Mistar Urdd to star in the Commonwealth Games!

Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the largest youth organisation in Wales, has been confirmed as the official charity partner of Team Wales at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 

The major announcement was made in Cardiff Bay today (Tuesday May 28) on the second day of the 2019 Cardiff & Vale Urdd National Eisteddfod. Central to the partnership is Mistar Urdd, the much-loved Urdd mascot, who will become Team Wales’ official Mascot during the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Announcing the partnership, Urdd Gobaith Cymru Chief Executive Sian Lewis said: 

“The Urdd has a proud tradition of promoting health and sport among the young people of Wales. The Urdd Sports Department is involved in community sport and national competitions in a variety of sports from rugby 7s to netball, swimming and athletics as well as partnering with governing bodies on national competitions such as the WRU and Disability Sport Wales. Over 100,000 children and young people participate in sports with the Urdd Sports Department every year. 

“Today, the Urdd is a major provider of sports opportunities for young people in Wales. We see this new and exciting partnership with Team Wales as a natural and logical partnership, with both sides working to inspire a generation of young people and instil in them a sense of pride in team and country at such a high-profile event. That inspiration can stay with a person for life and indeed, change lives for the better. With 2022 being our centenary year as an organisation we look forward to ensuring lifetime experiences for our members”

As part of the partnership the Urdd will commission an anthem for Team Wales, which will be performed by 500 children and young people from all parts of Wales.  One of the competitions of the 2021 Urdd National Eisteddfod will also which will see all regional winners invited to record the anthem.

The Urdd will also be partnering with Team Wales to ensure that the cultural and artistic talents of Urdd members will form part of the cultural hubs of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games which takes place in the city between 27 July and 7 August 2022. These hubs will showcase the best of Urdd talent to visitors.

It is also hoped that the Games will provide a platform for the international message of peace and goodwill, created and presented by members of the Urdd every year. 

Commonwealth Games Wales Chair Helen Phillips MBE said: 

“The Urdd is one of Europe’s largest youth organisations and it’s an exciting opportunity for us to further enhance and engage with youngsters in Wales and across Welsh communities worldwide. Inspiring and motivating young people to do their best and to achieve their goals is an important factor for us, and with the Urdd’s iconic reputation and the importance of Welsh language and culture we are looking forward to welcoming them as a charity partner going into Birmingham 2022.”

The Urdd is a highly regarded leader in the field of sport provision for children and young people. It also provides opportunities for young people to gain employment, experience and professional qualifications through its sports apprenticeship scheme. 
This year the Urdd hosted the largest 7-a-side youth rugby tournament in Wales in partnership with the WRU, with over 400 teams and 5,000 competitors.