A CWMBRAN soldier has the key role of whip supervisor at the Commonwealth Games boxing tournament for the next two weeks.

Not that staff sergeant Vinny Powell, 32, is any stranger to such high-profile events. He qualified to fight in the Games in Canada in 1994 and again in 1998 when he travelled to Kuala Lumpur to represent Wales.

Powell, (pictured) an Army Physical Training Instructor, will be in charge of about 30 other soldiers drafted in en bloc. Games organizers and the Amateur Boxing Association were keen to snap up the available pool of talent to look after the day-to-day smooth running of what is being perceived as the third biggest event during the Games - behind the athletics and rugby sevens.

Forty-one countries have entered an impressive 220 boxers. Powell, who also coaches the Welsh team as well as Army boxers, said: "Our job is to make sure that all the athletes are looked after and are here when they are required.

"It's great to have the chance to look at all the teams. And it's a great incentive to the rest of my lads who will realize that with a bit more effort they will be there," he added. Meanwhile, shooting hotshot Ceri Dallimore is hoping she hits the target in the prone rival event.

Still only 26, the Cwmbran-based star has scooped a string of top trophies in the sport over the last three seasons, including the British Short Range Ladies Championship in 2002.

Aside from success at this month's Commonwealths, Dallimore also has her sights on the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens where she is hoping the prone discipline is introduced. She won't be the only Gwent marksmen at the Games.

Fellow Cwmbran shooter Robin Hilborne and Newport trap specialists Michael Wixey will both be loading their guns in search of medal glory too.

Sprint sensation Neville Bonfield will be lacing his trainers for the disabled athletes 100m event.

Bonfield, who is partially sighted, is the only track athlete competing in the Games alongside Tanni Grey Thompson.

The talented runner will celebrate his 21st birthday at the opening ceremony, where he is hoping to cap a great year with a place in the final.

Chepstow swimming torpedo Nick Gibbon is another of Gwent's disabled athlete stars. He be diving for glory in the tough 50m freestyle event at the Manchester Aquatic Centre. Finally in the judo, Caldicot-based head coach Terry Pugh will be hoping his team of black-belt wonders can find the winning hold.

Pontypool's Marianne Sharpe is one of his stars and she'll be battling it out in the 70kg class.

The Games explode tomorrow with the opening ceremony taking place at the multi-million pound City of Manchester Stadium which will become Premiership new boys Manchester City's home after the Games.