Glamorgan legend Mark Wallace attended a special at Cardiff Castle as part of
National Cricket Week today (Thursday), inspiring the Welsh-speaking children of Cardiff to play cricket.
Wallace, who has played for the Welsh county for 17 years after growing up in South
Wales, was acting as an ambassador for Glamorgan, Chance To Shine and The Urdd – a Welsh language youth movement promoting Welsh culture and identity.
He was on hand to pose for pictures, offer coaching and advice, as well as handing out winners and runners-up medals to the two finalists, Ysgol Cymraeg Aberystwyth and Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd, all with the beautiful surroundings of Cardiff Castle.
The Welshman said it was great to celebrate a successful period for Welsh sport – with the football team going well in Euro 2016 – which could inspire thousands of children to get involved in sport at every level.
Wallace said: “Welsh sport is on a high at the moment and thankfully cricket is as well, with the way Glamorgan have been playing in white-ball cricket.
"But that’s the elite end of it, this is very much the grassroots and at Glamorgan we’re very committed to helping things grow at grassroots level as well.”
Wallace, as a Gray Nicolls Ambassador and PCA Chairman, was more than happy to help out with the event, as Glamorgan seek to find the next generation of talented cricketers.
He added: “This event with Chance To Shine and the Urdd has been great. It’s been great to see kids with smiles on their faces, trying to hit the ball hard and bowl fast.
Wallace also expressed hope that Wales could go even further in Euro 16, as a proud Welshman himself.
He added:“It’s fantastic that Wales have gone so far in the Euros, it’s brilliant for the country and I think the nation are all behind them – but I think they’ve got a couple more rounds in them. Hopefully Glamorgan can keep their run going as well.”
Glamorgan face Surrey in the NatWest T20 Blast tomorrow (Friday) night starting at 6.30pm. Secure your seats by clicking here.