Coleg Llandrillo Level 2 Sport Learners Lead Successful Dave Richards Games Fundraiser
Students from Coleg Llandrillo’s Level 2 Sport course organised and delivered a memorable sporting event recently, raising £236 for charity while bringing the department together.
The annual Dave Richards Games, organised entirely by students, saw 200 participants take part in a range of activities including volleyball, ping pong, basketball, football and squash. With an entry fee of £1 per person, the tournament united learners from across all sport courses, alongside Public Services students, in a day that participants described as “fun” and something that “brought everyone together.”
This year’s event was led by Owen Hughes (Chairman), Aaron Parkin (Secretary), and Riley Patterson, who took responsibility for marketing. The team spent two months planning and coordinating the games, demonstrating strong organisational and leadership skills throughout.
The Dave Richards Games hold particular significance for the Grŵp. The event was established in 2024 in honour of former member of staff Dave Richards, who was the Level 3 Public Services Programme Leader at Coleg Llandrillo before retiring in 2020. Following his diagnosis with brain cancer, the department made the decision to transform their long-running Christmas Games, established around 10 years ago, into a charity event in his name. Dave, who had previously helped organise the Christmas Games, sadly passed away in early 2025.
Funds raised from the event are donated to The Walton Centre Charity, where Dave received treatment.
Staff also took part in the event, competing alongside students and contributing to the day’s atmosphere.
Sian Backhouse, Coleg Llandrillo Administrative Assistant, said: “The Level 2 Sport learners did an excellent job organising and facilitating the Dave Richards Christmas Games this year, and the Sport and Public Services tutors' team enjoyed competing alongside the learners. We are thrilled the event managed to raise so much money for a very worthy cause close to our hearts.”
The Dave Richards Games continue to be a powerful example of student initiative, teamwork and community spirit, while honouring a much-valued colleague whose legacy remains at the heart of the department.