2008-9 was an incredible year for Welsh sport. The Sports Council for Wales takes time out to look back on the successes in its Annual Review which has been launched this week.

The review, aptly titled Raising Our Game, looks back at the key achievements both at community and elite levels.

Sports Council for Wales Chair, Philip Carling, highlights the successes in Beijing and explains: "It has been a great year for Welsh sport and our athletes. Now we must look ahead to 2012 and maximize the benefits that the London Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring. The Games will provide inspiration and impetus in the build-up. We must use this to provide a legacy of increased excellence and increased participation."

Mr Carling is also pleased with the progress made within Welsh communities:

"Grassroots initiatives are going from strength to strength and are succeeding in getting more and more youngsters into physical activity."

The review also looks forward, providing a taster of things to come from the Sports Council. Huw Jones, Chief Executive, says:

"As a progressive organisation, the Sports Council will not stand still in the afterglow of these successes. We have jumped the first hurdle of a long race to activate the nation and we are committed to carry on with that assignment.

"The next three years present real opportunities and some significant challenges for us to continue this momentum and achieve our ambitions."

The review highlights that partners and volunteers will continue to be crucial in delivering a healthy and successful sporting nation.

To find out more about the work of the Sports Council and its partners, take a look at the Annual Review available to download underneath page heading.