Welsh boxing legend Nicky Piper MBE has unveiled a new sports mural at Maindy Centre. 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.
