Ceredigion County Council has welcomed the continued growth of the Rali Engage school engagement programme, which has reached more than 4,500 school children, students and young people across the region ahead of this year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion.
The programme has seen drivers and rally cars visit more than 40 primary schools, nurseries and pupil referral units across Ceredigion, giving pupils the opportunity to learn about road safety, ask questions and see the cars up close. A new Schools Experience Day for secondary pupils was also held at The Pavilion in Pontrhydfendigaid, where 250 students learned more about education and career opportunities linked to motorsport and its wider supply chain.
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “Rali Ceredigion is a major international event, but it is also firmly rooted in our local communities. It is excellent to see the work taking place in schools across Ceredigion to help young people learn more about road safety, careers, volunteering and the skills linked to motorsport. These visits show that the rally is more than a sporting event; it is also an opportunity to inspire the next generation and showcase the talent and opportunities we have here in Ceredigion.”
The school visits have been supported by more than 20 drivers, including British Rally Championship front-runners and local competitors, who have taken time to meet pupils, talk about their experiences and answer questions about the sport.
The Schools Experience Day brought together businesses, universities, colleges, training providers, emergency services and road safety organisations. Activities included rally simulators, careers information and live interviews with local young people who have built careers in motorsport across the world.
Feedback from schools has been positive, with pupils describing the day as inspiring and an opportunity to explore a range of career routes connected to engineering, technology, media, safety and event delivery.
David Edwards, Rali Ceredigion’s Rali Engage Manager, said: “The Schools Experience Day and school visits have helped show the wide range of opportunities that exist within motorsport and associated industries. If we can inspire even a small number of young people to look into these career and education routes, then the programme is worthwhile. We are grateful to the schools, drivers, volunteers and partners who have helped make this year’s programme such a success.”
JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion returns in September as a round of the FIA European Rally Championship and the British Rally Championship. The event begins with a ceremonial start on Aberystwyth Promenade on Thursday 3 September, followed by stages across Ceredigion and Powys from 4–6 September.
