UEFA Financial Fair Play Chairman to Speak at Leaders Debate

The chairman of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play Control Panel, Jean-Luc Dehaene, will participate in a discussion about football finances at the fourth annual Leaders in Football conference later this year.

Dehaene, the former Belgian Prime Minister, has been labelled by UEFA president Michel Platini as the man in charge of the economic destiny of European football, as the Financial Fair Play system is to be phased in over the next three years.

Dehaene joins several big name signings for Leaders in Football, with Football Association chairman David Bernstein and Greg Clarke, chairman of the Football League, having been confirmed as speakers in recent weeks alongside FIFA Executive Committee members Dr Michel D’Hooghe and Jim Boyce.

Leaders in Football will take place within the Leaders Sports Summit, which brings together five leading conferences including Sponsorship, Digital Sport, Performance and the business of Horse Racing, over two days on October 5-6 at Stamford Bridge, the home of Barclays Premier League soccer club Chelsea.

Neptunus Awarded Contract for London ’12 Hospitality Venue

Temporary structures specialist Neptunus has announced that it has been awarded a major contract by Prestige Ticketing to supply a corporate hospitality venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Neptunus structures will provide 11,500 square metres of space over three floors with an impressive three-storey high glass atrium entrance and construction of the 3,000 capacity venue in the Olympic Park will begin early next year.

The hospitality venue will be situated only metres from the Olympic Stadium and Prestige Ticketing’s operations director, Sue Creed said: “We were impressed by Neptunus’ ability to meet LOCOG’s stringent sustainability policy, in the design and construction of their structures, as well as deliver the project at a competitive price.”

Neptunus has provided structures for high profile events including The Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Royal Ascot, Twickenham and Masterpiece Fair, London.

April Trasler, UK managing director at Neptunus, added: “We are delighted to have won such a major contract and look forward to being part of a world renowned event. 

“It is testament to the hard work that goes in to continually developing our product portfolio and ensuring it meets changing industry needs.

“Our structures are designed with modern recyclable components which means that at the end of any hire period the equipment is checked, cleaned and returned to our hire stock for the next use, providing a highly sustainable solution.”

ITTF Signs Nanyang Technological University Lab Partnership

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has established a joint lab with Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore).

Hosted by NTU’s Institute of Sports Research (ISR), the new ITTF Lab@ISR will serve to provide the ITTF with services pertaining to the testing of table tennis balls and racket coverings, and to undertake such projects in future, regulating the establishment and conduct of projects related to the sport of Table Tennis.

The collaboration with NTU will provide a platform for the ITTF to have access to the university’s research facilities, to explore and evaluate possible new testing methods that will be of potential to both parties, and to the development of the sport.

NTU Provost Professor Freddy Boey said: “The new joint lab with ITTF aims to contribute to the progress of equipment testing through NTU’s engineering research and technology expertise. Table tennis is one of the most emblematic Asia-centric sport and NTU will be able to support ITTF in engineering new testing protocols to sustain the development of the sport for fair competition.”

ITTF Asia & Pacific & Marketing Director Steve Dainton shared: “We are delighted to have this joint lab collaboration with NTU. By tapping NTU’s engineering research and technology expertise, we are confident that this will enable us to achieve high quality and efficiency testing of table tennis equipment. In addition, this will provide us with great opportunities to bring in the most advanced technologies to enhance our table tennis equipment testing protocol and also to look at new innovations which will help our sport to grow and develop.”

ISR will provide the technical personnel, lab space, testing equipment and the technical expertise to carry out the scope of work in the joint lab.

Ben Kay Joins Leicester Tigers’ Board of Directors

Former Rugby World Cup winner Ben Kay has joined the board of directors at Leicester Tigers

Kay is among the most successful players in professional rugby history. After joining the club from Waterloo, generic | Kay made 281 appearances in the Leicester second row between 1999 and his retirement in 2010, asthma winning six league titles and back-to-back European Cups.

He also earned 62 caps for England, healing including the historic Rugby World Cup win of 2003 and a second final four years later, and gained two Test caps with the British & Irish Lions.

Kay is now a rugby commentator with BT Sport and a partner in an award-winning advertising agency.

Peter Tom CBE, executive chairman of Leicester Tigers, said: “I am really pleased that Ben has joined us on the board of directors at the club. He has played rugby at the very highest levels of the game and won every major honour available to him.

“Ben brings with him the experience of more than 10 years as a Leicester player and as a rugby international. He has a deep knowledge of the professional game and we look forward to his contribution as a Leicester director.”

China & Peru to Host BWF Major Events

Kunshan in China and Lima, denture Peru, search have been announced as host venues for BWF Major Events.

While the South American capital will stage next year’s BWF World Junior Championships, the eastern Chinese city got the nod from the BWF Council for the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in 2016; just days after this year’s edition of the event concluded here in New Delhi, India.

The winning bids were announced by BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer this evening after delegations from the prospective hosts had rolled out their plans for the respective events.

Kunshan was up against Jakarta, Indonesia, and when the outcome was revealed, officials from Kunshan and the Chinese Badminton Association jumped to their feet in delight. In their presentation, the visitors outlined intentions to host the tournament at Kunshan Sports Centre with a seating capacity of more than 5,000. The representative from the Badminton Association of Indonesia unveiled plans for the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals to be held at the well-known Istora Senayan Stadium which seats 6,000 spectators.

“This is the second time we have bid for a Major Event in badminton and we have finally won, declared Kunshan Vice Mayor, Guan Fengliang; ironically alluding to his city’s loss in the race for the 2015 BWF World Championships to Jakarta late last year.

“We will make full use of this precious opportunity and we will contribute to the promotion of badminton worldwide. We will share the charm of Kunshan and we invite you all to Kunshan.”

Meanwhile, though Lima was the lone city vying for the World Juniors, the Council needed to ensure its bid met the relevant criteria, especially as the proposed venue – the National Sports Village – is currently under construction.

“We would like to thank the BWF for the confidence shown in us,” said President of thePeruvian Badminton Sports Federation, Zarko Cukic.

Noting that Peru has hosted various international conferences and meetings in recent years – including top sporting events – he called the World Juniors “an opportunity to promote badminton in the region and for officials to get more experience”.

“We will be able to consolidate the BWF brand in our region. We are awaiting all of you with open arms.”

Chicago Bulls Players to Feature in BMO Harris Bank’s New Ads for the First Time

BMO Harris Bank and Y&R Midwest have unveiled a new marketing campaign featuring Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls players in support of BMO Harris Bank’s debit cards for both teams.

The new advertising, which launches November 8, includes two 30-second spots and four 15-second spots airing throughout Chicago. This is the first time BMO Harris Bank has featured Chicago Bulls players in its advertising, and the third time BMO Harris has featured Chicago Blackhawks players.

The spots will launch on November 8. “Weekday” features Chicago Blackhawks players Patrick Kane, Andrew Shaw, Bryan Bickell, Brandon Saad and Corey Crawford as they follow a BMO Harris debit cardholder throughout his day. The principal actor in the spot with the players is Christian Madsen, son of Reservoir Dogs actor Michael Madsen. Christian will also be featured in the upcoming feature film, Divergent, opening in March 2014.

In “Weekend,” Bulls players Joakim Noah and Jimmy Butler follow a BMO Harris debit card owner throughout his daily routine, including breakfast, walking his dog, Lamaze class and having dinner.

“We’ve had an incredible partnership over the years with both the Bulls and the Blackhawks, and this year, we decided to do something special by featuring both teams in our advertising,” says Justine Fedak, Senior Vice President and Head of Brand, Advertising and Sponsorships for BMO Financial Group, North America. “These spots truly reflect the personalities of the players and our brand in a very special way, and they demonstrate BMO Harris Bank is more than a sponsor — we’re huge fans.”

“Working with these players was fantastic,” said Bill Cimino, Chief Creative Officer of Y&R Chicago. “The players were so willing to have fun and work hard for us and they really made it easy for us to bring out their best. Aligning the BMO Harris brand with these two iconic symbols of Chicago really works well for BMO Harris Bank.”

Sandy Park to Host 2014 LV= Cup Final

Sandy Park, home to the Exeter Chiefs, has been announced as the host of the LV= Cup 2013 / 2014 Final.

The final takes place on March 16 and promises to not only showcase some of the best up and coming rugby talent in the country but provide a truly memorable experience for supporters.

The lucky competition winners gathered at the stadium today at the launch of the LV= Cup, donning their club colours to take over captaincy duties for a photo session, before putting their rugby skills to the test on the Sandy Park turf alongside players from the LV= Cup teams.

Chosen to host the LV= Cup Final, state-of-the-art Sandy Park became the home of the Exeter Chiefs in 2006 and has since gone on to become a favourite with rugby fans; staging the 2007 Churchill Cup fixtures, an international ‘A’ game between England Saxons and the Irish Wolfhounds last year, and most recently, the Greene King IPA Championship double headers. The stadium is also set to host three Rugby World Cup fixtures during the 2015 competition.

As well as staging this seasons LV= Cup Final, host Exeter Chiefs also counts the 2013 LV= Breakthrough Player and England U20 star, Jack Nowell in its ranks.

Speaking at the announcement today, Tony Rowe OBE, Chairman & Chief Executive of Exeter Rugby Club said: “As a club we are thrilled to have been selected as the venue for the LV= Cup Final. Over the years we have hosted a number of top games, not just in the Premiership and in Europe, but also a clutch of international fixtures including the Churchill Cup.

“As rugby supporters know Sandy Park is a great match-day experience and we’ve no doubt that will be evident when the LV= Cup Final is held here. We look forward to welcoming all fans to the West Country for what will be the first silverware of the season.”

Head of Sponsorship at LV=, Claire Jeromson also added: “It’s really exciting to have the LV= Cup Final at Sandy Park this season. Judging by the success of last year’s final and coupled with the rugby heartland of Exeter, we are looking forward to another strong cup campaign and something the whole rugby family can really enjoy.

“With the likes of Jack Nowell going onto achieve big things, it proves the good health of the domestic game but also highlights the young talent that the LV= Cup gives valuable game time to.”

IMG Acquires Great Ocean Road Marathon

IMG has confirmed they have bought The Great Ocean Road Marathon impressive portfolio of internationally recognized sporting events.

The marathon, cialis which is staged along the iconic Great Ocean Road with stunning views of the Southern Ocean, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2014.

Martin Jolly, Senior Vice President and Managing Director IMG, said today at the launch, “We were attracted to the event because of its rich history, world-class location and the continuing growth of the running market in Australia. IMG is proud to support the Surf Coast Shire and The Colac Otway Shire to continue to grow the event so that it will provide a positive economic impact across the region, supporting the local community.”

Local Torquay resident Nicky Buckley joined Cr Frank Buchanan, Councilor Colac Otway Shire and Martin Jolly to cut the start tape, formally launching the 2014 event and declaring that registration is open.

In 2013, more than 5700 entrants competed from over 12 countries; organizers expect to increase participation to well over 6,000 runners for the 2014 competition.

The Great Ocean Road Marathon is a part of the two-day Festival of Distance, hosting a number of running events that caters to all ages and levels of fitness.

Starting at Lorne Hotel, Mount Joy Parade and finishing at Apollo Bay Hotel, Great Ocean Road, its natural beauty and panoramic views will be a key motivator for competitors as they take on the 45km marathon.

Over the years, the marathon has attracted local and international athletes such as Steve Moneghetti, Craig Mottram and Kenyan Joel Chepkopol.

ZOOM Motorsports Looks for IndyCar Extension for Grand Prix of Alabama

ZOOM Motorsports has revealed plans for a three-year extension with INDYCAR to host the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama 2014 through 2016 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, bronchi Ala.

“ZOOM Motorsports is very excited about the extension of our INDYCAR sanctioning agreement through 2016,” stated Gene Hallman, President and CEO of ZOOM Motorsports, the exclusive event promoter of Barber Motorsports Park. “INDYCAR has become very popular here in the heart of the Deep South and we look forward to continuing to grow the prominence of this race. We certainly feel that INDYCAR is the appropriate partner to assist us in showcasing what is considered to be the finest road course facility in the U.S.-the Barber Motorsports Park.”

“We are pleased to have agreed to terms to continue the tradition of our fast and versatile racing at Barber Motorsports Park,” said Belskus. “Not only is Barber a terrific facility to showcase our close and exciting on-track product, it also gives INDYCAR a strong presence in key southeastern markets to further help us grow our sport.”

Since the inaugural event in 2010, the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama continues to bring more than 80,000 fans each year from all over the world to the 2.38-mile road course. The Birmingham Convention and Visitors’ Bureau estimates the event has an economic impact of more than $28 million on Birmingham.

Australian PGA Championship Moved to Royal Pines Resort on Gold Coast

The Australian PGA Championship is set to move to a new location after Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast agreed a new five year deal following the golf tournament’s controversy-marred split from billionaire Clive Palmer’s Coolum resort.

Royal Pines is already the long-term host of the Australian Ladies Masters and is keen to continue in that role.

Announcing the new deal for the Australian PGA Championship, Royal Pines’ owners promised to invest $5 million strengthening the championship course over the five years and to work closely with the men’s and women’s tours to make it the ‘home of championship golf in Queensland’.

The tournament was played at the former Hyatt resort at Coolum for the past 11 years and the move away followed a public falling out with owner Clive Palmer.

There were disagreements over issues including a number of painted signs on fairways.

Chief executive of the PGA of Australia Brian Thorburn said the venue shift had the backing of the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events and Gold Coast Council and Tourism.

He said the tournament’s tradition from Coolum of being a fun and relaxed tournament would continue on the Gold Coast.

He was confident the move would not only attract many of Australia’s best players but also some of the world’s biggest stars.

Dates for the 2013 tournament will be announced in the next few weeks.