Urdd Gobaith Cymru
The Urdd Gobaith Cymru [ˈɨrð ˈɡɔbaɪθ ˈkəmrɨ] , literally Welsh League of Hope , commonly translated as Welsh Youth League , is a youth organization in Wales dedicated to promoting the Welsh language and culture. It has around 900 local sections and has more than 50,000 members (as of 2013). The Urdd, the largest youth organization in Wales, organizes a wide range of activities for its members, ranging from small gatherings to the weeklong Urdd Eisteddfod .
It was founded in 1922 by Sir Ifan from Owen Edwards after an appeal in the children's magazine Cymru'r Plant ("Children's Wales"). The first local branch was established in Treuddyn ( Flintshire ) that same year . In 1925 the Urdd published the first "Message of Peace and Benevolence" from Welsh youth to the world - a tradition that has been upheld on May 18th every year since. The Urdd's logo is a triangular stylization of the Welsh flag , with the dragon replaced with a simple red stripe.
There are three age groups: Elementary to 11 years, Secondary from 11 to 16 years and the Urddaholics between 16 and 25 years. The Urdd is divided into local sections whose catchment area coincides with that of the Welsh language schools. These groups in turn are united in associations of the individual counties. The Urdd organizes sports competitions (including rugby union , football , athletics , gymnastics and many others) and cultural events. Local competition winners qualify for regional competitions and ultimately for the national final; in the case of non-sporting competitions, this is the Urdd Eisteddfod .
The main purpose of the association is to promote the learning of the Welsh language and its use in everyday life. Both native speakers and Welsh learners are welcome. At the same time, the intercultural exchange is to be cultivated through humanitarian campaigns. The Urdd publishes three magazines that are aimed at specific target groups depending on age and language skills.