About us

Who we are

The Trust team is made up of staff from Torfaen Sports Development and volunteer Trustees who work together to raise money to distribute to our talented young athletes to help them on their sporting journeys. 

Our mission

 

Our mission is to help our young athletes reach their full potential by supporting them with the increasing costs they face as they rise up the performance leagues. We want to ensure that none of our youngsters has to turn down an invitation to represent their county/country due to the costs of travel, kit, or other costs. 

Our story

 

The Trust was set up in memory of Mic Morris,  who was a police officer and brilliant British international middle distance runner from Pontypool. Sadly Mic died aged just 24 years, during a training run in 1983.

Initially, the trust fund was set up between Gwent Police and Torfaen Borough Council to raise money for Torfaen’s talented young sports people. To raise the funds needed, a Half Marathon was organised, running from Blaenafon to Cwmbran and called the 'Tour of Torfaen' Although it was a very popular event, the costs to host it became too prohibitive and it was decided to shorten the route - and the Torfaen 10k was born. This mostly downhill route has made the event the 'Fastest 10k on the planet!'

Our vision

 

To work together within our community to support our young athletes and create an environment where they can flourish and achieve their goals. 

Our History

The Trust was set up on 29 April 1986.  At the time, the Mayor was Councillor David Lloyd and the other Trustees were:

• Chief Constable, John Over
• Don Touhig - formerly of the Free Press and is now Lord Don Touhig. 
• Gareth John, Director of Leisure and Culture
• Tina Morris (Mic’s widow), who also signed the Trust Deed.

 

The first Tour of Torfaen took place in 1988 and was organised by John Beavan, Manager of Blaenavon Recreation Centre.  It changed from the half marathon to a 10k in March 2011 when it attracted just 56 entries.

 

The Trust was registered with the Charity Commission in 2009 with an income of £19,509.00 and the Trust has helped over 500 young people financially to achieve their sporting goals.  Amongst the recipients of a grant have been three Commonwealth Games athletes and one Paralympian.