Welsh Creativity not Limited to the Golf Course

Chwaraewyr Cymru yn dangos eu doniau, nid yn unig ar y cwrs golff, ond hefyd yn greadigol. Kevin Bywater ( Chwaraewr y Gystadleuaeth ) a Jeff Lawrence ( Chwaraewr y Chwaraewyr o Gymru) yn defnyddio y traddodiad Eisteddfodol i gyfleu eu teimladau drwy farddoniaeth. 

Our Welsh players showing their mastery, not just of the game of golf, but of creative arts too. Kevin Bywater (Overall Player of the Tournament) and Jeff Lawrence (Players’ player of the tournament for Wales) channel their inner Eisteddfod and express their emotions through poetry

The Welsh Team

The Four Nations – Kevin Bywater

As we played each hole with passion for our team
Those parky conditions disappeared like a dream
Our focus on the game so intent
This opportunity heaven sent

Each day that passed was a privilege to belong
Remembering the countries as they burst into song
Thanks to Charlie and his team
For creating this event and fulfilling a dream

As sun sets on the Brabazon at the end of a special three days
I think myself so lucky and reflect as it melts in the haze
How grateful I am to have met so many in the same frame of mind as me
Those parky battlers came to life it was always going to be

Kevin (pictured right) was Player of the Tournament

The Belfry – Kevin Bywater

A weekend to remember a great success it’s true
Our parky friends across four nations red white green and blue
From the practice day to the final putt the competition was tough
With deep and Sandy bunkers and the unforgiving rough

Our team worked so hard alas with no victory in the end
But held our heads up high knowing the wounds would mend
For within our team there was a united front from the start
Which never changed despite our broken heart

We will comeback stronger with belfry experiences gained
Knowing in the face of adversity our strength never waned
Next year will be our year boys we never walk alone
Come on then Wales next year let’s bring that trophy home

I Have A Dream – Jeff Lawrence

“I have a dream” as someone once said
But don’t all Parky warriors dream when they’re tucked up in bed

No this was very different, it was not meant to scare
It reached out to all, to bring hope not despair

So who was this dreamer and what was his dream
“Sport for all Parky warriors” it seemed so extreme

We must let them all know how important it can be
To keep that body moving,keeping joints and muscles free

The easy bit is telling them what they should all do
He hard bit is giving them the means to see it through

Charlie Appleyard was the man who had that vivid dream
And set about recruiting a dedicated team

Steve Jones came on board and brought financial clout
Garen Williams was next to join his sporting knowledge in no doubt

Last but not least Claire Jones who we all love
Diagnosed at 35 her hand slipped snuggly in the glove

As a business man of note who had built successful teams before
He defined the “compelling cause”which still sits at the core.

Sport Parkinsons was born and the compelling cause was strong
“Keep healthy and strong until a cure comes along”

With the building blocks in place and the strap line very clear
Charlie may have stopped to celebrate his progress with a beer
(probably as part of a meeting with sponsors like Heineken)

No not Charlie the job was not yet done
But after all the hard work it was time to have some fun

Events began to flow, it was an impressive start
Table tennis,Triathlon and football all played their part

But being a keen golfer one event pulled on his heart
Four nations playing golf with an iconic venue start

It was a massive ask and finding sponsors would be tough
But the team Charlie had built were made of stronger stuff

The result we’ve all just witnessed, a fantastic golf event
Surpassing all our expectations for golfers heaven send

But golf was not the only winner as our parky families met
From all parts of the country some I’m sure we won’t forget

Charlie you dreamt big and boy have you delivered
The golf was just amazing as are friendships it’s has triggered

So on behalf of all of us, lucky enough to share your dream
I huge thank you to Charlie and every one of your team

Jeff Taking in The Belfry Atmosphere

You can support Sport Parkinson’s to hold more events like this, and to keep more people with PD in sport by donating here

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