28 March 2013

Twenty young people from Merthyr Tydfil are to experience both big Welsh rugby derbies in the Judgement Day event at the Millennium Stadium as part of a project organised by S4C.

The young people are all from the Merthyr area and participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme delivered by Merthyr Tydfil Youth Service throughout the borough at schools, youth clubs and youth associations. The tickets for the Judgement Day event, which is held on the 30th March, will be given to young people who have achieved their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The tickets have been provided in collaboration between S4C and the 4 Welsh regional teams. It is hoped that the initial pilot project will lead to a more regular scheme to enable young people to experience Welsh regional rugby games, with S4C donating the tickets it receives as an official broadcaster.

S4C’s Chief Executive, Ian Jones said:

“It will be great to see a group of enthusiastic young people getting the opportunity to experience Welsh regional rugby at its best during the double-header at the Millennium Stadium. As an official broadcaster of the RaboDirect Pro12, S4C is allocated tickets to such events and we want to use that allocation in a way that benefits communities across Wales and increases awareness of top level rugby.

“Wales’ regional rugby teams have been fantastic – working with us to hold this pilot scheme. We’re doing it with a view to putting together a more regular arrangement which will be good news for young people throughout Wales. If we can get our young people enthused about sport, it will not only help them, but bring future success to Wales.”

Ray O’Neill, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Development Officer in Merthyr Tydfil said:

“It’s great to be working with S4C on this project which will enable young people to experience a big match day at the Millennium Stadium and be recognised for the hard work and commitment they have put in to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.”

The WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said:

“I am delighted the young people from the Merthyr Tydfil area will be joining us at the Millennium Stadium for Judgement Day.

“The sort of endeavour and determination involved in attaining the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is akin to the dedication our professional rugby players display as they focus on achieving their full potential.

“It will be a great rugby occasion and I am sure it will inspire the youngsters to aim for more honours beyond those they have already achieved in the awards scheme.

“This is a great initiative by S4C and I am pleased to offer it our support as it champions the values and beliefs we hold dear here at the WRU.”