Afan Mountain Bike Trails Sponsorship
In July 2005, npower renewables officially launched its sponsorship of the Afan Mountain Bike Trails. The trails, which are managed by Forestry Commission Wales, run close to Ffynnon Oer Wind Farm through the nearby Afan Forest Park.
The sponsorship includes improvements and upgrades to key sections of the trails, as well as the provision of new signage and a new waterproof guide to help people navigate around what have been voted one of the top ten mountain biking trails in the world.
The deal was officially announced at a special event attended by Sports Minister Alun Pugh AM, Forestry Commissioner for Wales Gareth Wardell and leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Cllr Derek Vaughan.
The Coventry Museum of Transport loaned a five-seater bicycle to the project to promote the sponsorship. Alun Pugh AM and Kevin McCullough, Managing Director of npower renewables, were the first to climb aboard, and were joined by the day's other special guests to symbolise how partnerships and teamwork can achieve economic, social and environmental benefits in a fun and healthy way.
From front: Alun Pugh AM, Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Culture, Welsh Language & Sport, Kevin McCullough, Managing Director of npower renewables, Gareth Wardell, former MP for Gower and Forestry Commissioner for Wales, Cllr Derek Vaughan, Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and local mountain bikers.
Kevin McCullough said, "npower renewables is delighted to be sponsoring the mountain bike trails. This is exactly the type of project with which we are proud to be associated. We look forward to working alongside Forestry Commission Wales and ensuring many more people enjoy the resources available in the Afan Forest Park."
The trails, which were set up by Forestry Commission Wales in partnership with Glyncorrwg Ponds Cooperative, have a world class reputation, regularly featuring in biking magazines as some of the best mountain biking facilities in Britain.
Alun Pugh said, "Cycling is a great way to keep fit, and, as a keen cyclist myself, I can say from personal experience that these are some of the best mountain bike trails in the UK. Now, this new project between the Forestry Commission and npower renewables will ensure that the trails are even more accessible, making it easier for people to get active and enjoy the stunning Welsh countryside."
The mountain bike trails are an important part of the regeneration of the Afan Valley and are of great benefit to the local and wider communities, promoting fitness opportunities and environmental awareness.
Cllr Derek Vaughan said, "Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council is committed to the economic revival of the Afan Valley so npower renewables' sponsorship of the mountain bike trails is very much appreciated as these facilities help to bring many visitors to the area every day."
The Forest Park is very popular with local people and visitors from further a field. In 2004 alone, the trails attracted 43,000 visitors - and this good record looks set to get better with support from npower renewables.
