Nine pupils from Ysgol Maes Dyfan (Barry) and Ysgol Erw'r Delyn (Penarth) have produced a series of excellent performances at the annual Welsh Disabled Sports Team Championships.

Organised and funded by Rotary International, the event comprised 10 sports, with each individual allowed to take part in up to three events.

Competing as Vale of Glamorgan United for the second successive year, the team received a flying start in the swimming pool where Michael Owen, Kristina Rees, Mark Eveleigh and Ceri Ann Reece each won individual races to clinch the overall trophy.

Skittlers Thomas Frost and James Thomas impressed supporters with accurate striking skills to gain further valuable points, while, in the boccia event, Thomas and James were joined by Anthony Snooks,

Although responding positively after a shaky start, the trio were unable to progress to the later stages of the competition.

More points came from the pool team of Anthony, Gary Young and Liyan Price who put in fine performances against some experienced opponents.

Following their exit from the pool event, Gary and Liyan concentrated their efforts in the shot putt where they gained second spot despite having to use the heaviest shot. due to the classification system.

Gary and team-mates Michael and Ceri Ann demonstrated some great shooting techniques in the basketball event, while the latter continued her busy day by reaching, along with Mark, the second round of the table tennis event.

Mark eventually fell to the individual winner. .

The day's highlight for the Vale team came in the weightlifting competition, where Mark was joined by Lliyan and Anthony.

Despite the fact that this was a the first time the trio had competed in the sport, they produced an impressive performance to finish second.

Anthony, especially, demonstrated great natural talent for the event and should continue to develop his potential.

Showing excellent composure, Michael made steady progress in the darts competition before narrowly losing out due to a time restriction rule, while the final event was the wheelchair slalom where James and Thomas teamed up again to complete the course and earn the points needed for United to secure third spot.

The hard work of all participants was rewarded with a medal, while the Vale team's third spot was marked by the presentation of a shield and the Vale swimming team received trophies to mark the individual and team successes.

The icing on the cake came when a stunned Lyian Price was named as senior sports personality of the championship following excellent displays in the shot, weightlifting and pool events.

The pupils were guided throughout the day by teachers/coaches Joy Lamacraft, Chris Chaulk and Karen Coyle, who were supported by Karen Davies, the Disability Sport Cymru Development Officer for the Vale.

Karen said: "Each member should be congratulated on their excellent performances and team spirit on the day.

Joy, Chris and Karen did a tremendous job supporting the team whose fine displays are a culmination of a great deal of effort and hard work by both the teachers and pupils."

Further information on sports for the disabled in the Vale can be obtained from Karen Davies on (01446) 704728.