Newtown wrestler's silver

Organisers of the recent international wrestling event held in Montgomeryshire have given it a resounding thumbs up.

Over 130 wrestlers from 11 countries took part, and AJ Wrestling Club, which is based at The Flash, Welshpool, said it had received some fantastic feedback showing that it was a success.

“We were given the opportunity to run this event which is a very prestigious tournament on the British Wrestling Calendar and the feedback has been very positive,” said Sue Jones, from AJ Wrestling Club. “This tournament was a qualification event for the home nations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 so it attracted the best.

“We would like to thank all the officials, volunteers and staff of The Flash who made the time and effort to help make the British Open International Olympic Freestyle and Greco Roman Wrestling Championships a success.”

Home knowledge also proved to be an advantage with AJ Wrestling enjoying a successful weekend of competition too. Local wrestlers Damion Arzu (Silver), of Newtown, and Steve Andrews (Gold) took a step closer to qualification for Glasgow 2014.  In total Wales won one gold, four silvers and two bronze medals.

As well as the four home nations, wrestlers competed from Ireland, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Iran, Albania and Lithuania. More than 300 spectators attended.

It was well supported by dignitaries with Russell George AM, Cllr Francesca Jump (Welshpool), Cllr Peter Lewis (Llanfyllin), Cllr Eldrydd Jones (Meifod), Colin Nicholson, Chief Executive for British Wrestling, and Moira Lassen, Competition Manager for Glasgow 2014 organising committee, attending.

The event was supported by Jones and Sons Timber and Builders Merchants of Llanfyllin, Trebor Jones Agricultural Engineers of Llanfyllin, Roger Davies Architectural Services of Llanfyllin, Allum and Breeze Electricial Contractors of St. Martin’s, Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre Newtown and Welshpool, Cherubs Nursery of Newtown and main sponsor WPG quality Printing Services of Welshpool.

Anyone interested in Wrestling can contact Alan or Sue Jones on 01691 829281 or visit the Flash Leisure Centre on a Wednesday evening. Juniors train from 6.30pm-7.30pm and Seniors 7.30pm-9pm.

PICTURE (from left): Alan Jones, Head of Performance for the Welsh Wrestling Association and head coach of AJ Wrestling; Steve Andrews Gold Medallist; Russell George AM; Damion Arzu Silver medallist; Sue Jones, Chair of Welsh Wrestling and Coach AJ Wrestling.