A COLEG Llandrillo Health and Social Care student made the final of a prestigious awards ceremony following his extensive contribution to volunteering in his local community.

Connor Workman, aged 18, from Rhos-on-Sea narrowly missed out on the Volunteer of the Year award at the Conwy Sports Awards’ ceremony. He was nominated for the award by staff from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s newly-created Active Ambassador Programme.

The programme is one of the initiatives put into place by the college group – comprising Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor - which encourages physical activity and promotes positive social and mental well-being, whilst ensuring learners become connected to their local area and support the building of stronger communities.

As part of his involvement in the programme Connor also: represented the college at the annual Network She Women in Sports Conference at Snowdonia Adventure Parc where he publicly promoted the Active Ambassador Programme to more than 100 delegates. He became a Platinum Ambassador and joined the National Youth Ambassador Steering Group this year, helping to organise its national conference. He supported the first North Wales mixed ability rugby team, Colwyn Bay RFC Stingrays, as assistant team manager when the team played their first tournament at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. He has completed his rugby qualifications and his Level 1 Coaching and Referee course and coaches at Colwyn Bay Rugby Football Club.

Sara Williams, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s learner services project manager, said: “Connor’s nomination for this award celebrates the work he has undertaken within Rhos-on-Sea and the surrounding community to promote physical and mental well-being. Although he did not win the award on this occasion, I’m sure that with his dedication and hard work, this won’t be the last time we hear of his positive contributions.”

Hannah Hughes, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s rugby engagement officer, added: “Connor is a remarkable young person and has an amazing heart, giving up a considerable amount of his time to make a difference to so many young people’s lives, and finds the time to study and work too. He totally deserves the recognition he is receiving for his considerable efforts, and his dedication is an inspiration to us all.”

Connor hopes to become a primary school teacher and has linked up with Ysgol Llandrillo yn Rhos primary school (who won ‘School of the Year’ at the 2019 Conwy Sports Awards). Connor has supported the school with a number of physical activity sessions and has set up a weekly after school rugby club, attended a primary schools Urdd rugby festival as their coach, attended the school during the Rugby World Cup and has organised links with WRU staff in Japan to inspire the pupils.