Wales Office, Westminster - Reception invitation to mark Welsh Sporting Success

WALES OFFICE, WESTMINSTER.

RECEPTION INVITATION TO MARK WELSH SPORTING SUCCESS.

19th January 2016.

Karate Wales was honoured to have received an invitation to send a representative to this prestigious ceremony. It is surely a sign of how far, in such a short space of time we have progressed.

Our president, Rob Copeland was to be have been our representative, unfortunately he was taken ill. Paul Watson deputised in his position at short notice.

REPORT:

The ceremony is not an annual event and was organised to get together various sporting body delegates to acknowledge their contribution to Welsh success.

Not knowing what to expect, my aim was to use the opportunity to network and promote the achievements of our athletes.

It was difficult to have long conversations with the prominent officials as everyone was doing their best to have their input with the hierarchy.

Invited guests included well know sports personalities there such as, Olympian - Nicole Cooke MBE (cycling), Gareth Davies WRU, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson DBE, and other Paralympian gold medalists.

Eventually I managed to introduce myself to Alun Cairns MP.

Apologies were expressed for Rob not being able to attend, he was very appreciative that we had representation.

The MP was impressed with our success last year. He asked for Rob to get in contact as he would be interested in going along to meet with Rob at his club in Barry. He also stated that if there was anything he could help us with to contact him. 

I had decent conversations with official's from Wales Ladies and Mens Cricket, Rowing, Ladies Rugby, Triathletes, Cycling and Hockey. Who are now aware that there is a Karate Wales GB.

Joe Towns form BBC Sport Wales and myself had a lengthy conversation. He was very interested to know why we had done so well after the short time. I respectfully explained about our focus on development strategies and ability to enter high class national and international tournaments.

I enquired as to the possibility of BBC Sport Wales allowing air time for pre world and european championship interviews with our defending champions and potential medalists. I suggested maybe attending a squad session prior to these events as a point of contact. He gave me his email and asked to be sent the details. He could give no commitment, but promised to do his best and pass the details onto the relevant decision makers. 

Sarah Powell, CEO Sport Wales was engaged in conversation with others most of the time. However, I managed to time my intervention and gain her attention just right. I introduced myself and explained Rob was taken ill and I was thrown in at the deep end. She saw the funny side and said she had met Rob and also thanked me for attending with such short notice. I mentioned our success's in 2015 to which she was pleased to hear about. At this point she was drawn way by other guests.

SUMMARY:

Sport Wales, Alun Cairns MP and other governing bodies are now aware that KW is a successful, honourable and a governing body that truly represents Karate in Wales.

Karate Wales was portrayed in a dignified, friendly and respectful manner.

Please feel free to contact me to clarify or ask any further points.

Paul.

L-R.  Paul Watson KW, Alun Cairns MP, Gareth Davies WRU.