Mistar Urdd, symbol of Welsh youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru, will be the Team Wales mascot at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham ©YouTube

Team Wales's mascot for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham will be Mistar Urdd – the popular figure personifying Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the largest youth organisation in Wales, which has become the team’s official Games charity partner.

The announcement was made in Cardiff Bay on the second day of the 2019 Cardiff & Vale Urdd National Eisteddfod.

Announcing the partnership, Urdd Gobaith Cymru chief executive Sian Lewis said: “The Urdd has a proud tradition of promoting health and sport among the young people of Wales. 

“The Urdd Sports Department is involved in community sport and national competitions in a variety of sports from rugby sevens to netball, swimming and athletics as well as partnering with governing bodies on national competitions such as the Welsh Rugby Union and Disability Sport Wales.

“More than 100,000 children and young people participate in sports with the Urdd Sports Department every year. 

“Today, the Urdd is a major provider of sports opportunities for young people in Wales.

Welsh athletes, pictured at the Opening Ceremony of last year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, will have a new mascot at the 2022 Games in Birmingham in the form of Mistar Urdd, personifying Welsh youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru ©Getty Images
Welsh athletes, pictured at the Opening Ceremony of last year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, will have a new mascot at the 2022 Games in Birmingham in the form of Mistar Urdd, personifying Welsh youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru ©Getty Images

“We see this new and exciting partnership with Team Wales as a natural and logical partnership, with both sides working to inspire a generation of young people and instil in them a sense of pride in team and country at such a high-profile event. 

“That inspiration can stay with a person for life and indeed, change lives for the better. 

“With 2022 being our centenary year as an organisation we look forward to ensuring lifetime experiences for our members.”

As part of the partnership, the Urdd will commission an anthem for Team Wales, which will be performed by 500 children and young people from all parts of Wales.

One of the competitions of the 2021 Urdd National Eisteddfod will also see all regional winners invited to record the anthem.

The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games will take place from July 27 to August 7.

Commonwealth Games Wales chair Helen Phillips said: “The Urdd is one of Europe’s largest youth organisations and it’s an exciting opportunity for us to further enhance and engage with youngsters in Wales and across Welsh communities worldwide. 

“Inspiring and motivating young people to do their best and to achieve their goals is an important factor for us.

"And with the Urdd’s iconic reputation and the importance of Welsh language and culture, we are looking forward to welcoming them as a charity partner going into Birmingham 2022.”