At Disability Sport Wales, we believe that sport has the power to bring people together, break down barriers, and strengthen communities. As part of Cynnig Cymraeg week, we’re proud to share how we’re embedding the Welsh language into our work and why it matters - not just to us, but to the wider sport sector across Wales.
What Welsh services do we offer?
We are committed to offering bilingual services wherever possible. This includes Welsh-language communications across our website, social media channels, and marketing materials, as well as bilingual programme delivery. We encourage and support staff to use Welsh in their day-to-day work, and we ensure that participants can engage with our services in Welsh if they choose. From events and workshops to partnerships and resources, we aim to make Welsh visible, accessible, and valued.
We are proud to support the sector through free to access Welsh language Disability Inclusion Training, helping clubs, coaches, and organisations build confidence in delivering inclusive sport through the medium of Welsh. This ensures that more opportunities are available for people to participate in sport in a way that reflects both their language preference and their needs.
Creating a Welsh Language Development Plan & Cynnig Cymraeg
Our journey began with a clear commitment to strengthening our Welsh-language provision. We assessed our current use of Welsh, identified areas for improvement, and consulted with staff and stakeholders. From there, we developed a structured Welsh Language Development Plan, setting out practical actions and achievable goals. This included staff training, increasing consistent bilingual content, and embedding Welsh into our programmes. We continue to work through this plan and are proud to receive recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office.
Achieving Cynnig Cymraeg recognition was a meaningful milestone for us. It validates our commitment and provides a framework and steps for continuous improvement. It also signals to our partners, participants, and communities that we take the Welsh language seriously. The process has strengthened our internal culture and given us greater confidence in delivering bilingual services.
Offering services in Welsh creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment. It allows individuals to engage in their preferred language, which can enhance understanding, comfort, and enjoyment. For many, it’s also about identity - being able to participate in sport through the medium of Welsh can be empowering and meaningful.
For DSW, using Welsh is about inclusion, respect, and opportunity. In the sport sector, language can be a powerful tool for engagement and help individuals feel comfortable, confident, and connected. Promoting Welsh supports community cohesion and ensures that sport is truly accessible to everyone, regardless of language preference.
Get involved:
To see our Welsh language commitment in action join us a key cultural events across Wales, including the Urdd Eisteddfod, the Royal Welsh Show, and Tafwyl. These events are central to Welsh culture and provide an ideal platform to ensure that inclusive sport is visible, accessible, and delivered through the medium of Welsh. At each event, inclusive activity spaces where disabled people of all ages could take part in sport and physical activity sessions delivered bilingually. Our staff and volunteers engaged participants using everyday Welsh, ensuring that the language felt natural, supportive, and inclusive.
Looking for support in using Welsh in your settings? Our trilingual resource is continually updated and is available to access here:https://www.disabilitysportwales.com/en-gb/trilingual-resource/greetings. Designed to support inclusive coaching across Wales, and is available in Welsh, English, and British Sign Language, ensuring it can be used confidently by a wide and diverse audience.
By embracing the Welsh language, we’re not just enhancing our services—we’re helping to shape a more inclusive, vibrant sporting landscape for Wales. Diolch yn fawr for celebrating with us this Cynnig Cymraeg week.
Find out more here: https://www.welshlanguagecommissioner.wales/support-resources/businesses-and-charities/cynnig-cymraeg
