Matthew Evans receives Lord Brooke Award for Ironman Wales
Matthew Evans, founder of the Long Course Weekend and co-founder of Ironman Wales, was officially inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame.
He was also presented with the Lord Brooke Award for Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Sport during the ceremony at St Brides Hotel in Saundersfoot.
Mr Evans said: "To be inducted into the Wales Sports Hall of Fame with the Lord Brooke Award is truly humbling."
He began this journey in 2010 with the first Long Course Weekend, with Ironman Wales starting in 2011.
Mr Evans added: "Since then, we've developed world-class sporting events across Wales and around the globe — a journey made possible only through the support of an incredible team."
The award recognises the broad impact of Mr Evans' work on Welsh sport, tourism, and the nation's global reputation.
His events have generated millions in economic benefits, drawn thousands of visitors to Wales, and helped position the country as a leader in endurance sport.
Mr Evans said: "From a government that understood the vision, to a county that helped with the hard yards, to communities that came together to deliver a world-class visitor experience – and a team that disrupted the market and created something truly Welsh and world-class – this has always been about collective belief and effort."
The Long Course Weekend has grown into one of Wales's top sporting exports, with versions now held in New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Maastricht, Mallorca, Holland, and Yorkshire.
Mr Evans has also developed a legacy programme for children, a volunteer scheme, and business partnerships that support host communities and promote long-term growth.
He said: "A heartfelt thank you to the athletes who've supported us so loyally over the years – and to their loved ones who party, cheer, and make our red-carpet finishes famous across the world.
"Your passion brings our events to life."
He finished his remarks by acknowledging a lifelong friend.
He said: "A final shout out to Scott Powell, who's been there since we were 16 years old – front row at Llandovery College – and still by my side today (although thankfully, he doesn't drop the ball anymore).
"This one's for us both, for the team, for the county, and for everyone at Major Events in Welsh Government."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
27 minutes ago
- North Wales Live
Surge in Welsh house names in Abersoch and Llanberis and what's driving it
Tourism is helping to drive a 'Cymrufication' of place names, a major study has found. The trend was observed in two holiday hotspots in Gwynedd and it appears to be accelerating. In the two villages, Abersoch and Llanberis, higher-the-average numbers of holiday homes have Welsh names on platforms like Not only are Welsh place names considered increasingly 'fashionable', they are seen as helping to promote the area to tourists. One person in Abersoch told the study that the area's 'Welshness' was an 'added bonus' for attracting tourists or in appealing to those with second homes in the area. A similar but less acute trend was seen in Llanberis but the outcomes sometimes differed, with a higher number of mixed Welsh-English names. The findings were reported in a study commissioned by the Welsh Government into how property, street, and business names are changing across Wales. Despite high-profile switches of traditional Welsh properties to English names, the research found a clear shift towards using Welsh language place names over the past decade. Local authorities received three times more applications for Welsh language street names than English language names between 2018-2023. Most changes to property names are in the same language. However, when the language does change, properies are at least three more likely to be renamed from English to Welsh than the other way round. People report that Welsh house names give them 'a sense of pride, place or nostalgia'. For the study, seven locations were selected for in-depth scrutiny, including Abersoch and Llanberis. Others included Connah's Quay in Flintshire, Llanidloes in Powys and Narberth in Pembrokeshire. These were compared against data from other places in Wales, including Wrexham, Llangollen, Llandegla and Denbigh. In Connah's Quary, most properties are numbered rather than named, though some do have 'alias names' - names given to homes in addition to house numbers. Often these alias names reflected rural areas outside the post-industrial town. In contrast Abersoch has very few numbered-only properties (7.8%) with a higher prevalence of named properties (71.1% of the 332 surveyed properties) compared to other localities. Where residents in Abersoch do have numbered properties, they like to give it a name – there's a higher prevalence of alias naming here compared to other places. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The overall preference of named properties could reflect the village's settlement pattern, it being a smaller coastal community with a mix of older housing stock and houses built in small batches. In contrast, Llanberis has a large number of numbered properties and most its Welsh language names were alias names. Here, Airbnbs have expanded rapidly in recent years and the resulting friction has led to the village being dubbed the "next Abersoch". In Llanberis, the study detected particular concerns over the impacts of tourism amid a perception than more properties were being given English names. This perception is based on the historic threat to local topographic names, especially online, said the study. Examples cited included the 'Steps of Cirith Ungol' in place of Llwybr Llwynog, and 'Looning the Tube Level' for Ponc Penrhydd, used by climbers at Dinorwig Quarry. In both Abersoch and Llanberis, businesses and holiday lets were seen to be driving the adoption of Welsh names, often by switching from English. It's thought their names were often chosen to appeal to tourists. In Llanberis, one business owner said a Welsh language name was an important part of their distinctive tourism 'brand'. The study noted: 'Other non-Welsh-speaking business owners (in Llanberis) had adopted Welsh language business names to 'belong' and to create a distinctive Welsh language sense of place for the community and for tourists.' This trend was supported by data from where the majority (63.2%) of named properties listed in Wales have an English language name – much higher than the all-Wales average (50.4%). It's believed that accommodation providers appeal to tourists by offering properties with words like 'View', 'Cottage' and 'Sea'. In Abersoch, however, the opposite was true, with 72.4 % of its holiday properties listed having Welsh language names on This is in a village where 57% of residents are Welsh speakers. Overall, holiday accommodation in Abersoch was found to almost four times more Welsh names (42 properties) than English names (11 properties). Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: 'Place names help tell the story of who we are as a nation, and this new research helps us understand our linguistic landscape. "I'm encouraged to see more people embracing Welsh property names, regardless of their background.' Gwynedd reclaiming Welsh language names To further delve into property name trends in Gwynedd, 10 other localities were assessed. These were: Aberdyfi Blaenau Ffestiniog Dolgellau Morfa Bychan Morfa Nefyn Nefyn Porthmadog Trawsfynydd Tywyn Y Felinheli Between 2009-2024, Dolgellau was found to have had the highest number (23) of property name changes, while Trawsfynydd had the fewest number (four). Across the county, changes from an English to a Welsh name were around 10 times greater than the other way round. This was much higher than anywhere else in Wales and was particulaly noticeable with business names. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Data from Cyngor Gwynedd suggest these switches peaked in 2020-21. Although no explanation was give, this activity is thought to be linked to the staycation boom that occurred during the Covid pandemic. One council's Street Naming and Numbering officer told the study: 'In recent times, with Covid, we've seen an increase in staycations and being a tourist area, we had a lot of changes of use into B&Bs or Airbnbs and conversion of outbuildings to holiday lets and that kind of thing.' The visitor economy has long dictated place naming in Wales and the legacy of Victorian tourism can still be felt: the study cited Happy Valley in Meirionnydd and Grey Mare's Tail waterfall in Conwy county – there's also a Happy Valley in Llandudno. The Welsh Place-Name Society told the study that these names are 'not without interest, nor are they invalid, but are they names that we would wish to promote in today's world?'
Wales Online
33 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Warren Gatland and Owen Farrell land Lions roles alongside Welsh legends
Warren Gatland and Owen Farrell land Lions roles alongside Welsh legends The TV line-up for the Lions' first game against Argentina has been announced Owen Farrell will be in attendance at the Lions match in Dublin (Image: 2024 Getty Images ) Sky Sports have named a star-studded punditry line-up for the British & Irish Lions' clash with Argentina a week tomorrow. The famous touring side get their campaign under way against the Pumas in Dublin next Friday in a warm-up clash in preparation for their three-Test tour to Australia this summer. And broadcasters Sky, who have the rights for the series Down Under, have now announced their team for the Dublin date as well as for the full schedule, with Owen Farrell set to be among the pundits, which also includes Warren Gatland, Sam Warburton and Dan Biggar. Ronan O'Gara, Will Greenwood, Kyle Sinckler, John Barclay, Conor Murray, Nolli Waterman, Anthony Watson and Sir Ian McGeechan will also be in attendance to provide their insights. Miles Harrison will supply the commentary. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Gatland has a new job after leaving his role as Wales head coach in February (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Article continues below Warburton will be in the studio, conducting Monday Night Football-style analysis of the game. Biggar said: "A Lions tour is the pinnacle of any player's career, so to now be part of it with Sky Sports is incredibly exciting. "Being on the ground, feeling the atmosphere, and sharing that passion with fans, combined with Sky's top-tier analysis, lets us bring the game to life in a way that's insightful, but still accessible for everyone watching at home." Jonathan Licht, managing director at Sky Sports, added: "The British & Irish Lions is one of the marquee events of the sporting calendar, and for this tour we're raising the bar with an exceptional on-screen team. "From legendary Lions to recently retired greats, we've assembled a line-up of world-class talent who will bring fans closer to the action, sharing unique insights, expert analysis, and unforgettable moments. "We can't wait for the action to begin." Article continues below Farrell missed out of selection in his father's touring squad after enduring an injury-hit first season in France with Racing 92. He now looks set to re-join former club Saracens.
North Wales Live
an hour ago
- North Wales Live
Country pub brand praised as 'dog friendly' offers savings on dining
For dog lovers, pets are more than just companions, they're part of the family. That's why Vintage Inns proudly welcomes four-legged friends at all of its dog-friendly locations as part of its country pub experience. With 170 pubs across the UK, each location offers a relaxed retreat from busy lives. Modern country interiors make them cosy and comfortable, perfect for spending quality time together. From the Scottish Highlands to the Devon coast, from the Welsh capital to the Norfolk shores, Vintage Inns offer an authentic taste of British countryside hospitality. Whether visitors are stopping in for a quick pint, enjoying a laid-back lunch after a countryside stroll, or settling down for an evening meal, people and their pups can expect to be met with a warm welcome. Dog-friendly dining can be hard to find in the UK, making a visit to a Vintage Inn a must for dog owners. Elsewhere, Gaucho restaurants claim to be exceptionally dog-friendly, even offering activities for dogs and their owners at select venues. Specialising in Argentinian steaks and cuisine, Gaucho provides a sophisticated ambience that's a touch more formal than a cosy country pub. Vintage Inns offers a carefully curated traditional menu that caters to modern palates. Think perfectly prepared pub classics such as freshly battered fish and chips, decadent sticky toffee pudding, and hearty Sunday roasts. Alongside these favourites, each location serves a variety of seasonal specials and an extensive drinks menu, reports the Mirror. The Weekend Treat Menu features three courses for £30. Available on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm, dishes include a honey-baked whole camembert to share and tender slow-cooked pork belly with all the trimmings. Weekend diners can also add to the experience by sharing select bottles of wine for just £20. For those visiting during the day, there's a Lunch Set Menu that starts from £17.50 for two courses. Pub classics like the beef and red wine lasagne are up for grabs, as well as more unique offerings such as the chicken katsu rice bowl. Regular diners, or those who are planning to be, can enjoy savings through the Vintage Inn Rewards scheme. Members receive a complimentary drink, 20% off main meals, a free starter or dessert and can enjoy a £30 off a £60 spend - all through the app loyalty card. By signing up for My Vintage Inns Rewards, new members can enjoy a welcome offer of £10 off a £40 spend. Diners can collect digital stamps with each visit, quickly reorder favourite dishes. The app also makes it easy to book tables and browse menus before visiting. For even more savings, the app offers a "Refer a Friend" program, where both guests and their friend can enjoy 33% off a main course meal. Simply download the app, click "Refer a Friend," and share the link - your friend gets 33% off their first meal, and once they redeem it, you get 33% off your next visit. If Vintage Inns' selection doesn't hit the spot, Harvester restaurants are ready with their famous unlimited salad bar and a variety of value meals across 164 UK locations. Visitors have praised the chain as "good value for money" with friendly staff on Trustpilot. Diners who have already experienced the comfort of a Vintage Inn have also left reviews for various locations on TripAdvisor. One customer said: "We visited The Golden Retriever pub in Bracknell yesterday with our two rescue German Shepherd dogs. The place is amazing inside and out and the staff were really friendly." Another review gushed: "The Barge Inn, Woolstone. Extremely attentive and friendly bar staff. Lovely cosy interior - beams! Very dog friendly. Nice and clean. Made to feel so welcome - will definitely be back. Had my favourite pink gin. The creme brulee was delicious!". A satisfied customer raved about their recent visit to The Priory in Portbury, stating: "Had a fabulous steak meal at the Priory at Portbury highly recommend it. Steak cooked to perfection and well presented. Staff were extremely friendly and nothing was too much trouble." However, not everyone left with the same high spirits. Another diner only left a three-star review after an evening at the Three Legged Cross Inn, saying: "My husband and I went to the Three Legged Cross Inn. It was 7 p.m. We were told that there were no steak meals left." They did concede, however: "The meals we had were of good quality, the atmosphere was pleasant, and our waitress was pleasant and attentive." The reviews mostly highlight positive experiences. Emphasising this point, a glowing five-star review for The Globe in Bath read: "Absolutely wonderful evening meal for our son's birthday. Even the dog enjoyed it!" and praised further by saying: "The staff were so friendly and attentive and the service was prompt even though the restaurant was completely full. The food was presented beautifully and so tasty and fresh!"
