World Class Welsh Sport: The Minister for Sport, Huw Lewis AM

In our third installment of opinion pieces to celebrate St David's Day we hear from the Minister for Sport, Huw Lewis AM, about what he thinks makes Wales such a great sporting nation.

“Wales is a great sporting nation. For a small country, we certainly have impact on the World’s sporting stage. Our Welsh Rugby Team has achieved great things in the World Cup and in this year’s Six Nations and the players have gained the respect of the sporting world with their mature attitude. The Welsh football team has some great young players and have improved enormously over the last 12 months.

“In this Olympic year, all eyes are turning to our Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Their achievements in Beijing and at the Commonwealth Games puts Welsh athletes in a great position in the lead up to the London 2012 Games. Of course, none of this would be possible without all the coaches and volunteers that harness this talent. Our world class sporting facilities give our athletes every opportunity to succeed.

“However, sport isn’t just for our elite athletes. The funding from the Welsh Government and the Lottery Fund has helped develop sport at a grass roots level. Our Free Swimming programme, for example, ensures that all our children and over 60s have access to sporting facilities. So this St David’s Day, why not get out there and get your children enjoying sport.”

Find out more about our great sporting nation and test your Welsh sporting knowledge with wales.com's interactive quiz.