Pupils meet Mo Farah

Pupils from three south Wales schools have met double Olympic champion Mo Farah as part of the University’s widening participation programme.

The Mo Inspires event – organised with Run4Wales - took place at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena the day before the University-sponsored IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff.

Young people from Cantonian High School in Cardiff, St John Baptist High School in Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in Penywaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, spoke with Mo and questioned him about his hugely successful athletics career.

The Widening Participation Step Up programme supports young people who are traditionally under-represented in higher education by offering a range of activities to raise aspirations.

The University’s Senior Widening Participation Officer Vicki Roylance said: “These activities help to break down the barriers and dispel the myth that access to a top university, like Cardiff is for a privileged few.

“Cardiff University works with more than 100 schools and colleges in Communities First areas across Wales to raise aspirations and broaden awareness of Higher Education.

“The Step Up programme provides tailored support for these students by offering masterclasses including personal development and revision, a residential summer school, tailored advice and support on applying to university, e-mentoring and academic subject taster sessions.”