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To coincide with the Olympic Games starting in Cardiff, Powys County Council held a reception to celebrate the Games and active lives within the county at the Royal Welsh Showground.

Amongst the invited guests were a selection of Torchbearers from Powys who participated in the Olympic Torch Relay, which passed through Machynlleth, Llanymynech and Welshpool in May.

These included Welshpool High School student Adele Nicoll, Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre instructor Kevin Hamilton, former Special Olympian Colin Davies and Ysgol Penmaes pupil Hannah Charnley.

They were thanked by hosts Cllr David Jones, Leader of Powys County Council and Cllr David Meredith, Chairman of Brecknockshire, the host county of this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

Guests were also treated to a video package highlighting the Olympic-themed activities that have taken place in the county, including the Torch Relay, the Mini Olympics which over 4,000 schoolchildren have participated in over recent months, and various athletics and Paralympic events.

“Powys is a tremendous place for sport and active lifestyles and we are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful green spaces and a healthy environment,” said Cllr Jones. “We were able to show this off to the world when the Olympic Torch came to visit in May.

“I want to thank the Torchbearers who represent the 23 participants from Powys that ran with the Olympic flame for helping to put the county on the map. I hope they enjoyed the event and will continue to be inspired by it and further their sporting or charity ventures.”

The council’s Healthy Lifestyle’s campaign was also acknowledged, which encourages residents to enjoy bike rides and walking trails through some of the county’s scenic routes, and aims to improve the lifestyles of council staff.

This work has been rewarded by the Welsh Government who gave Powys County Council their Platinum Standard award as part of their Corporate Health Standard initiative.

“As well as providing great facilities for residents, we also think it’s important to focus on health and well being of our employees. We are the largest employer in the county and the Healthy Lifestyles campaign has helped us to do that,” added Cllr Meredith.

He added: “I would also like to pay tribute to our members of staff who have worked so hard to organise the Olympic events that have taken place. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to allow these events to take place.”