Cardiff Cross Challenge Returns to the City for the Sixteenth Year

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jan 29, 2013

Cardiff has successfully hosted the 16th annual McCain Cross Challenge this month.

Cardiff Council Leisure Services are one of the main sponsors for the event which saw 1400 athletes as well as primary school children compete in one of 12 races throughout the day.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “The Cardiff Cross Challenge is one of the most high-calibre events on the calendar and boasts an impressive number of different race events throughout the day.

“We are thrilled it was hosted here successfully for the 16th year despite the cold weather. Cardiff Council recognises the importance it has for the sport as it appeals to experienced runners as well as encouraging grass roots talent which leads to healthy and active lifestyles in young people”.

The event attracts competitors of all levels and ages from across the UK and takes place in the centre of Cardiff within the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle, Bute Park along the River Taff and leads into Blackweir fields.

The event is organised by Graham Finlayson BEM from Cardiff Cross Country and Road Events with the support of UK Athletics and Welsh Athletics.

Cardiff was the fourth fixture in the 2012 and 2013 series, which includes races in Bristol, Liverpool, Antrim and Birmingham.

The Cardiff Cross Challenge was founded in 1997 and has since become one of the most prestigious events in the UK.

The high-class competition incorporates a full range of men’s, women’s and young persons races for age groups including Seniors, Under 20s, Under 17s, Under 15s and Under 13’s.

The course is marked up to national standards and incorporates a mixture of flat fast running with interesting woodland and riverside sections.

Bright designs needed for Enfys cycle network

Posted by Now Cardiff on Sep 25, 2012

Budding artists and designers should get themselves down to the Morgan Quarter between September 28 and October 14 for an exciting new competition which asks people to design artwork which will be replicated on BT and Virgin media cabinets.

The aim of the artwork is to promote Enfys the new cycle network in Cardiff and designers are asked to incorporate cycling within their design.

Over the next five years, the Council will be investing in the new cycle network which will make it easier and quicker to cycle around the city.

Along the Enfys network there are a number of utility cabinets which BT and Virgin Media have given permission to be used as public art.

Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Highways, Traffic and Transportation, Cllr Ralph Cook, said, said “It’s very apt that we are asking for colourful designs along the appropriately titled cycle network Enfys or Rainbow.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to design public art, whilst also promoting cycling within the city.

“As a Council we are investing heavily into cycling in the city and through each step we have heavily involved the public, including the naming of the new cycle network. The public art competition is an extension of the relationship we have had with the public in creating the cycle network.

“I am looking forward to seeing what people come up with and would like to thank Virgin Media and BT for allowing us to utilise the cabinets in this way.”

People of all ages can enter the competition and the workshops at the Morgan Quarter provide the perfect opportunity for all the family to come along and take part.

The Designs should be bold, colourful and simple and should be on A4 or A3.

For those who are unable to come along to the workshops can still enter by sending in their design to Cardiff Council, Cycling Team , Room 301,Cardiff Bay, Cardiff,CF10 4UW

Fairwater Leisure Centre opens its doors after refurbishment project

Posted by Now Cardiff on Sep 21, 2012

Following the refurbishment of Fairwater Leisure Centre, customers are invited to attend a free open weekend to view the new modern facility.

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23, September between 11.30am and 4pm customers can come along and try out the new leisure facilities as well as learn what activities and classes are now on offer at the centre.

Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas said: “Fairwater Leisure Centre is almost 30 years old and is at the heart of the local community.

“This refurbishment has improved  the facility extensively not only demonstrating the Council’s commitment to providing facilities which match the standard of the private sector, but also making leisure and sporting activities more accessible to everyone.

“The open day is a great opportunity for families in the area and local community to come along and enjoy what is on offer at this excellent, new facility.”

The renovated leisure centre now boasts a state-of-the-art air conditioned fitness room with approximately 30 new exercise stations including a variety of cardio vascular machines, power plates and load and loose weight equipment.

There is also a new licensed coffee shop, a dance studio and a multi purpose activity room.

There will be free fitness sessions for the adults including step, circuits, boxercise, zumba, pilates, yoga, spin, line dancing and kettlebells.

Mums-to-be can enjoy free Bump into Action anti natal sessions and there will be fun activities provided for children on Sunday, 23 September.

Visitors over 18 attending the open weekend can enter a competition to win six months free membership with full access to the new leisure facilities.

The Fairwater Leisure Centre refurbishment is one of a number of improvements to leisure centres to be carried out across the city over the next year.

This includes the refurbishment of Eastern Leisure Centre and additional improvements to be carried out on Pentwyn and Llanishen Leisure Centres.

Times of classes can be found on the facility programme at the leisure centre or at www.cardiff.gov.uk/leisure or call 029 2055 2210.

 

Teen wing sensation Robinson signs for Blues

Posted by Now Cardiff on Sep 2, 2012

Cardiff Blues have confirmed that teenage winger Harry Robinson has signed a senior contract with the region.

Robinson, 19, impressed Welsh selectors and was called up to the Wales 35 man senior squad for the training camp in Poland prior to the 2012 Six Nations Championship. He made a try-scoring debut for his country in June, in the test against the Barbarians.

In 2010/11 he won the Cardiff Blues Academy Player of the Year Award having had an outstanding season and became the youngest ever player to represent the Cardiff Blues, when, aged 17 years and nine months, he lined up against the Ospreys in the LV= Cup.

Speaking of the signing Robinson said,

“I’m really pleased to get to stick around for a few years.”

“It was an easy decision to make and I took the offer with both hands.”

“This is the best rugby environment for me to be in and I’ve got a good group of friends here also, so I’m excited to be here.”

“It does feel like a fresh start with Phil coming in and all the boys who are here feel it’s a good environment to be in.”

“It was a bit of whirlwind last season for me but things have sunk in now but now it’s a new season and I’m just putting my head down and working hard.”

“My ambition is to establish myself in the Blues team but competition is going to be tough with the quality back three players we have in the squad at the moment.”

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Jamie Roberts and Sam Warburton go head to head to support schools rugby

Posted by Now Cardiff on Apr 23, 2012

Two of the Blues’ Grand Slam heroes will be breaking ranks next week to support their old school rugby sides, at the Welsh Schools Cup Final.

Ysgol Glantaf and Whitchurch High School will contest the final at the Millennium Stadium – with Blues stars Jamie Roberts and Sam Warburton cheering from opposing sidelines.

The two teams have already played each other once this season, with Whitchurch High School coming out on top with a 9 points to 7 win.

Whitchurch High School won this cup competition in 2007, when Welsh captain Sam Warburton was in the victorious side against Neath College.

The same school-year produced cricketer Tom Maynard, Spurs and Wales footballer Gareth Bale, and rugby league international Elliott Kear. The school also boasts Olympic cyclist Geraint Thomas as one of its sporting alumni, and its football team has also qualified for the equivalent schools final this year.

Sam Warburton attended one of the final training sessions at his old school earlier in the week, to wish good luck to a side that has won 8 out of 9 games this season against 1st Division league opponents:

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