The special artwork has been painted in the boxing gym at the facility and depicts portraits of famous boxers.

Maindy Centre has been working in partnership with Cathays High School on the unique project which aims to motivate young people to take part in physical activity, through the medium of art.

It also highlights the benefits of healthier long-term lifestyles which can be attributed to participating in sport and leisure activities.

The four students selected to complete the project were Jamil Akhtar Hussain, Mahdi Rouf Shadab Ahmed, Sean Richards all from years 10 and 11.

They were chosen as a result of their natural artistic talent and their interest in activities that take place in the centre.

The boxing area in the fitness suite was selected as a blank canvas and the students researched the project, selecting images and inspirational quotes from legendary boxers for the design of the mural.

The project took four months to complete and the students used their summer holidays to finish the work.

Young people from the school are encouraged to use the fitness suite at the centre, where they can access advice and support from the qualified staff who work at the facility and it is encouraging to see a continuing increase in its use.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “This project has been hugely successful and has demonstrated a sense of ownership, encouraging more pupils from the school to use their local leisure centre.

“This positive effect means that more young people are engaging in sport and physical activity which will benefit them in the future.

“The dedication, passion and talent of the individuals involved will inspire others and they should be praised for their hard work.”

Maindy Centre manager, Anthony Hays said: “The project has certainly brightened up the boxing area and I am pleased that the Teen Fit course continues to be a successful means by which pupils can exercise by using the gym equipment correctly and safely.”

Cardiff Council Leisure Services have rewarded each of them with a free Active Card which will allow them a free six month membership to all 11 Council leisure facilities across Cardiff.

It is hoped that this is the first of many ‘Art for Fitness’ projects to be run between the Cathays High School and Maindy Centre.

The new tool will mean that people in and around Cardiff can keep up-to-date and informed with Sport.Cardiff news and events which will be regularly updated by the team.

It also provides the opportunity for Facebook users to interact with each other and the Council’s sport development team by posting their own comments and photos. This will allow them to promote their own club as well as learn about other sports groups in the area.

Sport.Cardiff focuses on the improvement of grassroots sports development in schools, clubs and communities.

The programme aims to enrich the lives of the people of Cardiff through clubs, coaching and competition with a focus on children and young people.

It relies on the commitment of coaches and volunteers who give their time and energy to provide sporting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities and ensure the continued success of clubs.

They encourage children to get involved in one of the 350,000 participatory opportunities in Cardiff so that sport becomes a lifelong experience and the city is proud to have been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark for its volunteer programme.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “Facebook is a modern and successful way for people to communicate.

“The Sport.Cardiff fan page brings interesting up-to-date information to sport participants in a way not previously possible.

“The tool aims to reach more people of different ages so they can learn and stay updated with sporting and volunteer opportunities in the city as well as engaging in the exciting lead up to London 2012.”

To visit the Sport.Cardiff Facebook page please visit http://www.facebook.com/sport.cardiff

The relay will begin on Friday 24 August, 2012 with the first flame lighting event to be held in London. A flame will also be lit  in Greater Belfast on 25 August and Edinburgh 26 August as well as  in Cardiff on 27 August 2012.

Our city is the final  host city  before a special ceremony is held at  at Stoke Mandeville, home of the Paralympic Movement, on 28 August to create the Paralympic Flame before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on Wednesday 29 August, 2012.

The event will take place in Cardiff on Monday 27 August, 2012 and will involve a flame lighting moment in the morning followed by a Paralympic Flame Festival later in the day.

Cardiff is honoured to be a pre-games training camp for several Paralympic teams from South Africa, Australia and the Oceanic Islands as they make their preparations in the lead up to London 2012.

The city has been selected due to its excellent sporting facilities and infrastructure, professional approach of staff and the general friendliness of the people of Cardiff and Wales.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Rodney Berman said: ”Having Cardiff chosen as one of only four cities to host the Paralympic Torch Relay is a great achievement.

“This celebration will showcase our heritage and culture as we send the flame on its way to the opening of the Games.

“In 2003 we granted the freedom of the city to Tanni Grey-Thompson, an honour for people with remarkable distinction in sport.

“Cardiff is committed to providing disability provision in many different sports and as part of the London 2012 Games legacy and I hope this inspires future Paralympians from the city.

“Pre-Games training camps ahead of London 2012 will not only provide economic, cultural, educational and sporting opportunities for the city, it will also cement Cardiff’s status on the international sporting map.”

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “The run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is hugely exciting and we are very proud to be hosting the Paralympic Torch Relay and Flame Festival here in Cardiff.

“Our city is playing a vital role in London 2012 and these preparations allow the people of Cardiff the opportunity to be inspired and have an active involvement in what will be an international sporting spectacle. “

Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister, Huw Lewis, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to welcome the Paralympic Torch Relay to Cardiff in August next year.

“Lighting the flame and the Flame Festival should be an inspirational event for all concerned and provides a real opportunity for the people of Cardiff and Wales to get involved and be a part of sending the flame on its way to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.”

Presented by BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will showcase the very best of teamwork by shining a light on those who are working together to reach a collective goal and the amazing feats that have been achieved as a result of individuals combining their skills and abilities.

Each of the four flames will be lit by the energy of physical human endeavour, with each city creating its unique method of lighting.  The Flame lighting mechanic for Cardiff will be announced closer to the time of the Paralympic Torch Relay next year.

The late Jack Petersen was the first Welshman to win the British and Empire Light heavyweight and heavyweight boxing championships among a number of titles he won during his short but highly impressive career in the 1930s.

He was born in Whitchurch Cardiff on September 2, 1911 and enjoyed an excellent amateur record before turning professional in 1931. He won several titles including the British light-heavyweight crown, the British heavyweight title and the Lonsdale Belt which he defended eight times.

In his early twenties he defended a 22-fight unbeaten record and was pleasing local crowds of up to 50,000 people at Ninian Park. He went on to be Britain’s biggest box-office draw and won 33 of his 38 professional fights.

Petersen retired at an early age of 25 due to an injury to his eye. He went on to become a Cardiff Councillor and served in the Army attaining the rank of Major. He kept his interest in Boxing alive and was elected as the first boxer to the position of President of the British Boxing Board of Control, a post which he held until his death from lung cancer in 1990.

He also served on the Sports Council for Wales and was Deputy Chairman under Sir Harry Llewellyn. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1950 and the OBE for Services to Sport in 1978. He married Betty Williams, daughter of a well known Cardiff auctioneer and had five children and 17 grandchildren.

The blue plaque is one of a series erected in South Wales, to remember famous people, events and places. It will be erected at number 6 -7 St Johns Street, outside the Blacks shop at the top of the Hayes.

The building once housed the Lynn Institute Gym, owned by Jack’s father, Pa Petersen, who became his mentor and manager. The facility offered boxing training, fitness, massage and hot baths to the citizens of Cardiff during the 1920’s and 1930’s, and was used by sportsmen including the Cardiff City football team who went on to win the 1927 FA Cup.

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Prof Delme Bowen and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Neil McEvoy will attend the event as well as members of Mr Petersen’s family.

Cllr Bowen said: “I am delighted that we are honouring a respected and victorious boxing legend who was such a great role model for Welsh men during the dark days of the depression of the 1930s.

“This plaque will raise awareness of the achievements and success of Jack Petersen whilst adding historical value to the city.

“Cardiff is fortunate to have a rich history and culture of sporting figures and it is important to commemorate them for the education of future generations.”

Robert Petersen, Jack’s youngest son said: “On behalf of all the Petersen family I would like to thank the Lord Mayor and the City of Cardiff for giving my father such an honour. He was through and through a Cardiffian and it is most appropriate that this plaque has been erected outside the building which he trained so hard for all his fights.”

From Wikipedia

He was born John Charles Peterson in Cardiff, the son of Thomas Peterson, a massage specialist and his wife Melinda Laura Rossiter. He took up amateur boxing as a youth and at the age of 18 he reached the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association finals at both middleweight and light-heavyweight. The following year he won the Welsh ABA titles at light-heavyweight and heavyweight, as well as winning the British ABA title at light-heavyweight.

He turned professional in 1931 and fought under the name of Jack Petersen. He was 6ft 1½in tall and was a well proportioned athlete. His first professional fight was in September 1931 at the Holborn Stadium, London, against Bill Partridge. Petersen won the fight by a knockout in the fourth round. Petersen won his first sixteen fights, in one of which he knocked out Dick Power to win the Welsh heavyweight title.

Petersen’s 17th fight was for the British light-heavyweight title. It took place at Holborn Stadium in May 1932 and Petersen beat Harry Crossley on points over 15 rounds to take his title. He later relinquished this title without defending it. Two months later, in July 1932, Petersen fought Reggie Meen for his British heavyweight title, in a bout held at Wimbledon Stadium, London. He knocked Meen out in the second round, becoming the first Welshman to be British heavyweight champion. He had accomplished this in a career lasting less than ten months.

He had one more fight, scoring a knockout, and then defended his title against Jack Pettifer in January 1932. The bout was at Olympia in Kensington and Petersen scored a knockout in the 12th round to retain his title.

Petersen had three more fights, winning them all, before defending his title again against Jack Doyle, a young boxer from County Cork. The bout, in July 1933, was held at the White City Stadium in front of a crowd of about 30,000. It lasted less than two rounds as Doyle was disqualified for repeatedly punching low.

In his next fight, Petersen made his third title defence, against Len Harvey. The bout was in November 1933, at the Royal Albert Hall, and Harvey won on points over 15 rounds. This was Petersen’s first defeat in his 25th fight.

Petersen resumed his winning ways, winning his next 4 fights on knockouts. Three of the victims were top fighters Reggie Meen, Harry Crossley and Ben Foord. Petersen was now ready to try to win back the heavyweight title.

The re-match with Len Harvey was for the British and the British Empire (now Commonwealth) titles. They fought in June 1934 at the White City Stadium, London and this time Petersen was victorious by a twelfth-round technical knockout.

Next, Petersen defended his British Empire title against the Canadian boxer, Larry Gains, in September 1934. The bout was at the White City Stadium and Petersen won by a technical knockout in the thirteenth round.

He then defended his titles against George Cook in December 1934, winning on points over fifteen rounds. He had so far suffered only one defeat in 32 bouts, but he was to suffer two at the hands of the same fighter. Petersen twice fought a young German heavyweight, Walter Neusel at Wembley, in February and June 1935, and lost both bouts by a technical knockout in the eleventh round.

These two defeats were a shock. Throughout his short career he had been managed by his father, but the relationship broke down following his latest defeats and Petersen decided to manage himself in future. Petersen continued to defend his titles successfully. He met Len Harvey for a third title fight in January 1936, at Wembley, and won on points over fifteen rounds.

He made a third title defence in April 1936 when he met Jock McAvoy at Earls Court. He again won on points over fifteen rounds. McAvoy was the reigning middleweight and light-heavyweight champion, and in his previous fight had unsuccessfully fought for the world light-heavyweight title.

Petersen’s fourth title defence was against Ben Foord, whom he had knocked out in thirteen rounds in 1934, when preparing for his re-match with Len Harvey. Foord was a South African, who was qualified by residence to fight for both titles. The bout was in August 1936 at Leicester, and Petersen lost by a technical knockout in the third round.

Having lost his titles, Petersen had one last fight before retiring. He had a third bout against Walter Neusel, at Harringay Arena in February 1937. He lost to Neusel for the third time, by a technical knockout in the tenth round.

He retired at the relatively young age of twenty-five. In his five and a half year boxing career, Petersen had won 33 of his 38 fights, 19 of them by knockouts, losing 5 and drawing none. Three of his five defeats had been to the same man, Walter Neusel. Neusel was later to be German heavyweight champion.

Spectators will enjoy theWales vs. the rest of the World fixture at Coopers Field,Cardiff on Sunday 28 August and afterwards be able to participate in the auction and raffle in aid of NSPCC Cymru/Wales’ Building Brighter Futures Appeal.

The Building Brighter Futures Appeal was launched in April 2008 to fund the construction of Diane Engelhardt House – the NSPCC’s flagship centre forWalesand the ongoing development of services operating from the building.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the appeal has raised more than £3.5m to date, but a further £700,000 is needed to ensure the charity can continue to make a fundamental difference to the lives of children and young people across South Wales by delivering pioneering services that focus on the most acute forms of abuse and the most vulnerable, highest-risk children.

Prizes for the auction and raffle are being sourced by a group of fundraisers – including Diane Engelhardt, whom the flagship centre is named after – who are cycling fromLondontoAmsterdamnext year in aid of the children’s charity, with proceeds from each item being credited to their personal fundraising target for the cycle ride.

WRU chairman and chair of the NSPCC’s Building Brighter Futures Appeal Board, David Pickering said: “I’m delighted that St David’s Polo has chosen the NSPCC to benefit from this prestigious event. It looks set to be a fantastic day, with plenty of glamorous guests in attendance. We hope that the prizes being sourced will tempt the guests to bid high on the auction to do their bit to support the essential work of the NSPCC inWales.”

Over the last few months local people have been encouraged to nominate outstanding and inspirational individuals from the community to be one of 8,000 bearers of the Olympic flame in the lead up to the Games.

Whilst the initial nomination process closed at the end of June, The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) are now offering a second opportunity through the main London 2012 Presenting Partners.

Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung are the Presenting Partners for Olympic Torch Relay.

Each organisation will now present people with a second chance to be involved, closing at various dates in September 2011.

The 8,000 torchbearers that will take the iconic flame on its 8,000 mile journey around the country before the cauldron is lit at the Olympic Stadium in London signifying the start of the Games.

Early indications show that the quality of nominations for personal achievement and contribution to the local community is exceptionally high. This proves that the Olympic spirit is alive and well in communities across the UK.

Cardiff has been confirmed as a host city for an evening celebration event on Friday May 25, 2012 on the Olympic Torch’s 70-day UK tour.

Cardiff Council Leader, Rodney Berman, said: “The opportunity to be an Olympic Torchbearer is a unique experience. It gives local people the chance to highlight individuals from their community who have amazing personal stories that will inspire the nation.

“The opportunity celebrates unsung heroes and personal achievements allowing outstanding individuals to be a part of the Olympic spirit.

“Cardiff is proud to be an important part of the London 2012 Olympic Games, as a stopover on the torch’s journey, as the chosen pre-games training camp for several Olympic and Paralympic teams and as host for some of the events.

“I encourage those who missed the first stage of nominations to take advantage of this second opportunity to showcase the achievements and pride of the people of Cardiff.”

A crowd of 60,000 is expected to attend the game with kick-off at 2.30pm

The best way to travel to the event is by public transport and coach wherever possible. Those bringing their cars into the city can ease worries over congestion and parking costs by using the Council’s park and ride services.

There are two park and ride sites, one at the Cardiff City Football Club (CF11 8HU – Yellow Car Park) and one at Cardiff County Hall (CF10 4UW – Green Car Park)

Both sites can be accessed from junction 33 of the M4. Signs should be followed from the M4 as they will direct drivers to available park and ride sites at time of arrival. The service costs £6 per car.

The car parks will have a staff presence from 8.30am and will open at 9am, with the first bus leaving at 9.30am. The last bus will leave the pick-up points at 6.30pm, with the car parks closing at 7pm.

Coach parking is also available at Sophia at the dedicated coach park with driver facilities, costing £10 per coach.

There is car parking available at Sophia Close, which is within walking distance of the stadium, at a cost of £10 per car.

The following roads will be closed from 12.30 until 5.30pm:

*       Kingsway from its junction with North Rd / Boulevard de Nantes to its junction with Duke St.

*       Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate St.

*       Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted).

*       Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor St (access for residents and traders will be permitted).

The following roads will be closed in their entirety:

Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St.Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road.

More than 3500 visitors attended the free event at Roald Dahl Plas, Cardiff Bay and helped celebrate what will be an exciting lead up to the greatest sporting event on earth.

The event  was attended by special guests including members of the Australian, Great Britain and South African Paralympics teams.

It showcased the sporting opportunities on offer as Cardiff gears up to be a host city for the games.

Cardiff City Football Club (CCFC), Cardiff Devils, Glamorgan Cricket and Welsh Athletics were among the city’s key partners who helped the Sport.Cardiff team deliver a jam-packed programme of events throughout the day.

Visitors had free access to a wide range of sporting activities such as athletics, cricket, dance, football, golf, ice hockey, netball and rowing.

There were basketball matches, street dance demonstrations and the chance to kick a goal on the CCFC inflatable pitch.

The event also gave people the chance to find out how they can become an accredited volunteer and learn about opportunities to assist local clubs and sports groups.

Sport.Cardiff is proud to be the first local authority to be accredited with the London 2012 ‘inspire mark’ for the inspirational ‘Sport.Cardiff Volunteer Project’.

Coaches and volunteers play a crucial part in supporting the involvement of children and young people in sport. Sport.Cardiff operates a Coach and Volunteer Accreditation scheme for those working on our activities to ensure the highest standards of coaching and volunteering exist across the city.

Sports volunteering can cover a range of activities from coaching, player development, running training sessions through to club administration, fundraising and organising events, competitions and leagues.

The Inspire programme features a mix of projects from communities across the UK. It recognises exciting and innovative projects inspired by London 2012, one of these being ours to recruit, train, deploy, retain and reward committed volunteers throughout the city. These volunteers will inspire others to participate in sport and provide the essential workforce to sustain sports participation.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “Yesterday’s event marked an exciting countdown until what will be a fantastic international sporting spectacle as well as showcasing the excellent sports provision for children we have established here in Cardiff.

“We are thrilled to have so many incredible and talented sports people choose our city as their pre-games training camp and we are confident they will enjoy their time here in Cardiff as much as we will enjoy hosting them.

“Cardiff is proud to be hosting the first event of the Games at the Millennium Stadium and we expect an international audience to have all eyes on our city, cementing our place on the world sporting stage.”

Fairwater and Pentrebane Community Angling Club has been working in partnership with Cardiff Council’s Leisure Services, Ely Garden Villagers and drug and alcohol charity Kaleidoscope.

The club was established two years ago by Gary Smith, an employee of Fairwater Leisure Centre. Since then, organisers plan several fishing trips throughout the year to Sevenoaks Fishery, Pontyclun.

During the trips people are taught how to catch fish such as carp and bream as well as learning the skills to look after the fish properly and put them back into the water safely.

The initiative aims to bring communities together whilst providing recovering addicts with support and imaginative opportunities so they may build self-confidence.

The 60 member strong club was established two years ago and also attracts families and young people from the local areas.

The initiative is funded by Communities First and through sponsorship and fundraising. Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman said: “The community angling club offers invaluable opportunities to learn the skills needed to enjoy this wonderful outdoor activity.

“The partnership between the club, Ely Garden Villagers, Communities First and Kaleidoscope has meant that this hobby can be made more accessible to individuals who will benefit from it as well as engaging other members of the community.”

Kaleidoscope aims to provide life enhancing services to people on the margins of society. They provide support to people with drug and alcohol problems, enabling them to make positive changes in their lives.

Communities First is the Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship programme to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales.

A new multi-sport event for young children, “Gemau Cymru “, took place in Cardiff between 8 – 10th July 2011.  This event showcased nine different, competitive sports namely Athletics, Gymnastics, Swimming and Canoeing. Cardiff was chosen as the ideal setting for the first ever Gemau Cymru, and captured the spirit of the London 2012 Games whilst delivering a lasting sporting  legacy for Wales.

During this event, CIWW  was presented with a plaque to confirm the centre as a British Canoe Union and Canoe Wales High Performance Centre.

CIWW becomes one of only four elite centres across the UK, with only one other located in Wales.  This is a second award for CIWW since being voted ‘Best Visitor Experience’ in Wales just 6 months after opening.

Accepting the award, Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said:

“As a Capital for Sport, Cardiff Council recognises the important role sport plays in enriching people’s lives. During the Gemau Cyrmu event, many schools and youth groups have been encouraged to participate in a variety of sports, using the Capital’s exceptional facilities as a showcase for young talent.

“I was both proud and privileged to accept the British Canoe Union award on behalf of Cardiff International White Water.  Cardiff, as well as hosting pre-games training camps and being a venue for Olympic football, is positively encouraging children and young people to partake and enjoy sport, and we look forward to taking an active role in the 2012 Olympics.”