Wales & West Utilities supports Barry martial arts club with £300 donation
A local martial arts club has received a boost thanks to a £300 donation from Wales & West Utilities, helping it continue to provide high-quality training and support to members of all ages.
The donation was made to South Wales Martial Arts Academy, the only dojo of its kind in the UK which specialises in Kyokushin karate, one of the world’s most respected full-contact martial arts. The funding will help the club purchase essential equipment, support training sessions, and ensure more people in the community can access the benefits of martial arts, including improved fitness, confidence, and resilience.
The donation came after the efforts of Wales & West Utilities colleague Kelvyn Griffiths, who trains at the Academy alongside two of his daughters.
Kelvyn nominated the club, and the gas emergency and pipeline service supported through a sponsorship donation as part of its commitment to support the communities it serves and the volunteer efforts of its colleagues.
Kelvyn, Commercial Planning and Performance Manager, has worked for Wales & West Utilities since 2009, and said:
“As a family, we have been involved with the Academy for a few years now, and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it has on members – both young people and adults.
“I’ve seen huge improvements in myself, both physically and mentally, thanks to the discipline and challenges that Kyokushin brings.
“My daughters, aged 5 and 10, have come on leaps and bounds, growing in confidence, strength, and skill, and are steadily climbing their grades thanks to the dedication of the club’s instructors and the incredible opportunities to compete regularly and train alongside world-renowned karateka at seminars.
“It’s fantastic that Wales & West Utilities can support the club in this way, helping it to continue its great work in the community.”
Wales & West Utilities, which looks after the gas pipes across Wales and the south west of England, provides support to community groups and charities across its network area, often through colleague-led nominations.
Sensei Phill from South Wales Martial Arts Academy added:
“We are incredibly grateful to Wales & West Utilities for their generous support. This donation will make a real and lasting difference to our members, allowing us to invest in much-needed equipment and continue delivering affordable, high-quality training.
“With this support, we can strengthen our work within the community, helping more people to access opportunities, build confidence, and develop valuable skills. We’re proud to work with partners who share our commitment to making a positive impact.”
Bethan Jones, Head of People & Customer Experience at Wales & West Utilities, said:
“Our colleagues go the extra mile to support the communities in which they live and work, and we are always delighted to support their efforts.
“We’re happy to help the team at the Academy and hope this donation will help the growing membership as they participate in the sport they love.”
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.
If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24/7 to respond and keep you safe.