An 11-year-old boy from Llanelli has been named the winner of the First Minister's annual Christmas card competition - and cards adorned with his design will now be posted to thousands of people around the world, including King Charles III, the US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris.
Every year, hundreds of youngsters from across Wales draw and sketch beautiful and thought-provoking Christmas cards and enter them into the First Minister's competition. This year, the competition was open to pupils in years 5 and 6 in Welsh primary schools - and Mark Drakeford chose a Christmas card designed by Harry Gourlay, a pupil at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, as his design "stood out" and "perfectly captured" this year's Christmas card theme.
A spokesperson for Welsh Government explained: "The theme for this year's Christmas card was 'A Christmas Welcome'. Wales has welcomed thousands of people from Ukraine this year as they have fled the war in their homeland, as well as people from other countries around world seeking sanctuary and safety. The winning design was chosen by the First Minister and will be used as his official Christmas card for 2022."
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In a statement, Mr Drakeford said: "Once again this year we had hundreds of incredible entries from schools across Wales. It was very difficult to choose a winner but Harry's design stood out. His card perfectly captured the competition’s theme, showing how we welcome everyone in Wales. I want to thank all the children who entered this year’s competition. I hope they all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
Harry's class teacher at school, Rhiannon Healey said: "We are delighted that Harry has won the First Minister's Christmas card competition. His design is reflective of our inclusive ethos and the multi-cultural community we have here at St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Llanelli.
"Harry explained that his design was inspired by the fact that we are all part of one world and that everyone is welcome in Wales. We are very proud of him and congratulate him on his winning entry."
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