Rio 2016 Organisers Expect Successful Olympics Despite Criticism

Organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympics are adamant the Games are on target for success despite criticism of their preparation.

Australian IOC vice-president John Coates courted controversy in April when he branded preparation the “worst he has experienced” and questioned staffing levels in the organising committee.

However, after a successful World Cup in Brazil, Rio 2016 communications director Mario Andrada has highlighted the “huge progress” made ahead of the Games.

Andrada said: “Coates’ message was ill-informed and bluntly wrong. Yes he is on the co-ordination commission but he had information that was wrong.

“We are not the worst. We can prove that beyond any reasonable doubt.

“One of his complaints was about staffing – that was not us being lazy or late but us humbly disputing with the IOC the need for more people at this point.

“Now we can say thank God it took place at that time, prior to the World Cup. It was the alert that the Government needed, it was the crack of the whip that was putting Brazil in an alert position and drove us to an incredible amount of progress in the last couple of months.

“It will allow us to face the two-year milestone in August looking to the world and saying we have no problems here, we are on track, on time.”

“We have learned that if the field of play is perfect then nobody complains if the overlay is not impeccable, so we need to focus on the field of play. Sport is imperative and you have to provide the best conditions.”

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iSportconnect Announce Second Edition of Directors’ Club Paris with FFF

iSportconnect, the world’s largest private network of sport business professionals, is delighted to announce the Directors’ Club will be returning to Paris, France in September 2014, with the support of the French Football Federation (FFF).

The iSportconnect Directors’ Club Paris in Association with the FFF will be held on Thursday September 18th at the football governing body’s headquarters. We are pleased to confirm that the event already has key panellists from the sport industry in France, including; Jérémy Botton, Deputy CEO of the French Tennis Federation and Arnaud Simon, Managing Director of Eurosport France.

iSportconnect Directors’ Club is an invitation-only event open exclusively for chief executives, chairmen and director-level executives from governing bodies, sports teams and sponsorship brands. The event will have a Question Time style debate followed by a networking session. Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain hosted the first ever iSportconnect Directors’ Club in the city at the end of 2013.

Michael Cunnah, Chairman of iSportconnect expressed his happiness at returning to Paris in 2014: “I am delighted that the iSportconnect Directors’ Club will be back in Paris in September. Last year’s event was a huge success and showed that the Directors’ Club is in demand across the globe. This year we have a very strong panel and I am looking forward to another thoroughly enjoyable evening.”

Sebastien Klotz, Head of Sponsorship & Merchandising of the FFF said: The French Football Federation is delighted to be hosting the Directors’ Club Paris. It expresses the desire at the Federation to show involvement in the Sport Business, and we look forward to hosting this event in September.

Invitation Policy: iSportconnect Directors’ Club is an invitation only event open exclusively for chief executives, chairmen and director level executives from governing bodies, sports teams and sponsorship brands.

Social media policy: The iSportconnect Directors’ Club follows Chatham House rules and therefore all content must be kept inside. We encourage delegates to tweet pictures and use our hashtag #iSCDirectorsClub but please do not quote panellists.

To register your interest in attending the Directors’ Club event in Paris, please contact Sylvia-Line Lamaro at sylvia-line@isportconnect.com

Visit the official iSportconnect Directors’ Club website: http://www.directorsclub.biz/

iSportconnect annonce la deuxième édition du Director’s Club Paris, en partenariat avec la FFF.

iSportconnect, le plus grand réseau prive dédié aux professionnels du sport, est heureux d’annoncer le retour du Director’s Club à Paris, qui se tiendra le 18 septembre au siège de la Fédération Française de Football, en association avec la FFF.

Nous sommes ravis d’annoncer que l’évènement pourra compter sur les présences d’acteurs clés de l’industrie du sport en France tels que Jérémy Botton, directeur général adjoint de la Fédération Française de Tennis et Arnaud Simon, directeur général  d’Eurosport France. D’autres panélistes seront confirmés dans les semaines à venir.

Le Director’s Club d’iSportconnect est un évènement sur invitation, réservé exclusivement aux présidents et directeur généraux des instances dirigeantes, clubs et sponsors. La conférence inclue un débat sous forme de question-réponse et se termine par une session de « networking ». Le Parc des Princes, théâtre du double champion de France en titre, avait accueilli la première édition du Director’s Club d’iSportconnect dans la capitale française, fin 2013.

Michael Cunnah, président d’iSportconnect, a exprimé sa joie de revenir à Paris en 2014 : « Je suis très heureux de voir le Director’s Club revenir à Paris en septembre. L’an passé, l’évènement a été un immense succès, montrant que le Director’s Club est demandé de manière globale. Cette année, nous avons un panel très impressionnant, et je suis extrêmement impatient de retourner à Paris pour cette seconde édition. »

Sébastien Klotz, responsable du service sponsoring, commercial et merchandising a la FFF a déclaré : « la Fédération Française de Football est très heureuse d’accueillir le Director’s Club Paris. Cela démontre la volonté de la Fédé de s’impliquer toujours plus dans l’industrie du Sport Business, après une année de dur labeur, mais remplie de succès. Nous sommes très impatient d’être au 18 septembre. »

Règles –

Invitations : Le Director’s Club d’iSportconnect est un évènement sur invitation, réservé exclusivement aux présidents et directeur généraux des instances dirigeantes, clubs et sponsors.

Diffusion et réseaux sociaux : Le Director’s Club d’iSportconnect suit la règle de Chatham House, stipulant que toute information reste en les murs. Nous encourageons les délégués à prendre des photos et à utiliser notre hashtag –  #iSCDirectorsClub. Nous vous prions de ne pas citer les panélistes.

Si vous souhaitez manifester votre interet et assister au Director’s Club d’iSportconnect, contactez Sylvia Lamaro – sylvia-line@isportconnect.com

Visitez la page officielle du Director’s Club d’iSportconnect – http://www.directorsclub.biz/

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FEI Inks MOU with International Show Jumping Officials Club

The International Show Jumping Officials Club (ISJC) has become the second of the former FEI Associate Members to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FEI.

The ISJC was formed in 1998 and brings together over 270 Judges, Course Designers and Stewards from 60 countries.

Working closely with the FEI, National Federations and Organising Committees of international Jumping events, the independent organisation has representatives in more than 60 countries and offers members the opportunity to share experiences, improve knowledge of Jumping andother disciplines and exchange ideas to help develop the sport.

“The International Show Jumping Officials Club has been a valuable asset for the Jumping world for the last fifteen years”, said Ingmar De Vos, FEI Secretary General. “As we continue to experience rapid global growth of Jumping, we look forward to many more years of collaboration with the ISJC and its expanding membership”.

“The ISJC unites our officials in a worldwide network, and ensures they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today’s fast-growing sport at both international and national level,” explained ISJC President Stephan Ellenbruch (GER).

“We supply our members with the tools to perform their demanding roles with the professionalism that all amateur and professional athletes in our sport expect and deserve. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with the FEI is another milestone in the development of the ISJC, and this alliance will certainly benefit our members and all those connected with show jumping as we head into a bright future for equestrian sport.”

Northampton Saints Announce Council Deal to Develop Business Opportunities in Region

English Rugby club Northampton Saints have announced today that they have agreed a partnership with Northampton Borough Council that will promote the town’s culture, leisure and business opportunities.

Tying in with the successful ‘Love Northampton’ campaign, this new partnership is aimed at bringing more away supporters into Northampton, encouraging more home fans to make their day in Northampton more than just about rugby, and promoting the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone to the national and international business community.

Over the coming year the club and Council will work closely together to create bespoke packages for rugby supporters which will include match tickets at Franklin’s Gardens and a variety of other offers and events.

The partnership will also lay the groundwork for both the Saints as a club and Northampton as a town to capitalise on the long-term legacy that will be brought to rugby union by the return of Rugby World Cup to England in 2015.

Saints chief executive Allan Robson commented on the partnership: “A healthy relationship between a sports club and the local Council can be very beneficial to all concerned,” he said. “We have been proud to carry the town’s name throughout our 130-year history, and in many places across the globe the word ‘Saints’ is one of the first things people say when you mention ‘Northampton’.

“This partnership will help not just the club, but our supporters and the town’s businesses as well. Supporters from every club who attend matches at Franklin’s Gardens will be able to enjoy special offers from a range of businesses, who in turn will benefit from increased footfall.

“With the Rugby World Cup coming to the East Midlands in 2015, we have to be ready to reap the rewards of the increased profile and attention that the sport will have. This does not only mean having more supporters for the Saints, but also making sure that these gains are felt across Northampton, too.”

Northampton Borough Council leader David Mackintosh says that this new partnership represented a furthering of the positive relationship that the Council and club have developed over the past three years.

“Northampton has many great brands to be proud of and the Saints is one of the biggest.

“The club is important to the town and I am really proud that we have been able to enter into this major new partnership with them to work together and promote the best of Northampton on the widest possible stage.

“We want visiting supporters – wherever they come from – to stay and spend time in Northampton and this partnership is a great way to take our tourism strategy forward.”

International Gymnastics Federation Unveils Plans to Build New Headquarters

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) today officially filed plans to expand its operations and build a new headquarters adjacent their current headquarters at 12 Avenue de la Gare, Lausanne.

The proposed construction will provide enough space to accommodate a growing labour force, with 40 per cent of the development destined for the rental market. It is an investment in keeping with the rapid development of the Federation’s activities through its 133 member federations on five continents. 

FIG said in a statement: “In accordance with established procedures the project is now in the hands of the local authority, who will be launching a public inquiry. The first sod should be turned at the end of 2013, following the period for approval of the project, and if the construction schedule is adhered to an inauguration would take place in the latter half of 2015.” 

Founded in 1881, the FIG is the oldest international sports federation. It successively conducted business from its “home town” of Antwerp (BEL), then Paris (FRA) and then Warsaw (POL), where the seat was partially destroyed during the Second World War.

ECB Issues Warning Against Ambush Marketers Ahead of Ashes

The English Cricket Board (ECB) and Marlebone Cricket Club (MCC) have issued a warning to brands and organisations planning to capitalise upon Investec ‘Ashes fever’ in an unofficial capacity.

Both the ECB and MCC will be monitoring unauthorised use of “The Ashes” word mark, ed “The Investec Ashes Series” mark and the image of the Ashes Urn and will take such legal action against offenders as they deem necessary to protect their rights in and to their marks.

“The Ashes” is a registered trade mark owned by each of the ECB and MCC. “The Investec Ashes Series” is a registered trade mark owned by by each of the ECB and Investec and solely for use by the ECB, ampoule their respective partners and host venues.  The image of the Ashes Urn is a registered trade mark of MCC.

ECB Commercial Director, allergist John Perera, said: “We are committed to protecting the rights of our commercial and broadcast partners which fund our game.”

MCC Assistant Secretary, Jon Robinson, said “Like any organisation, MCC feels strongly about protecting its assets and in a year when England and Australia are competing in a high profile Test Series for the Waterford Crystal Trophy, it is important that we take steps to prevent unauthorised use of the Club’s trade marks and/or devices.”

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Golf Shouldn’t be in the Olympics says Tom Watson

Eighth time major winner, discount  Tom Watson told reporters Tuesday at the Australian Open that golf shouldn’t be in the 2016 Olympics and that competing for a gold medal will only “dilute” the four major championships.

“I don’t want to pour cold water on it but I don’t think it should be in the Olympic Games,” Watson, 63, said. “I still think of Olympics as track and field and not golf, to be honest with you. We have our most important championships (the four majors). You have golf in the Olympics, you have diluted the importance, in a sense, of the four major championships.”

Golf is returning to the Olympics, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, for the first time since 1904.

Japanese Super GT Signs Contract with DTM

The German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and the Japanese Super GT have signed a cooperation contract that allows new manufacturers to enter the two racing series.

The new contract, which starts in 2014 and runs through 2017, allows Japanese brands Honda, Nissan and Toyota to join the DTM and German brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes to join the Super GT.

A DTM spokesperson said: “it is not clear yet, if a Japanese manufacture takes advantage of this opportunity and joins the DTM in 2014.”

Mercedes Motorsports Dir Norbert Haug said, “It is a positive development that there is interest in other countries. Whoever wants to join the DTM is welcome.”

The DTM’s technical regulations are the same as those of the Super GT. {jcomments on}

 

Formula One’s IPO Not Definite says Chairman

Following his appointment as Formula One chairman, businessman Peter Brabeck, said the motor racing series had not made a decision on whether to proceed with a much discussed $10 billion listing on the stock market in Singapore.

Speaking to Reuters over a trackside lunch with Formula One commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone also in attendance, Brabeck said the business had a plan in hand to replace the octogenarian Ecclestone but hoped it would not be needed for a number of years yet.

“He has a fantastic motivation. He has very good health,” said Brabeck, who is chairman of Swiss food group Nestle and was confirmed in the Formula One role at a board meeting in Monaco on Friday.

“As Bernie has said, you can’t replace Frank Sinatra but you can find another singer. One day we are going to find another singer and he or she will be different. The show will go on,” added Brabeck, an Austrian.

Ecclestone has built up the Formula One business over the past 40 years, turning the current 20-race series into a money-spinner that is expected to produce revenues of $2 billion this year.

Life after the billionaire Ecclestone was seen as one of the risk factors for investors in any flotation. The appointment of heavyweight figures like Brabeck, who has had a small stake in the business for the last couple of years, to high profile roles was seen as underpinning its status.

Formula One has been given the green light to list in Singapore, with speculation of a market debut next month. However, market uncertainties and the turmoil surrounding the Facebook IPO are making its owners weigh their words carefully.

“It was the first time that the board had a report on the preparation, there was pre-valuation of the whole process. I think we made a step forwards but no decision has been taken,” Brabeck said.

Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Switzerland’s UBS have been hired to lead the IPO. The two U.S. houses have both faced a backlash over their role in the messy Facebook flotation.

NFL Regular Season Games to Continue Until 2016 in UK

viagra buy helvetica, prostate sans-serif;”>NFL owners have approved a resolution to continue playing regular-season games in the United Kingdom through the 2016 season.

The vote, which came at the league’s fall business meeting in Houston, authorizes the league to schedule regular-season games in the U.K. in each of the next five years (2012-2016), including to determine the number of games per season, the venues, and the competing teams.

The resolution will allow teams to volunteer to play at least one regular-season game per year as a home team in the U.K. for up to five years. This will enable the league to determine the appropriate number of U.K. games per season, based on the popularity of the sport in the market and the number of teams that volunteer to play as a home team.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, said: “The response to NFL games being played in the U.K. continues to be exceptional. Because of the outstanding support of our British fans, we are confident that hosting additional games in the U.K. will be well received and support our goal of bringing football to more fans in the U.K. and beyond.”

Chris Parsons, NFL Vice President of International, added: “When the initial resolution was approved in 2006, the thinking at the time was that we would have two new teams every year. As the series evolved, we felt as though having a team return to the U.K. on a regular basis would certainly increase the fan base for that particular team, which in turn would drive fan growth for the entire league.  We think there is a tremendous benefit for a team to return to the U.K. on an annual basis.”

The international series of regular-season games to date has contributed to increased NFL fan interest in the U.K., with a current fan base of 11 million, including more than 2 million avid fans, a 32% increase in the past two years.

Television ratings have also shown tremendous growth – with Sunday viewership of NFL games up 91% and the Super Bowl audience increased 74% since 2006 – while the league has developed new and stronger business partnerships.

NFL owners approved a resolution in 2006 to present up to two international regular-season games per season from 2007-2011.  The new resolution is U.K.-focused and permits the NFL the flexibility to decide the number of U.K. games from year to year.

This year’s game on October 23 between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears will be the fifth NFL regular-season game played at London’s Wembley Stadium and is the final one as part of the initial resolution.