Team Wales’ success celebrated in style

The amazing achievements of Team Wales at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games were celebrated in style yesterday evening at a homecoming ceremony in Cardiff Bay.

Hosted by First Minister Carwyn Jones and Presiding Officer Dame Rosemary Butler, the event saw crowds flock to the Senedd to see the team receive special commemorative medals commissioned by Team Wales and manufactured by The Royal Mint.

Aled Sion Davies, who took silver in the F42/F44 discus final and captained the Team to a record-breaking 36 medals, and gymnast Frankie Jones, who scooped six medals and the David Dixon award, were among those to be honoured.

The celebration also saw great performances from young Welsh talent, including Bone Appétit, a trombone quartet from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, five piece girl band Baby Queens and soloist Mari Wyn Williams.

The First Minister said:

“We are all so proud of Team Wales’ amazing achievements at the Commonwealth Games. Despite some early set backs, their determination and drive truly paid off, with the Team achieving a record-breaking 36 medals.

“The Commonwealth Games are a special opportunity for our sportspeople to compete against the world’s best under the Welsh flag. I know from speaking to many of them here tonight just how proud they were to compete for Wales and how delighted they are to celebrate their success back home.

“Tonight’s event is a fitting celebration of their great achievements and I wish them all the best as they continue their sporting careers.”

The Presiding Officer said:

“Hosting the homecoming in the Senedd was a great honour – the welcome and support demonstrated by the public was a perfect way to celebrate Team Wales’ tremendous success over the summer. Our athletes are a tribute to Wales and fantastic role models to the children and young people in the crowd tonight”.

Aled Sion Davies, Team Wales Captain said:

“It was an absolute honour to captain a record breaking team in Glasgow and I’m so happy to see everyone together again a month afterwards. It’s great to see the public supporting us by coming along to celebrate our achievements this evening- the atmosphere is great, just like the buzz in Glasgow!

“It was an unforgettable Games, with some truly inspiring performances. I’m just so proud and I’d like to thank everyone who represented and supported Team Wales on our record-breaking Commonwealth Games journey.”