Team Lesotho are living and training at Glyndŵr University in preparation for the competition, but took time out of their busy schedule to attend the event in Wrexham last week (Friday).
Held at the Catrin Finch Centre, the 21 athletes, their management team and coaches were treated to a performance of Welsh songs by up to 60 children from Ysgol Bodhyfryd, Hightown, ahead of their appearance at the International Eisteddfod later this month.
Organised by the University’s award-winning Widening Participation team, the youngsters also sang an African chorus and joined the team in an impromptu dance, before presentations were made to the visiting group, who are representing athletics, boxing, mountain biking, swimming, squash and table tennis.
Team Lesotho manager Tlali Rampooana said it was a pleasure to return to North Wales – the athletes also stayed in Wrexham ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games – and thanked Glyndŵr University for being “wonderful hosts”.
“It is so lovely to be back, it’s fantastic to be here,” said Tlali.
“We are enjoying being back in Wrexham and training is going very well. It is also a pleasure for us to meet people from the community and enjoy special days like this while we are here.
“The team leaves next Friday, but before then we have lots planned. Glyndŵr University have been wonderful hosts and the facilities are also very good. We are preparing well for the Commonwealth Games.”
As well as working closely with members of the University’s Sport and Exercise Sciences department, the boxers have trained at Shotton ABC, athletes used the facilities at Deeside athletics stadium and the team will pay a visit to Maelor School, which has been raising money for a schools link programme with Lesotho, on Monday.
Glyndŵr University Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Scott, welcomed the group back to Wrexham and wished them well at the Games.
“We’re thrilled to have them back,” said Prof Scott.
“When they are here they become part of the Glyndŵr community and part of the fabric of life at the University. They are enthusiastic and have great energy that rubs off on everyone else.
“I wish them good luck in their training and at the Commonwealth Games, where I’m sure they’ll be very successful.”
First Minister Carwyn Jones added that the “excellent facilities” on offer prove that Wales belongs on the world stage.
“Wales’ relationship with Lesotho continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.
“We have formed strong links through our Wales for Africa programme and in 2012 committed to help the country develop its own climate change strategy, which not only makes a difference to the lives of those in Lesotho but helps our experts study the impact of climate change.”
Glyndŵr’s Widening Participation co-ordinator, Sarah Lou Gaffney, said the University was proud to bring the community of Wrexham together with the African cohort for a day of friendship, culture and song.
“We are so proud to be able to showcase the singing talents of one of our local Welsh medium primary schools as part of this wonderful international celebration,” said Sarah.
“Ysgol Bodhyfryd already has its own close ties with Lesotho and the dedicated partnerships we have with many schools allows even the youngest members of the community to become familiar with the higher education environment in preparation for their future choices.”
Cllr Neil Rogers, Leader of Wrexham Council, added: “Lesotho’s decision to bring their Commonwealth Games team to Wrexham builds on our unique relationship which dates back to 1985.
“These links have seen lecturers from Glyndŵr University visit the Southern Africa country to help tackle the problem of HIV/AIDS. Our schools have also built up strong educational and cultural links through various exchange programmes and their return further enhances our reputation as an area of sporting excellence.”
Last summer, Glyndŵr University and the Government of Lesotho signed a unique partnership that transcended sport.
The warm welcome and support Team Lesotho received while living and training in Wrexham in 2012, led to a visit from the country’s Minister of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation, Chief Thesele Maseribane, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Glyndŵr’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Operations, Professor Allan Howells.
The five-year agreement will see Glyndŵr University and the University of Lesotho work together and share best practice in different fields, including climate change, sport and equality.
There will also be an opportunity for Glyndŵr students to train at the High Altitude Training Centre at Mohale.
