45 community groups and organisations all over Wales have received a grant to strengthen the Welsh language within their communities thanks to money raised in Ras yr Iaith 2016.

The second Ras yr Iaith (Race for the Language) was held between 6-8 July 2016, raising over £14,000 to strengthen the language in our communities. Hundreds of people ran through 25 towns and villages between Bangor and Llandeilo, uniting the nation with ‘Baton yr Iaith’, the language baton.

Raising the profile of the Welsh language, promoting healthy living and strengthening our communities, Ras yr Iaith is held every two years. As well as raising the profile of the language by organising such a race, Ras yr Iaith also distributes grants of up to £750 from the profits created through the race to groups and organisations that promote and use the language.

Owain Gruffydd, chair of Mentrau Iaith Cymru who gave practical support toward Ras yr Iaith, says;

“We were pleased to once again offer support and to organise Ras yr Iaith and are very happy to be able to share this money with groups and organisations across Wales. From festivals and events to sports clubs and choirs – all sorts of groups have been able to benefit from the race and we hope the money will help to strengthen and increase the use of the Welsh language in their communities.”

Siôn Jobbins, one of the race’s founders, says;

“Ras yr Iaith was a chance for people to show their support towards the Welsh language. We were inspired by similar races in the Basque Country, Brittany and Ireland and it’s lovely to see Ras yr Iaith back for the second time in 2016 with 45 groups benefiting from the event.”

Groups and organisations receiving grants from Ras yr Iaith by region:

 

Day 1 Area  (Gwynedd and Conwy County):

Menter Iaith Bangor

Dawns i Bawb

Partneriaeth Ogwen

Corwst

Ymgyrch Llanrwst

Y Dref Werdd

Ysgol y Moelwyn

Clwb Rygbi Merched y Bala

Urdd Meirionydd

Sesiwn Fawr Dolgellau

Cylch Meithrin Dysynni

 

Day 2 Area (Ceredigion):

Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch

Dolen Teifi Llandysul

Eisteddfod Castell Newydd Emlyn a’r Cylch

Theatr Troedyrhiw Llanbed

Cylch Meithrin Talybont

Fforwm Ieuenctid Ceredigion

Cylch Meithrin Aberystwyth

Geidiaid Aberteifi

Merched y Wawr Castell Newydd Emlyn

Clwb Hoci Llandysul

Clwb Ffermwyr Ifanc Trefgaron

Cantorion Aberystwyth

Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron

Gŵyl y Cynhaeaf

Cylch Meithrin Pontrhydfendigaid

TregaRoc

Eisteddofd Tregaron

Merched y Wawr Mynach

Gŵyl Nol a Mlan

Cylch Meithrin Felinfach

 

Day 3 Area (Pembrokeshire and Sir Gâr):

Cylch Meithrin Dinbych y Pysgod

Merched y Wawr Ffynonygroes

Eisteddfod Crymych

Gŵyl y Gwter Fawr Rhydaman

Dawnswyr Penrhyd Rhydaman

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman

Cylch Meithrin Llanybydder

Pwyllgor Shwmae Sir Benfro

Clwb Ieuenctid Glanaman

Urdd Port Talbot

Gŵyl Hanes i Blant

Ysgol Bro Ingli

Ysgol y Preseli

Cylch Meithrin Drefach Felindre