After a week of intense competition by thousands of young performers inside and outside the Wales Millennium Centre, the Urdd National Eisteddfod, Europes largest youth festival, came to its conclusion on Saturday.
Indeed the competition was equally as strong outside the Millennium Centre as inside, especially at the Sport.Cardiff inflatable arena as young rugby fans, sporting both Blue and the red of Scarlets in equal number, were led by development officers and rugby players in fun games and activities.
During the week, both Blues players and mascot, Bruiser the Bear, dropped in to help distribute giveaways to anyone that came near, including balloons, stickers, posters and much more.
Although the weather was largely unkind to the young players throughout the week, it did not dampen their spirits, as many of the children first played rugby, then football, collected their free prizes and questioned the Blues team before playing another game of rugby!
Development officers Gary Knowles and Gruff Rees with their young coaches Liam Scott and Haval Ibrahim, were helped in their hard work by Deiniol Jones, Jamie Robinson, Ben Evans and Blues Academy players who also got to show off their rugby talents and autograph skills.
Gary Knowles, Blues Development officer said,
Its very important for the Blues to be at this event. We have seen this week, the great support there is for the team amongst young fans and its important we give something back.
Look out for the Blues at more events this Summer including the Tesco Kids Festival, Royal Welsh Show, Harbour Bay Festival and the Blues Family Fun Day on Sunday 24th July at Cardiff Arms Park.