Members of the Wales YFC will head off to Halmstad, in Sweden, on July 31st to represent Wales at the European Rally – Think Globally Act Locally.

The rally is an annual event organised by the European committee for YFCs, Rural Youth Europe.

During the event a number of teams of YFC members from across Europe will converge to participate in activities designed to bridge the gap between members from different cultures and backgrounds.

Among the Wales team is South Pembs YFC member Wayne Shankin.

Wayne is a builder and has previously travelled to a number of countries including Thailand, Malaysia and America. However, this is the first time he has travelled with the YFC. Wayne says he is looking forward to the experience.

This year’s rally will focus on employment and entrepreneurship and it will be an opportunity to share best practice in entrepreneurship and as a tool in preventing unemployment and depopulation of rural areas. Gwennan Davies, of Llanwenog YFC, in Ceredigion, is the Wales team leader.

Gwennan, who is the development officer for Menter Aberystwyth, is currently the treasurer and vice-chariman of her club and attended the Rural Youth Europe rally held in Germany in 2007.

“As team leader, I have been responsible for co-ordinating the team and working closely with the members to do our best to promote Wales to the rest of Europe,” said Gwennan.

“This is an unforgettable week and as ambassadors for our country we strive to portray Wales at its best through advertising Welsh products, produce, crafts and advertising our rural businesses.”

Gwennan and Wayne will be accompanied by Lowri Jones, a member of Caerwedros YFC, Ceredigion, Meinir Jones, from Llanfynydd YFC, Carmarthenshire, and Lucy Stonebridge, a member of Howey YFC, Radnor.

Since they were chosen to attend the European rally, all five members have been busy collecting sponsorship for the trip and they are extremely grateful to all those who have supported them.

Anyone who would like to assist the Wales ambassadors through sponsorship, produce or T-shirts, which will be advertised to the rest of Europe, should contact team leader Gwennan Davies, via the Wales YFC office on 01982 553502.