The song, entitled Good as Gold, was composed by local producer Andrew Griffiths following a project which invited young people with an impairment from schools throughout Swansea to provide their own unique take on the exploits of Welsh stars, including Paralympic champions Mark Colbourne, Aled Davies and Josie Pearson, through poetry and art.

After workshops led by Phil Cope of Swansea Council and Sara Beer from Disability Arts Cymru, a decision was made to use the words of the children and put them together to form the official song for the Championships.

The song is said to reflect the core movements of IPC athletics - running, throwing, jumping, pushing - and the pride of representing your country and the elation of winning.

"I was approached by someone about the event and asked if I could help out," said Griffiths.

"Of course, I was delighted to, particularly as it is a big event for Swansea and a chance to involve local children.

"It all took about a month to pull together.

"The words from the poems we used were really inspirational and they really make the song."

Welsh musician and composer Mal Pope was drafted in to provide the lead vocals on the song.

"I've worked with Andrew on so many projects and it's always an honour to be involved in something with the people of Swansea," he said.

Paralympic and world discus champion Josie Pearson is one of the Welsh athletes to provide the inspiration for the Swansea 2014 official song, Good as Gold ©Getty Images



The song will part of the Swansea 2014 Opening Ceremony on August 18 and will be also used for medal ceremonies throughout the event.

"Good as Gold is a project that Swansea can be proud of," said Swansea 2014 chairman Paul Thorburn.

"It is ground-breaking, reflecting the talent and achievement of young people from across the country.

"Most of all my thanks and congratulations go to the pupils whose contributions have brought this project to life."

To listen to the official Swansea 2014 song Good as Gold click here.

When the Championships get underway next month it will be the first time they have been in Britain since the inaugural event in Assen in The Netherlands in 2003.

Since then the Championships have been staged in Espoo, Finland in 2005 and back in The Netherlands again when Stadskanaal was the host in 2012.

Both Colbourne and Davies will be aiming to impress in front of home fans and they will be among 600 of Europe's best from around 40 countries who are expected to descend on Swansea next month.

For more information and to purchase tickets for Swansea 2014 click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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