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.”

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!

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.”

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.”

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.

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.