Powys residents are being encouraged to mark Father’s Day by attending two community sporting events linked to this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
THE KING`S Baton Relay will visit Brecon and the Elan Valley on Sunday, bringing together dozens of baton bearers selected for their sporting achievements, community contributions and personal resilience.
A total of 22 baton bearers will take part in the Brecon relay, while 29 will feature in the Elan Valley event.
Among the high-profile athletes taking part are Welshpool bobsleigh and shot put star Adele Nicoll and cycling pioneer Tim Davies in the Elan Valley, alongside Commonwealth Games gold medallist Natalie Powell and Paralympic table tennis champion Rob Davies in Brecon.
Organisers hope the Father’s Day events will attract families and supporters to cheer on participants and celebrate sporting achievement within local communities.
Relay routes
The Brecon Baton Relay will begin at 9.00am at Brynich Lock, with spectators advised to gather at the canal basin in Brecon due to limited parking. The relay is expected to arrive at Theatr Brycheiniog at around 10.30am.
The Elan Valley Baton Relay will start at 1.00pm at the top of Caban Coch dam near Rhayader and conclude at approximately 2.30pm.
Community focus
Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said the events would provide an opportunity to celebrate both local communities and sporting success.
“These events are a fantastic opportunity to bring our communities together while celebrating both local and international sporting success,” he said.
“The fact that they are taking place on Father’s Day makes them even more special, and I would encourage residents to come along with their families and be part of this memorable occasion.”
Councillor Raiff Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said the relays would showcase inspiring stories from across Wales.
“With so many baton bearers taking part and world-class athletes attending, there will be something for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
Athletes in the spotlight
Adele Nicoll recently represented Team GB at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, becoming the first British woman to compete in the Olympic monobob event. The Welshpool athlete is also a three-time British shot put champion.
Llandrindod Wells cyclist Tim Davies helped establish Welsh mountain biking on the international stage and was inducted into the Beicio Cymru Hall of Fame in 2025.
Natalie Powell, from Builth Wells, is Wales’ most successful judoka, having won Commonwealth Games gold and represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games. She is set to manage the Welsh judo team at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Brecon’s Rob Davies is a Paralympic gold and silver medallist and five-time European singles champion in para table tennis. He took up the sport after suffering a life-changing spinal injury while playing rugby at the age of 21.
The relays are being supported by a number of organisations including Glandŵr Cymru, Theatr Brycheiniog and Dragonfly Cruises in Brecon, as well as Dŵr Cymru and the Elan Valley Visitor Centre.
A full list of baton bearers is available through Powys County Council.
