The Cardiff Barrage Olympic adiZone was officially opened to the public today by Welsh international rugby star, George North.
George is one of the youngest capped Welsh rugby players and is named in the Wales team to face the Barbarians in the Millennium Stadium next month. He was joined by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Keith Hyde and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells.
Pupils from Bishop of Llandaff High School and Radyr Comprehensive also attended the event and got the opportunity to be the first to test out the new equipment.
The adiZones are free, outdoor sports facilities designed in the shape of the London 2012 Olympic logo and the Cardiff Barrage site is the first of its kind in Wales. Cardiff Council was successful in securing two of the innovative outdoor multi-sports areas for the city which have been developed in partnership with The Great Outdoor Company, specialists in supplying and installing outdoor gyms.
AdiZones are part of the Adidas UK’s sporting legacy following their sponsorship of the Olympics and aim to encourage more young people and families to get involved with sport and physical activity.
Each adiZone comprises of a modern 18 station outdoor gym, basketball area, football goal, tennis wall, climbing wall and an open area for aerobics, dance, martial arts, gymnastics and play.
The second adiZone will be situated in Howard Gardens, Adamsdown.
Cllr Keith Hyde said: “These facilities are innovative and high quality and will inspire people to get involved in sport and fitness.
“We are honoured to have George North here, a fantastic example of young person who has a passion for sport and who works hard to achieve excellence.”
Cllr Howells said: “The adiZones are an important part of the Olympic legacy project and I am thrilled that we have been successful in securing two of these facilities for the people of Cardiff.
“I am sure they will be well used and play a vital role in the community, making sport and healthy activities accessible to people of all ages.
“Cardiff is proud to be playing a key part in the Olympics. We are hosting some of the football events at the Millennium Stadium and have been selected as the Pre-Games Training Camp by the Australian and South African Paralympics teams and by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team.
“As well as economic benefits and upgraded training facilities, the Olympics will promote Cardiff on a world sporting stage.”
