NEWS
The Football Association of Wales has featured athlete Chris
Bright's story about managing diabetes alongside playing the
sport. Plus, dive in to raise funds.
Making waves in Wales
F
he FC Cymru programme
showcases stories in
football from across the
nation. Chris Bright, who
was diagnosed with Type
1 diabetes at 8 years old, shares his story
from the shock of diagnosis to the relief
that he could still play football. However,
it wasn't without its challenges; managing
blood sugar levels and performing on the
pitch at his best took a lot of learning and
patience.
Bright's determination to carry on with
his sport paid off. As well as a degree in
Sports Studies, he has played football
for his county, university and as a semiprofessional.
He is also a Futsal player -
FIFA's official indoor football game - and
became a Wales Futsal International in
2016. Keen to help others, in 2017, Chris
set up The Diabetes Football Community
[https://thediabetesfootballcommunity.
com/] - a not-for-profit organisation
supporting the needs of people with
diabetes who share a passion for football.
In the FC Cymru video, he shares his
words of wisdom to others with Type 1
who love the sport: "Always see diabetes
as an opportunity to learn. I see a mistake
I make with my diabetes as a 'bad pass',
rather than seeing it as a dramatic thing
that means I should stop doing this
altogether... You wouldn't give up football
or futsal because of one bad pass. For
me, it's about learning from mistakes."
Dive in
Diabetes UK is looking for people from
Wales to take on the swimming challenge
NEWS
REPORT
of the year - Swim22 - between 22
February and 22 May. Participants
will cover an incredible 22 miles - the
equivalent of crossing the English
Channel. People taking on the challenge
can swim in their local pool alone or, better
still, with family, friends or colleagues.
Dai Williams, Director at Diabetes UK
Cymru, said: "Swimming is a fantastic
way to help you get fit and healthy,
have fun and set yourself a challenge.
Whether you're an absolute beginner
or a seasoned swimmer, our team will
be on hand to offer swimming tips and
fundraising advice.
"Every length you complete and every
pound you raise brings us closer to our
vision of a world where diabetes can do
no harm. So, sign up and make a splash!"
There is no registration fee and no
minimum sponsorship.
www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22
ABOVE: Chris Bright (centre).
Click the pic to play the video.