With the big day fast approaching a number of familiar faces have offered their support for Shwmae Sumae! Day.

Ben Davies , Swansea and Wales defender was pleased to support the campaign and said :

” Welsh is the language of my ancestors and I have the responsibility to carry on the tradition. It is important that I speak Welsh with the family and teach others about the language . Additionally it is a great feeling that a number of other players in the Wales squad now speak Welsh. ”

On October 15 there will be a number of events and activities taking place across the country to celebrate the Shwmae Sumae! The campaign aims to :
• make Welsh more prominent in public
• show that a language belongs to everyone in Wales, whatever their level of fluency
• and ensure the use of Welsh throughout the year.

In Pembrokeshire organizations such as the Urdd, YFC , Menter Iaith Penfro, Tŵf , Mudiad Meithrin, the Education Dept, Pembrokeshire College, Barclays Bank Merched y Wawr, Welsh for Adults and the National Park have teamed up to celebrate the day through organising flashmob events in four centers across the county.

Llinos Penfold, along with Catrin Phillips who are co-ordinating events said : “It’s a great opportunity to market the work of the organizations within the county, encourage the use of Welsh by Welsh speakers and learners and do something fun and different in order to raise the profile of the language. ”

Catrin, who works with second language children in south Pembrokeshire, added :
” The experience of practising their Welsh with other children and adults will be a valuable experience for second language pupils, and will show that Welsh is a living language which is widely spoken within our county. ”

Gwent Welsh for Adults are hosting a stall at Big Pit, Blaenavon, while schools such as Archbishop Mcgrath, Bridgend and Maesteg High will take full advantage of the day to promote the language within the school and have some fun .

There is also the opportunity to win a prize or get a bargain. In Bridgend, the 50th person to enter Siop yr Hen Bont and greet the owner with the word ” Shwmae ” will receive a special prize .

Restaurant customers on Aberystwyth University campus will have access to a 10% discount if they order drinks in Welsh. There will be help at hand if for those struggling with Welsh! So don’t miss out!

“The support of the University has been fantastic and I ‘m sure that it will be a day to remember, “ said the organiser, Jaci Taylor of the Mid Wales Centre Welsh for Adults, Aberystwyth University.

At Crymych Tŷ Bach Twt is offering a £5 gift voucher to any customer who spends over £40 on the day and begins their conversation in Welsh. Remember it’s not too early to start Christmas shopping !

Mari Lovgreen, Shwmae Sumae! Champion and presenter of S4C’s Argyfwng 999 said :
” It’s great to think that so many activities has been planned for Shwmae Sumae! Day. It’s so important that Welsh will be heard and celebrated in all parts of Wales .

” In communities where use of the Welsh language has diminished – it is important that we encourage and involve learners in Welsh activities. The language is alive and for everyone ! Use it ! “