports.

“Sport, keeping active and being outdoors has such a beneficial impact on both physical and mental health.”

April: New Head Coach for Brecon RFC

After Andy Powell left his role as head coach, Brecon RFC appointed Matthew Lewis for the role in April. Matthew used to play for Brecon and took up the role immediately following the departure of former head coach Powell.

A spokesperson for the Rugby Club said: “Most of us will already be familiar with Matthew from his playing days with us and his recent very successful role as defence coach.

“Matthew is confident that he can get the very best out of our strong squad of players.”

Former head coach, Andy Powell left the role due to work and family commitments.

Paul Amphlett, Club Chairman said: “I am sure that you will join me in publicly thanking him for what he has achieved with the team over the past three years he has been in his post at the club.”

Join us again here tomorrow at 5pm for part two!