THE Rotary Welsh Schools Disability Championships South Wales Final took place last month at Cardiff's Sport Wales National Centre.

164 gymnasts competed on the day, with foundation phase and key stage two children competing in the morning and key stage three and four children performing in the afternoon.

Thomas Batten from Deri View Primary School took silver in the Wheelchair Rhythmic competition.

Jeanette Betts a teacher from Deri View who was with Thomas, has been bringing children to the championships for the last 20 years, said, "It's been really successful, the children have all enjoyed themselves and they've worked really hard.

"We've been coming for the last 20 years and it's meant such a lot because it gives the children an opportunity to build confidence, go out into the public and actually show-off what they can do."

"We do need these sorts of competitive routes for the children to work up through, into the Special Olympics, Paralympics and it's actually important this governing body is taking it on so that they can actually develop it more."

On hand to present the finalists medals were Bob and Mary Lewis from the Rotary, British Olympic Rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones, Disability Sport Wales Chief Executive Jon Morgan and Sport Wales Corporate Director Mark Frost.

"It's a wonderful venue and a marvellous day, said Rotarian Bob Lewis who is the Rotary District Governor for South Wales.

"I went to the regional round in Bridgend and the kids were superb – I found it very emotive.

"We [The Rotary] are very linked with the community and we want to be involved in the community and this is all part of it," added Bob

Run by the Rotary in partnership with Welsh Gymnastics the championships are open to children with physical, sensory and emotional disabilities and have been running for 23 years.

In total 492 gymnasts took part in this year's championships.