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Sport Wales is the national organisation responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales.

Arwain Cymru 

We are delighted to have recently launched our governance and people development framework, Arwain Cymru, and in particular the way it embeds the Welsh language as a core element. The framework reflects our commitment to Welsh culture and to supporting the organisations we invest in to develop their governance and people in a way that is inclusive. We’re eager to see our partners work closely with the Hybu team and Sport Wales’ governance team as part of their journey towards the Cynnig Cymraeg, and to share the innovative ideas and good practice that will emerge from this work.

Why is the use of the Welsh language important to Sport Wales?

The Welsh language is a fundamental part of Wales’ cultural identity. As a public body, Sport Wales has a clear responsibility to respect, promote and facilitate the use of Welsh in the delivery of its services. Using Welsh supports inclusion, equality and accessibility, and integrating the Welsh language into Sport Wales’ work reinforces our commitment to serving people in their language of choice and embedding Welsh culture within sport and physical activity. One of the main drivers of Sport Wales strategy is being person-centred in what we do and in what sport feels like for the participant. A fundamental part of being person-centred is communicating in each persons chosen language. So we want to see more Welsh language opportunities to take part in sport

For these reasons, we decided to embed the Welsh language within our governance and people development framework, Arwain Cymru. During the development phase, partners highlighted the importance of Welsh being included as a core element of the framework, identifying it as a priority area for development and reflecting the value the sector places on the Welsh language. 

Why is it important to provide Welsh-language services within the sports sector in Wales? What are the benefits of doing so?

By incorporating Welsh-language services within the sector, we are ensuring that services are accessible and relevant to Welsh-speaking communities. Without it, organisations risk missing key engagement opportunities and falling short of national expectations. Evidence over many years also demonstrates that participation rates among Welsh speakers are above average, so being able to target and promote sport and physical activities amongst those communities is crucial to supporting the vision for sport in Wales and creating natural hubs where people can enjoy sport through the medium of Welsh. The Welsh Language Commissioners’ recent research has shown how important this is for young people.

Why does Sport Wales encourage Sport Governing Bodies to work with the Hybu team to achieve the Cynnig Cymraeg?

We encourage our funded partners to work with the Hybu team to achieve the Cynnig Cymraeg as it can provide a practical and proportiantate framework for developing their Welsh language provision. The Hybu team offers tailored advice, support and expertise, helping partners to create a development plan that is achievable and appropriate for their size, capacity and reach.

How important is it to build and maintain a strong working relationship with the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Hybu team?

Its important for Sport Wales to build this partnership because of the expertise and support that the Hybu team can give to the sports sector in Wales. Sport Wales began a closer partnership with Hybu team in 2021.  That has helped a number of Sport Wales partner National Governing Bodies of sport and National Organisation to progess their Welsh language offers and for some to achieve the Cynnig Cymreag.  
The team are used to working with organisations of all shapes and sizes so they tailor their support, guidance and expectations to each organisation. They also have a good knowledge of sporting organisations and their opportunities and challenges.

What are the benefits for sports organisations in working towards the Cynnig Cymraeg? What advice would you offer to organisations considering this process?

We would strongly recommend that our partners consider working towards the Cynnig Cymraeg. The Cynnig Cymraeg provides visible recognition to an organisaton that offers Welsh language services.  This can be a valuable signal to Welsh speakers.