Commonwealth Games Wales today announced that 39 young athletes have been selected as part of Team Wales.
Gerwyn Owen, the Chef de Mission leading Team Wales to the Commonwealth Youth Games in July, said: “It’s particularly exciting that the Women’s Rugby Sevens have been selected to represent Wales at the Youth Games this year. With the development of the sport in Wales over recent years it looks promising that the Welsh side will do well in the Bahamas.”
Owen offered his congratulations to all of the 39 selected athletes, adding: “Many of them will get to represent Wales in a major multi-sport event for the very first time, which will no doubt give them a great sense of pride.
“It’s a massive opportunity for them to showcase Wales at its best both on and off the field, and to celebrate our national culture and heritage through sport.”
Nominations were made by the national governing bodies responsible for each of the six sports in which Wales will compete at the Games held between 18-23 July. Along with women’s rugby sevens there will be swimming, athletics, boxing, judo and tennis.
Commonwealth Games Wales Chair Helen Phillips said: “We are really excited to announce the Team Wales squad for the sixth Youth Games in the Bahamas. It’s very encouraging to see the calibre of young Welsh athletes coming through. This is testament to their commitment, passion and dedication and also to the excellent support of their coaches, families and national governing bodies.
“The Youth Games are a great platform for them on their road to future success as senior athletes. Several Welsh stars who have gone on to medal at the Commonwealth Games in the past, and many athletes who are now aiming to qualify for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – such as Jazz Carlin and Elinor Barker – began their careers representing Wales at the Youth Games.
“Team Wales did particularly well in the 2015 Youth Games in Samoa, bringing home nine medals to Wales and delivering some outstanding performances. I have every confidence that our athletes will do their very best and make us proud once again this summer.”
Joining Owen’s team of officials will be Rhys Shorney as Lead Physiotherapist, Katy Guy as Chief Medical Officer and Cathy Williams as General Team Manager.
The Team Wales women’s rugby sevens squad will be announced soon.
