Aberystwyth University launches new sports partnership with the Urdd

Pictured left to right: Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Aberystwyth University; Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Chancellor of Aberystwyth University; Ken Skates AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism; Sioned Hughes, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru; Elinor Snowsill, Welsh international rugby player, and Elan Gilford, Wales Sport Awards’ Young Volunteer of the Year.

Aberystwyth University has announced a major new partnership with Urdd Gobaith Cymru Sport Department that will provide greater opportunities for young athelets in Wales and promote the use of the Welsh language in sport.

The partnership was launched at the Urdd Cardiff City Sleepover in the presence of Ken Skates, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism.  Also present were Welsh international rugby player, Elinor Snowsill and Wales Sport Awards’ Young Volunteer of the Year, Elan Gilford.

The Urdd Sports Department hold eight national competitions every year, with around 45,000 children and young people taking part.  The University will have a presence at all events and they will become a key partner in the department’s weekly activities throughout Wales to reach 100,000 children and young people every year.

The partnership will also include a financial contribution by the University to sponsor staff kit, support and development of new community initiatives, and office space for a new sports officer.

Gary Lewis is the Director of Sport within the Urdd.  He said, “We are very proud of our new partnership with Aberystwyth University.   With a five year deal signed, we can focus our attention on providing the best sport provision through the medium of Welsh across Wales with the support of the University.  We have worked with the University in the past but now look forward to having them as our official partner over the next five years.”

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Welsh Language and Culture and External Engagement at Aberystwyth University said: “Aberystwyth University is a long standing supporter of the Urdd, having actively promoted both its cultural activities at the Eisteddfod and its sports provision, including its Sports Coaching Courses, over many years. As Wales’ first University we are delighted to be building on this work with the launch of this partnership, and in so doing, providing a platform for young people in Wales to develop their skills and promoting the use of the Welsh language in sport”.

The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said: “I welcome this new partnership which is exactly the type of collaboration we are going to need to create sustainable opportunities for children and young people to take part in sport in Wales. The Urdd is one of our key partners in promoting the Welsh language and I’m pleased that through this partnership more opportunities will be created for children and young people to use the Welsh language in a setting which brings health, social and cultural benefits.”

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