18 May 2009

Welsh athletics legends Colin Jackson and Tanni Grey Thompson have both given their backing to next month’s Super8 competition in Cardiff.  The exciting two-hour City versus City concept is being piloted in the Welsh capital next month and several leading British athletes have confirmed their participation.

The host city will be hoping to be inspired by a big home crowd as they take on all-star teams from London North, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, London South, Glasgow and Sheffield on Wednesday 10 June at the Cardiff International Sports Arena.

Twice World 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson said: “I expect a really exciting night of athletics on June 10. The format is fast paced and exciting and lends itself to a frenzied evening of sport.

“Some of the teams look really strong with plenty of the UK’s top Olympic athletes right in the thick of the action. It will be tough for the home team, but there are not many sporting crowds as passionate as the Welsh and I expect Cardiff to be in inspired form on the night.”

Paralympic legend Tanni Grey Thompson said: “In athletics, it is almost without exception that the competitions the spectators enjoy the most are also those that the athletes enjoy the most. They feed off each other. The Super8 format is one that easily appeals to both athlete and spectator. It promises to be highly charged-stuff on the track, in the field and in the stands. I for one, can’t wait for June 10.”

Confirmed names for Super8 already include Olympic 400m hurdles bronze medallist Tasha Danvers who will captain London South, UK Indoor 800m champion Jenny Meadows who will captain Manchester and Olympic 800m semi-finallist Marilyn Okoro, who will compete for London North.

More big names will be announced in the coming days. Tickets are now on sale at £5 (seating) or £3 (standing) for adults, U16s are free, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at www.uka.org.uk/super8 or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 844 0808.