First Minister announces Christmas card competition winner

Ten-year-old Kai is a pupil at Ysgol Ty Coch in Pontypridd.

This year’s competition was open to primary aged children who attend special schools in Wales. The theme for this year’s Christmas card was ‘A Christmas wish’.

The winning design was chosen by the First Minister and will be used as his official Christmas card for 2023. The First Minister sends a card to thousands of people around the world every Christmas, including to world leaders.

The First Minister said:

“One of my highlights every December is the chance to pick my Christmas card. It’s always difficult to choose one winner, but this year Kai’s design stood out for me.

“Kai’s card was wonderful, with lots of happy people around a very colourful Christmas tree. It will bring a smile to everyone who opens it, I’m sure.

“I want to thank all the children who entered this year’s competition. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!”

Kai explained the meaning behind his design.  He said "I have painted a family around a Christmas tree with a star, as my favourite thing about Christmas is spending time with my family.  I am very pleased to win the First Minister's competition and for my card to be sent around the World."

Rachael Rogers, Kai's class teacher said:

"I am so proud of Kai's Christmas card design.  He tried very hard and showed real creative skills while thinking about what Christmas meant to him.  His picture captures a family at Christmas which Kai felt was important to him."

Simon Wilson, Head of Ysgol Ty Coch said: 

“Everybody at Ysgol Ty Coch is exceptionally proud of Kai for his outstanding entry to the First Minister’s Christmas Card Competition.  All of our pupils at the school work hard to be creative and ambitious learners and Kai’s art work is an example of the excellence found at Ysgol Ty Coch.  Very well done to Kai from all of us at Ysgol Ty Coch and our school community.”