So, last night’s football result left our fantastic nation with more than a few tears – we were sadly knocked out of the Euro 2016 football tournament when renowned team Portugal beat us by 2 goals to 0.

It was a sad evening across Wales, but I think we can all agree that our team played superbly and could absolutely leave the competition with their heads held high. It is the furthest the Welsh team have ever got in an international football tournament, and we were the only home nation remaining – with England, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland all having been beaten before the semi-final stage. The passion and dedication of not only the team, but of the whole nation, has really shone through in the last few weeks.

So, we may not have won Euro 2016, and we may not even have won our game last night against Portugal. However, we still believe that we’re a winning nation! Here are 10 Reasons why Wales is a Winner…….

• We’ve got one of the most heartfelt and rousing national anthems in the world! And we always sing it with pride…..
• We’ve got some of the world’s finest beaches. Rhosilli Bay near Swansea was voted by Trip Advisor users as the best beach IN THE WORLD! But look to any of our glorious stretches of sand and you’ll find beaches to die for.
• We’ve got our very own language. And not only that but we use it and we’re proud of it.
• Our festivals are brilliant! The festival scene in Wales has grown to be one of the best in the country. From the infamous Wakestock near Abersoch to the quirky Festival 6 in Portmeirion to the giant Green Man festival in the Brecon Beacons, and lots more little ones besides.
• We are home to three National Parks, as well as the country’s only coastal National Park. Our own beautiful Snowdonia is one of the best (of course!) but the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks are also second to none and absolutely stunning.
• We’ve got LOTS of good food….. from thousands of varieties of cheese (Caerphilly, Black Bomber Cheddar, Pant Ysgawn Goats Cheese, to name a few) to Welsh Cakes, Glamorgan sausages, salt marsh lamb and laverbread. There are lots of unique tastes and flavours to get your mouth around with Welsh cuisine and you won’t be disappointed.
• And don’t forget the drink! As well as hundreds of local craft breweries, we also now have our own whisky distillery and several companies that make welsh vodka and gin. Yum……
• We’ve made some cracking films (and television!). Without Wales there would be no Gavin and Stacey (ah!), Doctor Who, Casualty, Hinterland, Fireman Sam or Torchwood and films such as Robin Hood, Harry Potter, Snow White and the Huntsman, Laurence of Arabia, First Knight, Moby Dick, Ironclad and Twin Town were also shot in Wales.
• You’re never far from adventure…. think zip wires, underground trampolines, surf lakes, gorge walking, coasteering, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling, tree safaris, canoeing, wakeboarding or just a plain old trek up one of the highest peaks in Britain. If you’re looking for an ourdoor adventure, then Wales has got it all.
• It’s a wonderful place to stay! If you’ve stayed in Wales then you’ll know that for all of the reasons above, and more, that Wales is difficult to beat. You’re guaranteed a warm Welsh welcome, some breathtaking scenery, wonderful attractions and things to do, a culture and history that goes back thousands of years and some of the finest landscapes in the world. All of which make you wonder why on earth  you didn’t visit sooner!