Stars of Team Wales will gather at the Senedd for a celebration of their historic achievements at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Athletes and medallists, including Gareth Evans, Wales’ first gold medal of the Games and flag bearer at the closing ceremony; lawn bowls gold winners Mark Wyatt and Daniel Salmon; Alys Thomas in the pool; and world record breaker Hollie Arnold will be hosted by the National Assembly’s Llywydd, Elin Jones AM, and First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones AM, at a special reception on Wednesday 25 April.
Team Wales’ 36 medal haul from the Gold Coast, including 10 gold, saw them finish seventh in the medal table, their highest ever position, and makes it their most successful games ever.
Each team member will be presented with a commemorative medal from the Royal Mint marking their achievements.
There will also be an opportunity for people to meet members of Team Wales for photos and autographs on the steps of the Senedd from 18.30.
“Team Wales has made our nation very proud, and I am very much looking forward to welcoming the athletes and their coaches to the Senedd following the historic performances at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast,” said Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales.
“As ever, sporting success has a way of lifting spirits and inspiring others, so it is only right that our parliament pays tribute to those who have worked so hard to represent and promote Wales on the world stage.”
First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM, said:
“Our Team Wales athletes have done us all proud by securing a record medal haul of 10 gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze medals during the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
“With medals won across 11 sports, their performance shows a real depth and variety to the country’s sporting achievements. Once again, we have proven that Wales is truly a nation of champions, which produces sportsmen and women who can perform on the world stage.
“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who was part of the record winning team, the athletes, the coaches and all those who worked so hard to get Team Wales to the Gold Coast. The homecoming event on Wednesday will be a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate these truly inspirational athletes.”
Helen Phillips MBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales said:
"Wales enjoyed a record breaking Games, and our athletes and officials are really looking forward to Wednesday’s reception for our chance to meet Welsh Government, who backed us all the way, and the hugely supportive public of Wales. We aimed to inspire others to perform and achieve their best, and to ignite a passion for sport in Wales, in particular for young people. I am absolutely confident that we've accomplished both – by our athletes’ performance in competition and also their attitude and conduct off the field.”
The event will be streamed live on the National Assembly's Facebook page and will feature interviews with members of Team Wales and the opportunity for people to submit their own questions and comments.
Proceedings will begin at 17.30pm and finish no later than 19.30pm.