Introduction to New ALN Competition at Urdd Eisteddfod
A young man preparing to compete in a new category for individuals with additional learning needs (ALN) at the Urdd Eisteddfod has expressed his enthusiasm and anticipation for the event.
Sion Davies, aged 20 and from Carmarthenshire, is set to perform a clog dance in the individual performance category for under-25s on Saturday.
Sion, who has Down's syndrome, shared his excitement about participating, while his father, Arwel Davies, described the upcoming event as a proud moment for the family.
"We've been wanting this to happen for years, really," said Arwel. "It gives him a good opportunity and he loves it."
Details of the New Competition and Festival
The individual performance category for under-25s, designed for students from Special Educational Needs Units and Schools, is among several new competitions introduced at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod, which is taking place on Anglesey.
This year marks the first time the festival will run for seven days.
Sion's Dance Background and Individual Participation
Sion has been dancing since childhood with his local Urdd branch, Aelwyd Cynwyl Elfed, and has previously competed as part of a group.
He expressed his enthusiasm about competing individually for the first time.
"Dancing is good to me, it's important to me," said Sion.
"I'm feeling OK, I can't wait."
With the competition allowing performances in any medium, Sion has chosen to perform a clog dance.
Support from Aelwyd Leaders and Family
Aron Davies, one of the leaders at Aelwyd, has observed Sion's development as he practices twice weekly.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for him because he loves to be on stage. He loves to show off and show everybody what he can do. He's going to enjoy it," Aron said.
For Sion's father, Arwel, witnessing his son perform on stage will be a significant and proud occasion.
"It's really, really nice. It gives him a good opportunity and he loves it," said Arwel.
"It's nice that they're given a chance. We've been wanting this to happen for years really.
Some children can be forgotten about and it gives them a chance to show their skills."
Sion's mother, Diane, expressed her delight regarding his participation.
"Sion enjoys dancing and we're very proud of him.
We've been very lucky of the trainers but also of all the children in the Aelwyd, that they've always included Sion in everything that they've done. We're very, very grateful as parents for that."
Additional Group Participation and Peer Support
Sion will also compete in a group dance competition with Aelwyd, a group that includes many of his friends and his younger sister, Mair.
Esther Defis, 21, a member of Aelwyd, described Sion as a joy to dance with.
"Sion has been in the Aelwyd as nearly as long as I have. I've been with him every step of the way, every time he's competed.
I think he makes our group better because he's the one that brings us the energy. He's so energetic that he helps us to find the same energy and the same joy that he gets from dancing.
He enjoys performing so much, we can all see it, and finally, this year he's going to have a chance to perform by himself without us holding him back. He'll be a real star on that stage and we'll all be cheering for him."
