Powys leisure centres are set to benefit from energy-saving upgrades thanks to Welsh Government funding.

The £3.5 million funding from the Welsh Government is being allocated by Sport Wales to 37 sporting projects across Wales to widen access to sports and physical activities, create more pitches, and support talented athletes in achieving their dreams.

A significant part of this funding will be used to make leisure centres more energy-efficient, helping to keep activities affordable for communities.

In Powys, Brecon Leisure Centre, Builth Wells Sport Centre, and Maldwyn Leisure Centre will benefit from cost-saving LED lighting upgrades, thanks to a £70,000 grant.

An £80,000 award will also see solar panels installed at the leisure centres in Brecon, Maldwyn, and Ystradgynlais, generating long-term energy savings and reducing the centres' carbon footprints.

A further £27,624 has been allocated to Powys Council for the installation of destratification fans at Brecon, Maldwyn, and Flash Leisure Centres to improve energy efficiency.

The funding also supports innovative ideas to encourage more people to get active.

Pembrokeshire County Council's plans to use Artificial Intelligence technology to create personalised workouts for all abilities will receive £99,630, and Welsh Boxing has been given funds to introduce Virtual Reality Boxing, providing a safe opportunity for people with impairments to enjoy the sport.

Sport Wales CEO Brian Davies said: "We received a high level of applications from local authorities, sport governing bodies, and national partners for a share of this funding and prioritised projects that would make the biggest impact on making sport more inclusive for all as well as supporting our ambitions for nurturing talented athletes.

"Just as we did last year, we’re pleased to have been able to award a large amount of funding to help safeguard the long-term future of leisure facilities by making them more energy-efficient and sustainable.

"These projects will also generate sizeable carbon savings, helping to support Wales’ climate change targets."

Welsh Government Minister for Sport, Jack Sargeant, said: "Through this funding - which marks a significant part of our £8m investment in Sport Wales this year - we are delivering on our commitments to promote equal access to sport, support our grassroot clubs, and invest in new and world-class sporting facilities for our nation’s talented athletes.

"From innovative tech-driven facilities to energy-efficient places, these projects will provide inclusive, accessible, and sustainable opportunities for people across Wales to enjoy both the physical and mental health benefits of sport, and to hone their skills and talent to achieve their potential and emulate their sporting heroes."

The grants have been made possible thanks to a total £8 million worth of capital funding for 2024-25, which has been allocated to Sport Wales by the Welsh Government.

All grants are subject to certain terms and conditions being met.

Some of the projects are already underway, while others are planned for the coming months.