As the 2016 Six Nations Rugby Championship kicks off for Wales today as they play Ireland. Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood has outlined how a Plaid Cymru government in Cardiff would work to make Wales a globally recognised sporting stage by attracting some of the world's greatest championships and tournaments.
Leanne Wood said that a Plaid Cymru government, if elected in May, will bid for Wales to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026/2030, as well as bidding for the Tour de France to come to Wales, for both men and women. She added that this would not only help raise Wales' profile as a nation that consistently punches above its weight in the sporting world, but would also secure a welcome boost for our vital tourism industry.
Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood said: "2016 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Welsh sports. With our national football team making history by qualifying for the European Championships, and the Six Nations rugby tournament kicking off this weekend after a strong World Cup for Wales, we must make the most of these occasions."
Ms Wood also commented: "Plaid Cymru wants to harness the excitement and ambition that comes with our nation's great sporting successes, and prove that we can not only produce world-class athletes but also act as a world-class for some of the greatest championships and tournaments on earth. A Party of Wales government would want to bring the best international sporting occasions to Wales."
Talking about the potential bid for the Commonweath games & Tour de France, Leanne Wood said: "We will develop a Commonwealth Games bid with Wales as the host nation in 2026/2030 - something that would not only have the potential to inspire a whole generation to get involved in sports but also secure a welcome boost for our tourism sector. We will also bid to bring the Tour de France to Wales, for both men and women, and work with sports associations and the tourist industry to identify other opportunities for Wales to act as hosts."
"Plaid Cymru knows that Wales has all the ingredients to be a global success story. Under our leadership, the next Welsh government will ensure that our nation is renowned for excellence, on and off the pitch." Leanne Wood added.
