Face Off! Cardiff Devils throw down their sticks and pucks to rock climb a mile for Sport Relief 2012

Sport Relief is sweeping the nation and now ice hockey legends the Cardiff Devils have gone the extra mile too, by soaring to a whole new level.

Wednesday 22nd February saw bench clearance as players from the Cardiff Devils swapped their jerseys for Sport Relief T-shirts and took on the challenge of rock climbing a mile at the Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre in Cardiff. Part of the prestigious Elite Ice Hockey League, the enthusiastic red army reached dizzying heights of 50 feet plus along the way as they fired up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Cardiff on Sunday 25th March.  They are encouraging the people of Cardiff to do their bit for Sport Relief and enter the Mile at www.sportrelief.com. 

Cardiff Devils player coach Gerad Adams said, “We are going the extra mile for Sport Relief and hope you can too by doing the Mile right here in Cardiff. You don’t have to be sporty, or do it in a challenging way – some of us have never even climbed before! Anyone can join in and get sponsored to do the Mile. The money you raise really does make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people.”

Rob Lawrence, managing director and joint founder of Boulders indoor climbing centre in Cardiff, said, “We are delighted to set up this challenge and support Sport Relief. Climbing a mile’s distance is certainly a tall order, especially for inexperienced climbers. It is great to be involved with a fundraising event that helps make a difference to so many people’s lives. Hopefully lots of people from all over Cardiff will enter the Mile and make this year’s event the biggest and best yet.”  

All the money raised by the public for Sport Relief will help people living incredibly tough lives right here in Cardiff, across the UK and in the world’s poorest countries. This year, over one million people are expected to pull up their Sport Relief socks and take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile to raise vital funds for vulnerable people across the UK and the world’s poorest countries. Enter the Cardiff Mile, or one of dozens of Miles happening all over Wales, right now at www.sportrelief.com.

Cardiff Lord Mayor gears up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in March

Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Professor Delme Bowen, is encouraging people in the city to sign up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25th March.

The Lord Mayor will be attending the event and will be complementing his mayoral chains with the official Sport Relief Mile medal, which will be awarded to everyone who completes the Mile on Sunday 25th March.  Councillor Professor Bowen wants the people of Cardiff to come on board and show their support by entering the Cardiff Mile:  “I am extremely proud that Cardiff has been chosen as one of the 17 cities across the UK to host a flagship Mile for Sport Relief. The Cardiff Mile is an opportunity for everyone, despite their age or ability, to come together as a community and have some fun, whilst also helping those who are less fortunate. Every penny raised will help people living extremely tough lives right here in our city, across the UK and the world’s poorest countries.” 

The fun takes place in Cardiff Bay, with a route packed full of entertainment and supporters to cheer on all Milers.

Valentines Day in Cardiff

Valentines day is on its way and if you are looking to wow a loved one or woo someone new Cardiff offers a range of romantic and raunchy options

• If its not too windy a day then treat your loved one to candy floss while you stroll down and admire the historic beauty of Penarth pier, what could be more romantic than finding a plaque with your names on (Pre purchased here).  
• Cardiff Bay hosts a range of glamorous restaurants which are sure to impress, be sure to book ahead as its going to be a busy night. Think Mexican for a fun night of cocktails and dancing or French for a night of fine wine and candle light glances.
• Salsa dancing is the perfect way to impress that special someone and even impress yourself with surprisingly easy to pick up moves. Try Salsa classes great for couples or go alone if your looking to meet the next ex.
• If you would rather stay in the city then Bute park and Arboretum will fill you with the beauty of nature as you wander through the ornamental trees and ancient monuments.
• You could make your date feel like a prince or princess whilst taking in the romance of Cardiff Castle.
• If your more impressed with swans than seagulls then a stroll around Cosmeston lake country park could be just the place for you, with 100 hectares of land and water there will be plenty of wildlife to watch and good exercise if your evening is likely to involve an extravagant meal and boxes of chocolates.
• If Musicals put a song in your heart then check out St Davids Hall where the Rat Pack is Back for Lovers Everywhere!!!
• For Theatre lovers or anyone looking for something a bit different this year try The Gate Arts Centres’s Alternative valentines event, it runs from Saturday the 11th until the 14th so its ideal if you cant have your valentines on a school night.
• There is of course the ever enjoyable option of a DVD from blockbusters and tub of haagen dazs, great for a cuddly night in or even better if your alone.
• And finally if you dont fancy all the mushy stuff then take yourself and friends down to Bogiez Rock Pub and Nightclub for Hillbilly Rock Explosion on sunday the 12th. 

Picture: Mary Gold, Bella Endes, Miss Kitty, The Divine Miss M and Miss Dazzle gear up for the Sport Relief Mile in Cardiff - Photo by Mark Stanmore

Drag Race for Sport Relief 2012

Local drag divas run a ‘Drag Queen Mile’ to gear up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile this March

Charles Street is getting all revved  for Sport Relief with its very own drag race – but these queens will be running on heels not wheels! Charles Street’s ‘ladies’ pulled their Sport Relief Socks up, donned their deeley boppers and made a dash down the parade of gay bars in the heart of Cardiff city centre to stage their very own version of the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile – with a glitzy twist!

The drag racers, a very talented bunch of female-impersonators, cabaret performers and comediennes, were warming up in preparation for the Cardiff Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday the 25th March where thousands of runners are expected to run one, three or six miles around the Bay route.

The fabulous Miss Kitty a regular performer at Wow bar and club in Cardiff said: “I’m not in the habit of running in my heels but I thought I’d make an exception for Sport Relief and add a bit of sparkle to the campaign! Me and the girls have had loads of fun today and we can’t wait to get our lycra on for the big event in March!”

The risk of twisted ankles and broken fingernails was high but the girls bravely stepped up to the challenge and put their all into the race, bringing some Charles Street glamour to the Sport Relief campaign. This year, over one million people are expected to pull up their Sport Relief socks and take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile to raise vital funds for vulnerable people across the UK and the world’s poorest countries. Enter the Cardiff Mile, or one of dozens of Mile events happening all over Wales, right now at www.sportrelief.com.