There is more than one reason for the Outdoor Partnership to celebrate at the moment. A week ago they won their category at the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action’s (WCVA) Welsh Charity Awards for their commitment to the Welsh language and today they are celebrating again, having been awarded the Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) commendation by the Welsh Language Commissioner.
The Outdoor Partnership works to support the people of Wales and beyond to undertake outdoor activities as a lifelong activity. Established in 2004 it brings together public, private and third sector organisations to collaborate effectively in the outdoor sector and share the same vision.
According to Siân Williams from the Partnership, implementing and offering services through the medium of Welsh is a natural step for them,
“As a charity set up in North West Wales, we are incredibly proud of our roots, and that we are a small Welsh charity, which has expanded into and influenced other areas of the United Kingdom in the last five years.
“It is important to us that our core work of supporting Welsh communities continues, and offering a Welsh language service is a vital part of this. We continue on our journey in terms of the Welsh language but winning at the awards night was fantastic and to receive the Cynnig Cymraeg now is proof of our commitment and that we are on the right path.”
As part of Charities Week, WCVA celebrated by holding its annual charity awards ceremony where the use of Welsh in delivering activities was recognised. This year, the Outdoor Partnership came out on top in that particular category.
According to the Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones, the outdoor activity area is extremely popular and to see the partnership bringing the Welsh language to the forefront is very encouraging,
“The Outdoor Partnership works with all sectors and as a result their commitment to the Welsh language in their daily work can have a far-reaching impact. By securing the Cynnig Cymraeg approval, they have developed a work plan that outlines a clear direction for their work in which the Welsh language plays a central role.
“We are in the middle of our Defnyddia dy Gymraeg campaign where we encourage people to use Welsh in a variety of situations. The success of the Partnership is further proof of the need to offer Welsh language services in all aspects of our lives.
“I would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them well as they further develop their Welsh language provision.”
