Hundreds of school children will help the Ospreys celebrate St David’s weekend as part of an Urdd takeover at the Liberty Stadium for the crunch PRO12 clash with Leinster later this month.
The region host the reigning league champions on Friday 27th February, two days before the Welsh Patron Saint’s Day and, to mark the occasion, Urdd Gobaith Cymru have made the big game a special event for its members in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.
Pupils from almost 30 Welsh language schools across all three unitary authorities will come together to form the largest choir ever seen at the Liberty, for a one-off performance, singing before the game and at half-time.
To mark the occasion, the Ospreys will be wearing a special daffodil emblem on their jersey for the game.
Mistar Urdd, the organisation’s mascot will also be in attendance, going head to head with Ozzie the Osprey in the O-Zone, the family friendly pre-match destination in the South Stand, ahead of the game.
Ospreys player, and proud Welsh speaker, Cai Griffiths, said:
“I think it’s great that the Ospreys and the Urdd are teaming up. Anyone growing up in Wales holds Mistar Urdd and everything he represents close to their heart so to be able to bring him, and all the members from across the region, to the stadium is brilliant. We’re all looking forward to seeing everybody here at the Leinster game.”
The Urdd has over 5,000 members and 25 sports clubs within the region.
Aled Lewis, Regional Sports Development Officer said
“It’s great that Urdd members have the opportunity to celebrate St David’s Day with the Ospreys team. We hope that Ospreys fans will have an opportunity to learn more about what we do in the area and get a taste of some of the cultural and sporting opportunities on offer.”
Suki Hayer, Ticket Sales Manager at the Ospreys, welcomed the Urdd to the Liberty Stadium for the game, saying it promised to be a special evening.
“We are delighted to be able to welcome so many Urdd members and their family and friends for such an important game, to help us celebrate St David’s Day” he said.
“Having enjoyed a performance by a Welsh choir from schools in the Neath Port Talbot area on two previous occasions, both of which were hugely popular with our supporters with their enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of the occasion proving infectious, this is the logical next step. With the Urdd’s help we are taking it to the next level.
“The choir will have an important part to play on the night, helping to create an inspirational atmosphere to drive the team on for a win in what is a huge match. Just as importantly, with the game falling just a couple of days before St David’s Day, their presence will really help us to celebrate Wales and Welsh culture in real style. It’s going to be a fantastic occasion for everybody, and hopefully, will be the first of what will become a successful annual event with the Urdd.”