The centenary of Wales’ most celebrated youth organisation has been formally recognised in the House of Commons following the tabling of a Parliamentary Motion by Plaid Cymru MPs Liz Saville Roberts, Hywel Williams and Ben Lake.

This year marks one hundred years since Urdd Gobaith Cymru was founded by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards with the aim of protecting and promoting the Welsh language.

Commenting on the anniversary, lead signatory Liz Saville Roberts MP said: "I am delighted to table this Parliamentary Motion in recognition of the huge contribution the Urdd has made to Welsh life, in particular the safeguarding of our language and the opportunities it has afforded thousands of young people.

"The Urdd is Wales’s largest organisation for children and young people with more than 55,000 members. It has brought the Welsh language alive and provided access to important experiences for millions of children and young people through the Urdd Eisteddfod, sports, its residential centres and community and charitable work.

"It should be particularly commended for its commitment to supporting children and young people from low-income households by offering this year’s membership at a reduced rate.

"We should all recognise the impact the Covid pandemic has had on the organisation, and it is important that all of us who holds the Welsh language dear support the Urdd to rebuild which will be instrumental in achieving the Welsh Government’s target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

"I wish the organisation all the very best for the future."