The honour caps off a fantastic few weeks for the Paralympian from Bridgend, who was named International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athlete of the Month for May after breaking the 12-year-old F42 discus world record in Grosseto, Italy, while he also carried the Glasgow 2014 Queen's Baton to the top of Mount Snowdon during its trek through Wales.

The 23-year-old will follow Paralympic great Tanni Grey-Thompson, who captained Wales at the 2006 Games in Melbourne, while the honour was bestowed on weightlifter Michaela Breeze for Delhi 2010.

"Over the last few weeks I have been thinking I just wanted to make the team," said Davies, who will be making his Commonwealth Games debut next month.

"I have managed to break a couple of world records but you never know until your name is on the paper.

"When I saw that, it was great, [and] I can focus on my main goal of producing my best ever performance in Glasgow.

"But to be captain of your country is something else.

"I am such a patriotic Welshman as it is and this is something I will cherish forever."

Team captain Aled Davies (front, centre) stands proud as he gets set to lead Wales at next month's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ©Team Wales



The announcement was made at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff where Davies was joined by the Welsh athletes who will be competing in Glasgow, including former 400 metres hurdles world champion and defending Commonwealth Games champion, Dai Greene, and double triathlon world champion Helen Jenkins.

Commenting on Davies' appointment as captain, Team Wales Chef de Mission Brian Davies said: "Aled is not only a fantastic competitor but a very approachable and friendly character.

"He's gained a lot of experience at major sporting events over the last few years and was propelled into the spotlight after his Paralympic medal wins, meaning he'll be able to impart a lot of valuable advice to other members of the team.

"We have every confidence that he will make a top class team captain."

Chef de Mission Davies will lead a Wales team that is expected to feature around 230 athletes when final selections have been made in the coming weeks, and is confident they can build on the 19 medals won in Delhi, which included gold for Greene, as well as wins for boxer Sean McGoldrick and Robert Weale in lawn bowls.

Dai Greene will be out to defend his Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles title at Hampden Park during Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images



"We have a great back room team in place and I'm confident we can deliver a great Games for Wales," added Davies.

"It's been a busy period of selections and preparations and we're delighted with the mix of experienced athletes and Commonwealth debutants that have been chosen to represent our proud nation on the world stage in just 42 days' time."

"I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of the athletes the very best.

"A nation three million-strong is behind you and I'm confident you'll do your very best and make us proud in Glasgow."

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games take place from July 23 to August 3.

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