Team Wales Celebrates Commonwealth Day

Cefn Fforest Primary School play host to Commonwealth Day Wales

This Commonwealth Day, Team Wales’s celebrations took place at Cefn Fforest Primary school in Blackwood, Caerphilly, a school which has been a huge support to Team Wales over the years, driven by their passion for sport, inclusivity and giving opportunities to every pupil in their school.

The ceremony featured special guest speakers including 2018 Commonwealth para-powerlifter Nathan Stephens, Team Wales Chef de Mission Nicola Phillips, and a Q & A led by pupils, with international athletes, gymnast Emil Barber, and sprinter Hannah Brier in the hot seats, who are both hoping to clinch their spots with Team Wales at Birmingham this summer.

Sport was not the only entertainment on the agenda with performances from talented Welsh musicians, Kizzy Crawford, who sang a beautiful acoustic version of her song ‘Dal yn dynn’, and ‘Welsh of the Westend’ super-group, led by Steffan Hughes, closed the event spectacularly with their wonderful rendition of the Welsh national anthem. Supporting the quartet (Steffan Hughes, Sophie Evans, Siwan Henderson and Celyn Cartwright) were members of the school council, who have been busy learning the sign language to the anthem’s chorus, with a special thanks to the ‘Wales Council for Deaf People’ and Mrs Jayne-Willis, (Deputy Headteacher) for working closely with Commonwealth Games Wales.

The event’s compere, Cathy Williams (Head of Engagement, CGW) also introduced pupils who took the stage to talk about Team Wales, Commonwealth icons, the Birmingham 2022 games (which are in exactly 136 days!), and their aspirations for the future.

Mrs Farmer, Headteacher at Cefn Fforest Primary School said, “Cefn Fforest Primary celebrates Commonwealth Day each year. It is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn about the diverse nature of the countries of the commonwealth, their customs and history. Our pupils learn about the Commonwealth games, the sports that are included and the stories of the athletes who compete for their countries. Pupils even get to try out some of the sports that they will see at the games. We want to inspire the pupils to take up sport at all levels. We are looking forward to a home Commonwealth Games and will be cheering our Team Wales athletes on in July. Go Team Wales!”.

Commonwealth Day is held annually on the second Monday of March, binding 72 nations and territories across the Commonwealth.

This year, the theme is “Delivering a Common Future”, using sport to build peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous communities across the Commonwealth.

The official Commonwealth Day Service was held at Westminster Abbey with the Royal Family and numerous representatives from across the Commonwealth. 

In the Midlands, an event was also taking place in Birmingham at Alexander Stadium, the world-class venue currently being redeveloped to host the Birmingham 2022 Ceremonies and athletics competition.

Chris Jenkins, CGW CEO added “Commonwealth Day is very important to us, especially this year. Last year we celebrated virtually, and to have the opportunity to bring the event ‘live’ once again in a safe environment has reiterated how vital it is to engage with communities and youngsters across the Country. The commitment of the athletes and sports have been outstanding through a very unpredictable period, and this just highlights how Birmingham this summer will undoubtedly be a Games to remember. Thanks to Cefn Fforest primary school, like many other clubs, schools and communities who have supported us – not just the athletes, but all the support staff and volunteers that make Team Wales happen. 136 days and counting!“