Tribune News Network
Doha
The First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, on Sunday officially launched a giant bucket hat installation in Qatar to mark the launch of the nation’s campaign at the World Cup. This is Wales’first appearance at a World Cup since 1958, establishing the nation’s position on a global stage.
The larger-than-life bucket hat, an iconic symbol for Welsh football representing the team’s incredible progress in the game and its fans’ passion and spirit, was developed and designed in collaboration with the Football Association of Wales, to celebrate the momentous occasion for the nation.
The First Minister, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, said: "Back in 2016 our manager Chris Coleman challenged the squad and us as a nation to ‘Dare to Dream’ about what could happen at the European Championship.
"No one thought we’d get to the semi-final, but we did. That’s what’s great about football – anything can happen at the World Cup.”
The launch of the installation kickstarts the Gŵyl Cymru Festival at the tournament, a programme of more than 200 events across Cymru and the world as part of a 10-day celebration of creativity to support Wales during the team’s campaign in Qatar.
The programme will project Wales’ values and secure a positive legacy from the country’s first World Cup campaign in 64 years, highlighting the nation’s art, culture and music.
Wales’ ‘Lleisiau Cymru’ ambassador, Colin Jackson CBE, alongside FAW ambassadors Ian Rush MBE and Jess Fishlock, were also in attendance at the launch. Each ambassador is present in Qatar to act as influential voices for the nation.
Colin Jackson said: "It was really good to be at the launch of the bucket hat today – it’s a little slice of Wales that will encourage people to investigate our nation.