Groups of Children and Young People from the Heath Hospitals Childrens Kidney Centre and Woodlands Special School, in Ely, recently showed off their artistic skills to their Cardiff Blues Heroes
The group spent at the Cardiff Arms Park Community Art Project, co-ordinated by local Arts Company, Pippins Designs. Along with support from staff at The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) team in Cardiff, who also kindly sponsored the day, they hand painted murals of Rhys Williams, Robert Sidoli, Gethin Jenkins, Mike Phillips and Chris Czekaj
Wales Grand Slam Heroes Rhys, Robert and Gethin posed for photographs with the lucky Children, alongside their paintings and were really excited to see themselves immortalised in paint!
Blues Hero Rhys Williams said; The Players all love the paintings and its great for us to meet the Children who put in all the hard work. Gethin Jenkins added that The Art Project has really brightened up the Arms Park!
The paintings are now displayed around the Blues famous ground, as part of the Clubs growing Community Art Gallery. Since the launch in September 2005, more than 400 Children and Young People have attended the project, creating more than 100 paintings already, which can be viewed around the Arms Park
One of the lucky Children was Lewis Akrill, aged 12, from Caerphilly, who painted British Lion Gethin Jenkins and said; The paintings turned out really cool and Jonah Lomu even came at the end of the day to see mine when it was finished.
RBS, who are one of the Projects Sponsors, also sent four of their staff along to paint with the Children. Adrian Palmer, Portfolio manager, RBS said;
It's a privilege for us to be involved with a project that allows local children to become involved with the city's rugby club and interact with their heroes. A great time was had by all!
"Painting a brighter world for our Children!"
Thanks must also go to other sponsors of the project, including Black Horse Finance.