Colors: Yellow Color

Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are a major landmark event in China’s history. Air China will bring its own strengths into play and mobilize its resources to spread Olympic Values and increase the impact of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Song Zhiyong.

“Air China has the capacity and confidence to promote the Olympic spirit through innovative approaches, fulfill the promise as an Official Partner, and support the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with high quality services”, added Song Zhiyong.

Air China is the country’s largest airline and exclusive national flag carrier, as well as the Official Partner for Beijing 2008. “We congratulate Air China in again partnering its services with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in China for Beijing 2022″, said Zhang Jiandong. “Beijing 2022 will spare no effort to provide quality services to ensure Air China enjoy the widespread benefits of being an Official Partner of Beijing 2022″, added Zhang Jiandong.

Since the launch of the Beijing 2022 Marketing Programme earlier this year, the work has been progressing smoothly. According to Beijing 2022, the Official Dairy Products Partner and the Official Sports Apparel Partner will be announced to the public soon.

Abbie-Jane Mansell may only just qualify for the 14 to 17-year-olds category in her chosen sport of Karate, but that did not stop her from coming home from the European Championships in Belgium with three gold medals.

14-year-old Abbie-Jane, from Hill Top took part in the individual, pairs and team events, striking gold each time, so it is no surprise that Abbie-Jane has been awarded one of Sandwell Council’s ‘Gifted and Talented’ grant awards.

Councillor Richard Marshall, who chairs the Gifted and Talented grant awards panel, said ‘Abbie-Jane is obviously so committed to her sport and I have to say the control and discipline a sport like karate requires mean that Abbie-Jane works very hard and shows a great deal of determination to have already achieved so much.

We hope Abbie-Jane continues to excel at the top level and Sandwell council is pleased to support Abbie-Jane and her family.  This is what we are all about doing, helping our young people who are achieving at the highest level.’

As Karate is now a recognised Olympic sport Abbie-Jane, who goes to school at Sandwell Academy has set her sights on aiming for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.  Abbie-Jane who trains twice a week at the Moose Martial Arts Academy, in West Bromwich under Sensi (or coach) Shannon Parsons, as well as training with the full England squad.  Shannon has also represented England at full international level, before turning to coaching along with a career in the police.

Abbie-Jane has just been selected to compete in the next European Championships in Sardinia in October and will be representing England again in December at a team tournament in Rotterdam.  Next year Abbie-Jane is targetting the 2018 World Championships in Leicester.

Sandwell Council’s ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme is still open to applications having been specifically set up to provide financial support to elite young athletes living in the Borough.  Anyone living in Sandwell and competing at top level can visit the webpage www.sandwell.gov.uk/giftedandtalented for more information about grants available to support Sandwell’s top young athletes.

One of the most respected coaches in British sport, Leon Smith has helped to mastermind the return of the nation as a major force in world tennis, and Great Britain's Davis Cup captain will be offering a detailed insight into his coaching philosophy at an exclusive academy taking place at La Manga Club this autumn.

Smith has overseen one of the most successful periods in British tennis since being appointed as captain in 2010, taking his side from European minnows to Davis Cup champions in 2015, and will give an in-depth assessment of his reign at a 'Special La Manga Club Tennis Academy Week with Leon Smith' at the Spanish resort from October 16-20.

As part of the academy, which is limited to a maximum of 50 people, the British tennis supremo will be offering invaluable advice, tuition and tips to help players improve their techniques at La Manga Club – the official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association.

The training camp is taking place for the second year running and, in addition to receiving expert tuition, attendees will have the chance to enjoy a gala dinner hosted by Smith, where he will provide a personal insight into British tennis in a period that has seen home-grown players win eight Gram Slam titles.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive Q & A session with the GB captain before guests are treated to a lavish dinner at La Manga Club's Amapola Restaurant. Tickets for the evening are also available to hotel guests and resort residents and are priced at €65 for adults.

Smith said: “It is a real pleasure for me and everyone at the Lawn Tennis Association to work with La Manga Club. With first-class facilities and a training environment that is second to none, the resort deserves to be regarded as one of the world's premier destinations for tennis and caters for the needs of all types of players.

“I thoroughly enjoyed having the chance to work with players on the academy last year, and I'm looking forward to having another opportunity to share some of the ideas in our coaching philosophy that has helped bring about a resurgence in British tennis in recent years.”

Packages for the October camp feature six nights' accommodation in La Manga Club's five-star Hotel Principe Felipe including breakfast and access to the five-star Spa La Manga Club's fitness centre, indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms.

With an average of more than 300 days' sunshine a year, La Manga Club – recently named as one of the world's top tennis venues by leading website Tennis Resorts Online – offers the perfect destination for professional and amateur tennis players to work on all aspects of their technique under sunny skies at the venue's outstanding 28-court centre.

Tickets for the IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018 went on sale, with thousands expected to be snapped up in the next few days, following a superb summer of athletics.

Nearly 8,000 tickets for the Championships were bought on the first day of the pre-sale period at the end of May and organisers of the event, which will be held at Arena Birmingham from 1 to 4 March, have seen a huge increase in interest, following the IAAF World Championships in London, so demand is expected to be high for general sale too.

British Athletics Chief Executive Niels de Vos said: “The IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018 will be one of the biggest sporting events of the year and is not to be missed. After the amazing success of the IAAF World Championships in London this month, we are already looking forward to welcoming the world’s best athletes to Birmingham for what will be a fantastic global event. Indoor athletics is all about excitement and drama and the state of the art Arena Birmingham is the perfect venue, allowing spectators to get close to the action and offering the perfect view from any seat.”

Tickets prices have been set with families in mind as Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader for Birmingham City Council, who are jointly organising the Championships, said: “We wanted to ensure that this event would be fantastic value for families in Birmingham and beyond and with all children’s tickets costing £5 and prices starting at £20 for adults, a family of four can come to some sessions of the Championships for just £50.

“Staging this event in Birmingham, so soon after London’s hugely successful World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships, means that those people who missed out on tickets this summer now have another chance to experience the excitement of live athletics and to come and watch the world’s best athletes at a major championships and this time they’ll be competing in one of Birmingham’s world-class sporting venues.”

There are six different sessions for the Championships, one on Thursday 1 March, two on Friday 2 March, two on Saturday 3 March and one final session on Sunday 4 March. The price of tickets varies across these sessions, with three categories of ticket (pink, green and blue) offering great choice as well as great value.  Every single session has concession tickets available. The £5 tickets are available for children aged 2 to 16, students and people over 65 and no fees are charged on these tickets.

The Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport is gearing up for the 12th annual weekend celebration on 27 - 28 August, Bank Holiday weekend.

Perfect for auto enthusiasts and families, the Festival of Transport is a celebration of vintage, classic and modern classic cars, exhibitors, trade stands, competitions and motoring history.

For the first time in 2017, the Festival of Transport will also feature the Electric Automobile Association's (ElectrAA) Electric Vehicle Zone sponsored by OVO Energy, the UK's leading independent energy supplier. The Electric Vehicle Zone features an exciting new section of electric cars and motorcycles. Full electric, hybrid, bridging cars and classics converted to electric will be on display plus the latest production electric cars and bikes, most of which will be available for test drives.

Sunday 27 August will feature the Classic Car Show and Monday 28 August will include not only the Classic Cars but also motorcycles, Minis and VWs, Customs, Hot Rods and Americans, Kit and Sports Cars.

The Bank Holiday experience once again features a full vehicle concours lead by MC Les Clayton who brings over 19 years' experience as an MC and commentator at classic vehicle events. Les' interactive approach will get all the family excited about the vehicular spectacle. Expect plenty to see and do around the grounds.

Leading vehicle event organisers Classic Shows have been running specialist car shows for over 30 years and know exactly what gets the 'petrol head' in all of us hot under the bonnet.

From young to old the Festival of Transport is a true celebration of motoring history and achievement with plenty of exciting things to see, hear and do to keep all the family entertained.

Matthew J Harvey, Managing Director of Classic Shows, said: “Classic Shows is delighted to be working with ElectrAA and OVO Energy on this ground-breaking new event. The idea to combine classic and electric vehicle content is an innovative concept and the Electric Vehicle Zone will be the largest exhibition of electric vehicles and electric vehicle content seen in the UK to date. To this effect, Classic Shows, ElectrAA and OVO Energy are leading the way in promoting the electric vehicle movement.

Tom Pakenham, Head of Electric Vehicles, OVO Energy said: “We are excited to sponsor ElectrAA's Electric Vehicle Zone as part of the Festival of Transport. With the momentum for electric vehicles growing rapidly across the UK and the number expected to reach one million by 2022, we are helping to power the emerging electric vehicle revolution. We're thrilled to fuse the electric experience with a celebration of classic cars at Blenheim, ushering in a new age for motoring.”

World record ticket sales, historic firsts, entertaining presentation and a fun spectator experience have all combined to help make the IAAF World Championships London 2017 a hugely successful event.

Held in the UK for the first time ever, 2,200 athletes from 203 nations travelled to London while fans from across Britain and the globe poured into the London Stadium and onto the capital’s streets to make history.

The Championships will go down as the best ever for ticket sales after organisers were awarded an official Guinness World Record for the number of tickets sold for an IAAF World Championships in front of a packed London Stadium on the closing night.

The figure recorded on the official Guinness World Record certificate is 701,889 but with that taken two days before the end of the Championships, it will be updated to reflect the over 705,000 eventually sold. Session 12 on the morning of Saturday 12 August was the best ticketed session at 56,620.

The London Stadium was not the sole focus for the Championships with the men’s and women’s marathons, held on the same day of the Championships (Sunday 6 August) for the first time ever, and attracting 150,000 spectators around its landmark filled 10km loop course.

With a backdrop of Buckingham Palace, crowds also flocked to The Mall in their thousands to witness the first ever Festival of Race Walks (Sunday 13 August), which saw all four races held on a single day for the first time ever.

Arguably the unexpected star of the Championships was the official mascot Hero the Hedgehog, who brought laughter for those watching live in the stadium or at home during every appearance.

With over three times the amount of applications to places available, it took the help of 4,500 volunteers, known as Runners, to stage the Championships. The Runners brought with them fluency in more than 65 different languages, helping spectators enjoy an engaging experience.

Niels de Vos, Championship Director and CEO of UK Athletics, said: “As the organising committee of the IAAF World Championships London 2017, we are extremely proud to have delivered a Championships that has received such great support from the athletes and the public, whether watching in the stadium or at home.

“Over ten days of world-class athletics both in Stratford and across central London, we have witnessed the world’s top sportsmen and women perform at their very best. The response has truly shown the impact athletics continues to have on the UK and beyond.

“From our record-breaking ticket sales to the fantastic dedication of our Runners and even to our official mascot Hero, it has been a pleasure to stage these Championships for every single one of the 2,200 athletes from 203 nations involved.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The IAAF World Athletics Championships really captured the spirit of London and will live long in the memory as another chapter in an unforgettable summer of sport in our great city. We’ve seen medals won and personal bests smashed, and there’s no better honour for London than staging the final championship races of legends Mo Farah and Usain Bolt.

“More than 700,000 people filled the London Stadium, beating all previous attendance records, while millions around the globe have been watching what has been a truly memorable World Athletics Championships. I am so proud London was the first city to host both the World Para Athletics Championships and the IAAF World Athletics Championships in the same year, proving once again that London really is the sporting capital of the world.”

Simon Morton, COO of UK Sport and London 2017 Board member, said: “The World Athletics Championships has broken records and brought back the spirit of London 2012 to London and the UK.

“From our enthusiastic crowds, dedicated volunteers and of course this spectacular venue, we have once again shown why the UK is the best place in the world to host major sporting events.

“This wouldn’t be possible without National Lottery players’ support for our major events programme at UK Sport, and we look forward to continuing to bring events like this one to the UK for many years to come to inspire the nation.”

 

Britain’s World 4x400m relay heroes will be among a stellar line up of 19 London 2017 world champions and 40 medallists, competing at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham this Sunday.

Silver medallists Eilidh Doyle and Zoey Clark will line up in the 400m hurdles and 400m respectively at the Alexander Stadium.

Doyle, Clark, Laviai Nielsen, and Emily Diamond ran a brilliant race in the London Stadium, clocking 3:25.00, to finish in second behind an outstanding USA team and hold off Poland down the home straight.

Eilidh said: “After seeing the incredible performances from both the sprint relay teams, we were really fired up to do well and it paid off. To win a world silver medal on home soil is amazing and it’s given me a real boost going into the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham next Sunday, where I’ll be looking to end my UK season with a good result in the 400m hurdles.”

She added: “Lots of the GB team will be competing in Birmingham and it’s always a great meet, so we can go to the Alexander Stadium and enjoy ourselves and celebrate a fantastic summer.”

All four of the bronze medal winning men’s quartet of Matthew Hudson-Smith, Dwayne Cowan, Rabah Yousif and Martyn Rooney, will race over 400m at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham.

The men produced a superb performance in the world final, recording a season’s best of 2:59.00 seconds to finish behind Trinidad and Tobago and the USA, taking the British medal tally to six.

Hudson-Smith said: “Winning a world bronze medal in the 4x400m was brilliant and I can’t wait to go back to race at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham on my home track, as a London 2017 medallist.”

All four gold medallists from Britain’s World Championship winning men’s 4x100m relay team, and the silver medal winning women’s sprint quartet, will also be celebrating in style at the Alexander Stadium. That includes mens 4x100m gold medallists; CJ Ujah, Adam Gemili, Danny Talbot and anchor Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, whilst the women’s 4x100 silver medallists of Asha Philip, Desiree Henry, Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita.

Philip said: “To win a world silver medal as part of this amazing relay team was incredible, and we’re all going to be racing at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, so we’ll get another chance to celebrate together. We’ll be lining up against each other as well as the some of the world’s best sprinters and it’ll be a great opportunity to thank the British fans for their awesome support this year.”

All the Brits and many of the international athletes know from experience that the fans in Birmingham really love their athletics and they are some of the best spectators in the world. So, everyone can expect a fantastic atmosphere at the Alexander Stadium this weekend,” he added.

The IAAF Diamond League meeting will be the culmination of an outstanding summer of global athletics events in the UK and include Mo Farah’s last ever track race on home soil.

The Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, supported by Birmingham City Council, takes place this Sunday, August 20.

 

 

 

The Genting Arena will stage international netball this November as England face Malawi.

After the roaring success of Super Ten, Tracey Neville’s side will come to the Midlands for the third and final match of the Vitality Netball International Series.

It will be a brilliant opportunity to see the Roses in action in their last International Series of 2017 as preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and England’s hunt for gold intensifies.

Malawi are currently ranked sixth in the official INF world rankings and are always real crowd pleasers with their flair, energy and passion.

The first two matches of the 2017 series will take place at in London on 24 and 26 November.

The teams then move to Birmingham for the last – and potential deciding – match of the series, which will take place on Wednesday 29th November at 7:45pm.

It promises to be a thrilling battle between two dynamic, world class teams and tickets are expected to go fast so don’t miss out on your chance to be courtside!

After winning gold and silver at the World Championships, four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah has announced a final chance for British fans to see him compete on the track at the Alexander Stadium in the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham.

One of Britain’s sporting legends; he will receive a hero’s send-off from his legions of loyal fans as he races in the prestigious IAAF Diamond League event.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to what will be my final track race in Britain at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham and I’m sure it will be a day I remember for the rest of my life.

To get the opportunity to say goodbye to the track in front of a British crowd is something that means a lot to me and I hope I can take everything in. I’ve run many great races at the Alexander Stadium over the years, and have a history there, so it’s a fitting venue for my last track race.”

A six-time World Champion, he was victorious at the Müller Anniversary Games before going onto the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - winning the 3000m with a time of 7:35.15 – before adding the 10,000m title to his already impressive record.

Sir Mo said: “The meet is only a week after the World Championships so it will be a great chance for the fans that didn’t make it down to London to see me race.

I’ve had fantastic support throughout my career from people all over the UK, and the atmosphere in Birmingham is always amazing, so I’ll be looking for a good final performance to thank the fans for all their support over the years.”

A host of Olympic and world medallists will also compete at the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, many of whom will have recently won medals at the IAAF World Championships in London.

Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, who support and help to organise the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, said: “We are delighted that Sir Mo Farah has selected Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium as the venue for his last ever British track race. We are lucky to have witnessed some amazing performances from Mo in Birmingham and I’m sure this race will be no exception.

Birmingham loves sport and athletics in particular, so I am sure that people from across the city will flock to the stadium to give this legend of the sport the send-off that he truly deserves, as he calls time on his illustrious track career.

The Birmingham Alexander Stadium is steeped in athletics history and is the home of British Athletics, so there couldn’t be a better venue for a race of such significance and for this Diamond League event. This venue will continue to be the perfect stage for world class athletes to perform on, for many years to come.”

The Müller Grand Prix Birmingham takes place on Sunday 20 August.

Rugby 7s is a fantastic showcase of sport, demonstrating energy, skill and passion, with both players and fans actively engaging in the game.

As one of the Midlands’ premier sports stadiums that successfully hosted Rugby World Cup fixtures for the 2015 Championship, Villa Park Stadium, with 42,700 seats and home to English Football League club Aston Villa, was the obvious choice for hosting Rugby 7s, as part of Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid.

Aston Villa Chief Executive, Keith Wyness, is fully backing Birmingham’s bid and believes the venue will host a spectacular Rugby 7s tournament:

“Villa Park is a great sporting venue and an iconic Midlands sports institute. It has an amazing sporting history dating back to the 1900s and, as well as our regular football fixtures and the two Rugby World Cup 2015 matches, we have hosted many major events over the years, from boxing matches to concerts for music legends such as Springsteen and Take That.

“Rugby 7s is a fantastic event, providing a great day out for sports fans. I am sure that many Villa fans would want to be there and will be thrilled that Villa Park is playing a role.

“Our players and coaching staff would also welcome the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There will be great opportunities to share information in the pursuit of sporting excellence and it would just be fantastic to be part of the event.

“Everybody at Villa Park said that hosting the Rugby World Cup was one of the most fulfilling things we have done for our community. We are a great community based club and it is important that we play our part in delivering the best ever Games in 2022.

“Being part of Team Birmingham and helping to bring the Commonwealth Games to Birmingham is something we are proud to be doing. This will be another first for Villa and we look forward to playing our role.

“I spent five years managing The Olympic Club for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and then seven years on the board of the SECC Hydro Arena, which was a focal point for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. I have seen multi-sport events close up and know the amazing effect they can have and the positive impact they can bring to a host city.

“It is fantastic to be part of Birmingham’s Bid and with the role of the Commonwealth likely to become more important for Britain going forward, we will do all we can to bring the Games here.

“Bring it on!”

Villa players agree and cannot wait to see the Games come to Birmingham. Aston Villa FC and Wales national team player, James Chester said:

“Villa Park is one of the most inspiring stadiums a sportsperson could wish to compete in. It is both a traditional and iconic arena.

“Emerging from the tunnel and walking out into a wall of noise from all four stands is an uplifting experience. The Rugby 7s teams will have an incredible experience playing at Villa Park during Birmingham 2022 so let’s back the bid. ”

James Rodwell is England’s most capped Rugby 7s player of all time. He won a Silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the sport’s inaugural Games and is a two-times Commonwealth Games player (Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014). Having studied at University of Birmingham and played for Moseley Rugby Club, Rodwell is championing Birmingham’s bid:

“Rugby 7s is one of the most popular events at the Commonwealth Games. The atmosphere is electric and the fans get passionately involved so, as a player, it is an amazing experience to be part of. I have great memories of competing at the Commonwealth Games and would love to be representing England at Villa Park in 2022. Rugby fans who watched the Rugby World Cup fixtures at Villa Park will agree it was sensational. Let’s back Birmingham 2022 so we can recreate that again.”

A student footballer has hit the big time after signing a one-year contract with Birmingham City Football Club as a defender.

Remeao Hutton scored his big break while playing for Hednesford Town FC’s Academy, a training programme delivered by Sutton Coldfield College.

“I want to keep getting better as a player,” said the 18-year-old, also from Sutton Coldfield.  “12 months from now I want to have made it on to the first team’s bench and shown everyone what I can do.”

Remeao completed a sports performance and excellence course at the college and was part of Hednesford Town FC Academy’s First Team.  He also played for the college’s men’s football team where he helped to win the Association of Colleges (AoC) national knockout cup.

“I first came across Remeao when he was four-years-old,” said his college coach, Nick Heath.  “Even then his determination to be a successful footballer shone through.  It’s rare to come across someone so driven and focused.  He constantly asks questions about training methods and how he can improve his performance.

“Everyone at the college wishes him well.  His success is all the more special to us as he came through an Academy programme we had developed.”

It was during a FA Youth Cup game involving Hednesford Town Academy and Tamworth Football Club Academy that Remeao was first talent spotted by the club.

“I completed a trial for them in March and haven’t been away from the club since,” continued Remeao.  “In April I came on as a sub in an under-23s game against Bristol City and felt really comfortable playing at this level.  Signing a contract is an amazing step up and so is the time I’ve spent at the training ground.

“The college has fully backed me through all this.  They set up flexible lessons so I could commit to training sessions and keep up with coursework.

“There’s so much more I still want to do,” he added.  “Fitness is a big part of my plans.  I go to the gym every day on top of going to training.  It’s my way of making sure I achieve all my ambitions.”

Richard Beale, Blues’ Senior Professional Development Coach commented: “Remeao came in on trial and impressed us in the games he played and in training.  We like his attitude and determination to improve and be the best he can be.

“His contract was deserved and we look forward to helping him to continue to develop.”

Absolute Sanctuary, Asia's top wellness resort has unveiled a new look and concept to reflect its positioning.

Part of Absolute You, Asia's leading health and lifestyle brand, Absolute Sanctuary is proud to announce its new positioning as Asia's first and only Fitness Wellness resort.

Fitness Wellness is a new integrating concept that combines physical and mental well-being to promote long lasting health. Through its affiliation with Absolute You, Absolute Sanctuary has successfully integrated Absolute You's uniquely designed exercise programs including Yoga, Pilates Reformer, Core suspend, rhythm cycling and food programs with world- class Detox programs , emotional and healing spa therapies to offer cutting edge fitness wellness programs, the benefits of which will last a life-time.

“The key to living happy and healthily is to Eat Well, Rest Well and Exercise Well with a right mix of exercise that promotes Flexibility, Core Strength and Cardiovascular Fitness. Absolute Sanctuary embodies the true essence of Fitness Wellness with its Yoga, Pilates, and Rhythm Cycling programs combined with its innovative Superfoods Cuisine.” says Executive Director Claire Bostock.

Ms Bostock explains that over the last decade there has been a growing market of niche travelers looking for a holiday experience where they can immerse themselves in their passion for fitness. Absolute Sanctuary sees itself as a perfect fit for these travelers seeking for a holiday to unplug from the world and reboot themselves with a getaway that promotes good energy and well-being.

Adam Peaty is celebrating the 50m breaststroke world record the only way he knows how, by doing victory laps in his tank at The National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.

If that sounds a bit fishy to you, it’s because Adam is the aquarium’s golden puffer fish, named after the British swimming sensation when he won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The real life Adam Peaty has reached the World Aquatics Championships final in Budapest by smashing the world record not once, but twice in one day, beating the 26-second barrier.

Congratulations Adam, from Adam!

With the summer holidays having just arrived, Great British Racing, the sport’s promotional body, has launched its biggest ever national under 18s campaign to encourage more families to take advantage of free entry for children and young people at racecourses across the country - including across the West Midlands.

It’s a little-known fact that under 18s go free to almost every British racecourse on almost every raceday, making a day at the races a unique family day out that won’t break the bank. There are more than 200 racedays up and down the country over the school holidays and amongst these are 58 special family days, with additional activities put on for families and young people.

There are a host of family racing events taking place in the West Midlands this summer, including the Big Summer BBQ Family Raceday at Uttoxeter Racecourse this Sunday 30 July, which will see entertainment including a Burton Albion shoot out, wildlife displays assault courses and inflatables alongside an afternoon of racing, as well as free entry for all accompanied under 18s.

Wolverhampton Racecourse also hosts the Caribbean Party Raceday on Monday 31 July, with authentic Caribbean recipes and traditions provided by Momma Bears Wings N Tings, music from a live steel pan band and more. Tickets start from just £11, with under 18s going free.

Additional fixtures across the West Midlands include:

• Family Fun Day, Wolverhampton Racecourse, Friday 11 September: Not only do under 18s go free to this action-packed raceday, but under 12s can even eat free in the racecourse’s Horizons Restaurant. Dudley Zoo will be joining the day, with extra entertainment including bouncy castles, face painting and more. • Family Fun Day, Worcester Racecourse, Sunday 3 September: The last of Worcester’s Family Fun Days, with entertainment including pony rides, mini quad bikes, bouncy castles and more, not to mention free entry for under 18s.

As part of the campaign, Great British Racing has also teamed up with leading presenter and DJ, Sara Cox, an avid racing fan who has ridden in several charity races herself and has enjoyed a lifelong love of horses. Sara has created a range of video content for the newly created StirrUpSummer.com, including a unique and entertaining Guide to the Races. StirrUpSummer.com allows visitors to find out where their nearest course is and what’s on, as well as enjoy a range of fun and engaging content, specially designed and created for families and young people.

Sara said: “Racing is such a brilliant day out and the fact that under 18s go free, not just during the summer holidays but throughout the year makes it even better.”

Further collaborations with prominent YouTube personality, Caspar Lee, and X factor stars Reggie ’n’ Bollie, have seen the launch of two competitions on StirrUpSummer.com created to directly appeal to young people and families. Caspar Lee has launched a competition for under 18s to design their own ‘horse trainer’ to be in with a chance to win a VIP day at the races, including a meet-up with the popular vlogger himself, whilst Reggie ’n’ Bollie have showcased their rap skills in a unique ‘Hip Clop’ video, challenging youngsters to put their commentary skills to the test for the chance to win an amazing set of prizes, including an iPad and virtual reality headset.

Rod Street, Chief Executive of Great British Racing said: “Racing is a box office hit of colour and excitement and is such a brilliant day out for all the family. With the summer holidays just around the corner and accompanied under 18s admitted for free, there is no better time to head to your local track.

“This is why we have launched our StirrUpSummer campaign and we are delighted to have such prominent personalities on board to help us encourage more young people and their families to head to the races.”

Team England’s boxers delivered champion performances throughout day six to ensure that Team England left the Bahamas victorious. A magnificent seven gold medals from seven boxing finals left the team as undisputed kings and queens of the boxing ring.

Eithan James’s split decision points win began a run of victories that never came to an end, and by the time the session came to a close, Georgia O’Connor had secured England’s seventh gold. “I don’t think there are any words in the English language to describe how I feel right now. I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was this big and as soon as I won I started crying, I thought it was a dream and someone would punch me out of it.

“I was really nervous beforehand and despite what people told me I knew this was an important fight and in the back of my head I knew it was for a gold medal, my first international gold so it took me a while to get into it but once I did that was it. It all happened so quick.” said O’Connor.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was Aaron Bowen’s debut international gold medal in an epic toe to toe encounter with Kane Tucker of Northern Ireland. Bowen said “It was a great fight to be part of, I’m proper happy with my performance. I enjoyed the whole lot. He started off well and thought I’ve got to put it on him here and up my work rate. I knew I was fit and that I could go the three rounds at that pace so I just gave it my all.”

The athletics team gave the whole Games the perfect finish by claiming a medal in the final race, the 4x400m mixed relay. Alex Botterill, gold medallist in yesterday’s 800m spoke of his pride at how the whole team had performed across the Games: “I think that we’ve come over to the Bahamas with a really strong team and performed well in every discipline. Getting medals across all the sports has been great and even people who haven’t won medals have put in some amazing personal best performances. The medal table doesn’t lie and we’ve been really lucky to be a part of it all.”

Indiana Spink took tennis bronze by a walkover to ensure that Team England won medals in all of the seven sports they competed in at the Commonwealth Youth Games. Spink was delighted with her success despite not taking to the court on finals day, with her opponent withdrawing ahead of the match. She said: “It feels really good, I’m really proud and my friends and family are really proud too and that means a lot. I’m really happy. The support has been amazing. I’m going to show my medal off to my mum as soon as I get home and she’s going to be so happy.”

Overall, Team England topped the medal table with 51 medals, beating the total of 44 won in Samoa two years ago. A number of junior athletes have already set their sights on the senior Games on the Gold Coast next year and their performances in the Bahamas will no doubt have given inspiration to their senior teammates.

A unique exhibition at upcoming Simmer Down Festival will unveil the prized possessions of a series of famous faces as they pledge their support to Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship Stronger Knowing More campaign.

The men’s health charity will be showcasing items of strength from the likes Birmingham-born former England centre-back, Joleon Lescott, former Wolves goalkeeper, Matt Murray, and the first ever Black player to play for England, Viv Anderson, in a bid to raise awareness of the increased risk of prostate cancer in Black men.

The exhibition, which coincides with Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month, will also showcase sentimental possessions from a number of men who have either been personally affected by prostate cancer, or family members who have lost loved ones to the disease in celebration of how Black communities have found the strength to face prostate cancer in their lives. Its aim is to get people talking about the most common cancer in men and taking action.

One in four Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and one in twelve will die from the disease. However, Prostate Cancer UK warns that over three quarters of Black men (86%) are oblivious to the heightened danger they face, leaving them susceptible to being diagnosed at a late stage when the disease has already spread to other parts of the body.

Lescott, who came through the ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers and also represented Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, played 26 times for his country and has donated one of those caps to the exhibition.

He said: “Hearing the statistic that one in four Black men will be affected by prostate cancer shocked me, and it’s something we need to step up and do something about.

I’ve seen managers wearing the charity’s pin badge and seen the great work the charity has been doing, and it’s brilliant to be able to donate something so personal to me and make such a positive statement.

This is a great initiative from Prostate Cancer UK and I’m proud to team up with them.”

Dubbed ‘the best goalkeeper England never had’ following his retirement through injury, ex-keeper Murray has donated his play-off winning shirt from the 3-0 win against Sheffield United at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in May 2003, which saw the Molineux men promoted to the top-flight for the first-time in 19 years.

He said: “Prostate cancer is not an issue to be taken lightly. Last year I walked alongside Soccer Saturday legend, Jeff Stelling, during his almighty walking challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. I was also proud to walk with my good friend and Wolves club doctor, Matt Perry, who was treated for the disease in 2014. Along the way we met many others with similar experiences and listened to their stories of determination, strength and survivorship.

“I’m delighted to be supporting Stronger Knowing More and shining a light on a disease that is all too often swept under the carpet and ignored – especially in the Black community. I’m donating the shirt that I wore during the best performance of my career.”

Other celebrities donating items at this weekend include former England and Nottingham Forest defender, Viv Anderson, former Birmingham City captain, Michael Johnson, and former Charlton Athletic manager and England defender, Chris Powell, who spent playing and coaching spells in the East Midlands with Leicester City and Derby County.

Prostate Cancer UK’s Stronger Knowing More campaign aims to inspire black men to face their risk of prostate cancer by having the courage to talk to their doctor and spread the word, so that the disease is picked up earlier and treated in time. Celebrities that have already pledged their support include Benjamin Zephaniah, Linford Christie and David Haye.

Tony Wong, Prostate Cancer UK’s Men at Risk Programme Manager said: “As a Black man myself I am all too aware of the long-standing taboos that surround prostate cancer within our communities. Too many men continue to let pride get in the way of their health and it’s putting their lives at risk.

We’re calling on all men – especially Black men - to find the strength to overcome any embarrassment and find out about their prostate cancer risk.”

Prostate Cancer UK will be displaying its Stronger Knowing More exhibition at the Simmer Down Festival, in Handsworth Park, in Birmingham, on Sunday July 23. Specialist Nurses will be on hand to provide information to any men with questions or concerns about the disease.