When Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones visited the National Water Sports Centre in Plas Menai near Caernarfon recently, he not only had a chance to see the centre’s excellent facilities first-hand, he also saw how local children are getting the opportunity to try their hand at kayaking, canoeing or sailing at a reduced cost to themselves.

1000 young people have each contributed £5 to the "Water Sports for a fiver" project to experience water sports sessions at the Sports Council for Wales-run centre. The project has also received £20,000 from the Splash Water Recreation Challenge Fund for Wales, which together with £5000 paid by the young people and a £5000 contribution in staff-time by the Centre, means that this £30,000 project has given them a chance that they might not have otherwise had get out on the water.

The Minister said: "Although the weather wasn’t the greatest on the day of my visit, that’s definitely no barrier to taking part in water sports! The children’s enjoyment was clear to see, and it’s also clear that the Splash Fund links to the Welsh Assembly Government’s wider commitment to make it easier for people to be more active and healthy as part of daily life."

The Splash fund is a partnership project between the Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and Sports Council for Wales. It aims to give everyone the opportunity to get out there and enjoy the fantastic rivers, lakes and coastal areas we have in Wales. Money from the fund has gone to creating new facilities and improving existing sites, giving local people the chance to enjoy their nearby coast, rivers or lakes. These improved facilities are an added attraction for people visiting Wales, adding something to an industry which is important to our economy.

Jane Davidson, the Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister, added:

"Last July, I launched the Splash fund because I believe Wales’ rivers and lakes are often under used for outdoor fun and relaxation. There are also missed opportunities for local communities and for businesses."Improved access to water recreation can bring enormous benefits to tourism and people’s health. This scheme is about encouraging young people to make the most of their natural environment."