THE First Minister, Carwyn Jones, has today announced a homecoming celebration for Team Wales following their record success at the Commonwealth Games.

A public reception, jointly hosted by the First Minister and the National Assembly for Wales’s Presiding Officer Dame Rosemary Butler AM, will be held for the Team on the September 10 at the Senedd.

The Team smashed their 27 medal target during their time in Glasgow, bringing home 36 medals, including five gold, eleven silver and 20 bronze medals, beating their previous record of 31 at Manchester in 2002.

The First Minister said:

“We are so proud of Team Wales and their amazing achievements in Glasgow. Despite a number of early set-backs, the Team went on to excel and smash what was already an ambitious medal target.

“We were all enthralled as we watched pinnacle moments such as Geraint Thomas’ gold in the men’s road race, our double-gold in the pool and of course Frankie Jones’ six medal haul in the rhythmic gymnastics. This was the most podium positions by a Welsh athlete at any Games and subsequently won her the most prestigious Commonwealth Games honour, the David Dixon Award.

“I’m sure the Welsh public will welcome this opportunity to celebrate Team Wales’ record success and give them the homecoming they deserve!”

The Presiding Officer said:

“Team Wales have performed exceptionally well at the Glasgow Commonwealth games, exceeding the medal target by a wide margin.

“Sport Wales set tough targets for these games and our athletes rose to the challenge, achieving Team Wales’s best ever performance at the Commonwealth Games with a haul of 36 medals.

“I was thrilled to spend three days with Team Wales during the games. They have done Wales proud and it is only right therefore that we welcome them back with a fanfare on the steps of the Senedd so that the Welsh public can join them in celebrating their success.”

Brian Davies, Team Wales Chef de Mission said:

"Team Wales is a record breaking team, bringing home more medals than ever before from the Games in Glasgow. The support from the public, both in Glasgow and at home, has been vital in the lead up and during the Games. The homecoming event is a great opportunity for the people of Wales to come together to celebrate our nations' Commonwealth Games achievements."