"Our turn to say 'Diolch'" – S4C congratulates Wales football team
07 July 2016
S4C Chief Executive, Ian Jones has sent congratulations to the Wales football team following their success at UEFA Euro 2016.
Ian Jones sent his praise and thanks on behalf of S4C in a letter addressed to FAW Chief Executive, Jonathan Ford.
The letter is published below:
Dear Jonathan Ford, FAW Chief Executive
At the end of a truly inspiring UEFA Euro 2016 journey for the Wales football team, I ask kindly if you would pass on the warmest congratulations, on behalf of S4C, to the players, the coaching team and all the support staff at FAW on their amazing achievement during the campaign.
Their performances and uplifting attitude on and off the pitch has been a joy to watch. They have represented their country with pride and passion and have stood tall among all the nations of Europe.
58 years since Wales last qualified for a major tournament, taking part in UEFA Euro 2016 was an event of historical importance for sport in Wales. You have surpassed all expectations and history was made when you proudly represented Wales in the semi-final against Portugal, and the final score has not dented the enormous pride in your achievements.
The UEFA Euro 2016 tournament was of such importance for Wales, it was crucial that it was available to watch on TV in both of the nation's languages. It was a privilege for S4C that fans across the UK could watch all the Wales games live and in the Welsh language on the national channel.
We were also very proud to broadcast messages of thanks to the supporters on behalf of the squad on S4C, and to hear the Welsh language spoken by so many of the players.
In the past few weeks we have heard about the players' pride in their Welsh identity, in the country's history and Welsh language. This has played an important role in uniting the nation as we celebrate and take pride in their achievements and in our own national identity. Their success has made headlines across Europe and has put our pride as a country at the centre of attention.
For this, and of course for the football, it's now our turn to say ‘Diolch’.
