SportAccord Confirm Major Speakers for 2011 Convention

The 2011 SportAccord Convention in London have confirmed several speakers for the event which attracts more than 1,500 leading representatives of international sport.

Among those confirmed is CEO of advertising giant WPP, Sir Martin Sorrell as well as Daniel Frigo, executive vice-president and general manager of Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios EMEA. The two men will be on the panel that focuses on “Why Sport Matters to the Entertainment Industry&rdquo”.

Chairman of HSBC’s International Business Advisory Board, Lord Digby Jones, will join a panel on “What Sport Can Learn from the Banking Crisis”. London Organising Committee (LOCOG) chairman Lord Sebastian Coe will be joined on the programme by LOCOG chief executive Paul Deighton.

The convention takes place from April 3-8, 2011 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

Arsenal’s Tom Fox Appointed Aston Villa CEO as Gunners Unveil Replacement

English Premier League team Aston Villa have announced former Arsenal Chief Commercial Officer Tom Fox as their new Chief Executive Officer.

Tom’s background in the broader sports industry, as well as his past five years as Chief Commercial Officer at Arsenal, makes him an ideal fit to lead Villa in the increasingly competitive environment of the Barclays Premier League.

Villa Chairman Randy Lerner said: “I was delighted and even flattered by Tom’s interest in the Villa job. His achievements at Arsenal speak for themselves and, above all, his reputation as a leader and team builder makes him, to my mind, a great fit to take our club forward.”

Tom has built an extensive and hugely impressive résumé in the sports-marketing industry over more than 25 years.

In addition to opening the NBA’s first office in Asia as the Managing Director, Tom has also headed up Sports Marketing for Nike in both Asia and the US and held the same role for PepsiCo’s Gatorade brand before he joined Arsenal in 2009.

“First of all I would be remiss not to thank everyone at the Arsenal for all their support over the past five years. I consider it a huge privilege to have represented the club and to have helped move it forward,” he said.

“Aston Villa has always been an important club in English football and it has a long and rich history of success at the top of the game.

“The chance to work with Randy, Paul Lambert and Robin to help restore the Club to its rightful place in the Premier League is a challenge I’m really energised by and greatly looking forward to.”

Arsenal Appoint New CCO

VinaiVenkatesham_arsenalArsenal have moved quickly to replace the gap in their commercial team with the promotion of Vinai Venkatesham as its Chief Commercial Officer.

Venkatesham has been with Arsenal for four years since joining from the London 2012 Organising Committee, where he played a key role in raising the £2 billion of private finance required to fund the Games through sponsorship, licensing, hospitality and broadcast deals.  

He is currently Arsenal’s Sales and Marketing Director, where he sits on both the Arsenal Executive team and the board of Arsenal Broadband Limited who own the Club’s media rights.  He will step up into his new role after leading the sale and negotiations of the recent partnership with PUMA and the contract renewal with Emirates.

In this new role, as well as his existing responsibility for Partnerships, Hospitality, Marketing, CRM and Business Strategy, Venkatesham will oversee the Retail and Arsenal Media teams.

Arsenal Chief Executive Officer Ivan Gazidis said: “Tom has played a leading role in our development over the past five seasons and I take it as a great compliment that members of the Arsenal team are sought after for the top jobs in the industry.  I wish Tom all the best in his new position.

“Having worked closely with him over the past four seasons, I am very confident that, in Vinai, we have another top class leader who will continue to drive forward the Club’s off field success.”

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AIBA Selects Hosts for Events During 2015 & 2016

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) have revealed today a number of different hosts for their events in 2015 and 2016, as well as for the Olympic Qualifying Events for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The host cities were selected by the AIBA Executive Committee Members in a secret ballot on July 17th during their meeting currently being held in Istanbul, Turkey. 

The Executive Committee Members selected the following Host Cities, further to the bid presentations made by all candidates yesterday:

• St. Petersburg won to host the 2015 AIBA Junior World Boxing Championships
• Taipei will host the AOB Women’s Junior/Youth World Championships
• Astana, Kazakhstan, won to host the 2016 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
• Yaounde, Cameroon, won to host the 2016 AOB African Olympic Qualifying Event
• Buenos Aires won to host the 2016 AOB American Olympic Qualifying Event
• Qian’an, China, won to host the AOB Asian/Oceania Olympic Qualifying Event
• St Petersburg won to host the 2016 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships
• Istanbul won to host the 2016 AOB European Olympic Qualifying Event
• Baku, Azerbaijan, won to host the 2016 Final AOB World Olympic Qualifying Event

Ottawa Senators Agrees Lighting Deal with Ephesus

Ottawa Senators have selected Ephesus Lighting as the lighting solution at Canadian Tire Centre, ed home of the National Hockey League team.

“Sports and entertainment facility operators appreciate that LED lighting is the natural evolution of arena and stadium lighting because it provides an optimal stage for events in person and on high definition television, allergy ” explained Amy Casper, order CEO of Ephesus Lighting. “The success of our lighting solutions and testimonials from fans, players, broadcasters and facility operators reinforce this fact and prove that LED is ready for the big leagues.”

Ephesus was selected after facility operators conducted an extensive side-by-side test with three other lighting companies offering LED solutions. The Ephesus Lighting solution dramatically exceeded all others in every category including amount of light reaching the ice surface, light uniformity, ease of installation and instant on/off capabilities.

“In our side-by-side test, it was clear that the Ephesus Lighting solution made the most sense to us for a variety of reasons,” said Tom Conroy, Vice-President & Executive Director at Canadian Tire Centre. “Our facility operators will benefit from the versatility of the system and the fact that it is practically maintenance free. But most importantly, our fans at Canadian Tire Centre and watching at home will clearly see a better game. Additionally, this new lighting system will allow our game entertainment team to create an enhanced presentation and better fan experience.”

Canadian Tire Centre will replace its metal halide system with the Arena 600 and Arena 300 lights and the Ephesus wireless control system, which allows them to control the lights and create unique fan experience effects. Despite reducing the number of fixtures by more than one-third, the Ephesus lighting solution will dramatically increase light intensity and uniformity and yield a projected energy savings of more than 70%.

IOC Commission Chair Coates ‘very pleased’ with Tokyo 2020 Progress

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games concluded today with Chair, prostate John Coates, there saying he was “very pleased” with the initial progress made by Tokyo 2020.

The Commission was also extremely satisfied that the “best of Japan” has been mobilised to get everyone involved in Tokyo 2020 and help spread the message across the country.

Speaking after the meetings, IOC Coordination Commission Chair John Coates said, “We are very pleased with Tokyo 2020’s progress under the leadership of President Yoshiro Mori. The Organising Committee and its government partners have got off to a quick start and are putting in place solid foundations for the next six years of preparations.”

He continued, “The close cooperation of all levels of government with Tokyo 2020 was clearly felt by the Commission, particularly following our meeting with Prime Minister Abe and with Governor Masuzoe’s participation in the visit. Their support for the Games, as well as the support of many high-profile Japanese personalities through the Tokyo 2020 Advisory Meeting, are greatly appreciated, and will stand the 2020 Games in good stead. Their commitment underlines that Tokyo 2020 is for all Japan, and is encouraging Japanese everywhere to get behind these Games and see how they can engage in helping Tokyo to welcome the world in 2020.”

The Tokyo organisers are already working on their plans to engage the local population in the Games. This is likely to take several forms, including National Olympic Committee training venues around the country, a recently signed agreement with 552 universities, volunteering opportunities, cultural programmes, the Olympic Torch Relay, and major milestone events, to name but a few. There will therefore be plenty of opportunities for people across Japan to get involved in and be a part of the Games.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori commented, “We are delighted to have been able to spend such a productive few days with John Coates, Chair of the Coordination Commission, the distinguished members of the Coordination Commission and the administrative staff of the IOC.

“We are also very pleased that we were able to create an atmosphere conducive to meaningful discussions throughout our meetings. I am happy to report that the Coordination Commission assessed the current status of our overall preparations very highly. The members of the Coordination Commission have a wealth of experience of the Games from a diverse array of perspectives, and we are extremely grateful for the valuable advice and guidance we have received from them.

“However, the members of the Commission did point out one or two things that need addressing. We will of course be incorporating all the advice we received into our preparations for the Games at the earliest opportunity.”

FIFA Reveals New Anti-Doping Protocol for World Cup

Soccer’s world governing body FIFA are planning to freeze blood and urine samples of star players at this summer’s World Cup finals in a new anti-doping protocol.

Chief medical officer professor Jiri Dvorak outlined the plans on a FIFA podcast, as he vowed to roll out a more sophisticated drug-testing programme for the world game that will kick into gear in Brazil this summer.

“The fight against doping has intensified over the last 10 to 15 years,” he said. “The increase of simple sampling procedures both in and out of competition controls does not stop some athletes to continue with doping strategies.

“It has been mentioned that the athletes, or their supporting personnel, are a step ahead of the science. So we discussed whether this is true and whether the current strategy is the right one.

“This strategy was developed in the late 1960s, meanwhile the world of sport has changed. There is strong evidence that if you re-analyse the samples from past years that new methods would find them, this is an extremely deterrent method.

“Most of the international federations decided to freeze the samples for a number of years. FIFA will do that from the 2014 World Cup. We will freeze them and keep them as long as we want and we can always revisit the samples.”

London 2012’s Lee Valley Water Centre to Host 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Series

The Lee Valley White Water Centre, buy which was the host of the canoe event for the London 2012 Olympic, medic has been announced as host for the first race of the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup Series on 6-8 June 2014.

It forms part of UK Sport’s Gold Event Series, capsule an ambitious programme to bring up to 70 world class sporting events to the UK by 2019 to help build a strong legacy from the outstanding success of London 2012.

The world class Lee Valley venue will stage the first of the five events on the 2014 World Cup calendar before the centre comes back into the spotlight in 2015 when it holds the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.

British Canoe Union CEO Paul Owen said: “Bringing major events to the UK is hugely important for our athletes, for the venue’s local community and of course to inspire a new generation of canoeists. 

“The BCU is delighted that Lee Valley White Water Centre is holding the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup. I have no doubt it will be a hugely popular event and I am sure it will keep alive the magic we experienced during London 2012.”

Lee Valley has developed a number of successful legacy projects and is used for a wide variety of activities involving participants from complete beginners to elite athletes. Since the London Games it has attracted some 290,000 visitors. 

ICF President and IOC Member José Perurena said: “It is fantastic that we are returning to the home of the 2012 London Olympic Games for the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup. It demonstrates that our sport is truly benefiting from the Games legacy and maximising the facility’s potential to host world class competition.

“I have no doubt that the event will be a huge success and that the technically demanding course at Lee Valley White Water Centre will, once again, test the world’s best paddlers.

“Being able to open the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup series at an Olympic venue is special and I am looking forward to re-living the amazing atmosphere that was created during the Games.”

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Chief Executive Shaun Dawson said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup – the first major international competition since the Games – at Lee Valley White Water Centre in 2014.

“During London 2012 the centre welcomed around 55,000 spectators who were privileged to witness Team GB’s amazing performance in achieving gold and silver in the canoe slalom event and I’m sure this event will also be a big draw for sports fans across the country.

“Since the Games we’ve seen many new paddlers taking up the sport after seeing success at elite level and this World Cup will inspire even more people to come to the centre and get involved in paddle sports and other white water activities.”

UK Sport Director of Major Events Simon Morton said: “The 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup will be the first major international event at Lee Valley White Water Centre since London 2012, and we are delighted to welcome the international canoeing family back to one of our legacy venues.

“GB Canoeing has enjoyed fantastic success in 2013, including the World Championship double by David Florence, and this event will be a good platform to carry that success forward in 2014 as we continue on the Road to Rio.”

Nike & Oakley Distance Themselves from Pistorius Sponsorship

Sponsors, Nike and Oakley have distanced themselves from Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius after the South African sports star was formally charged with ‘premeditated’ murder.

Oakley, the eyewear maker, suspended its contract with Pistorius and Nike, which sells shoes and other athletic gear, said on Monday it has no plans to use him in future ad campaigns.

On Thursday, he was arrested and charged with shooting his girlfriend dead in his home in South Africa. His family has denied that he murdered his girlfriend, the model Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius’ agent has cancelled the athlete’s future scheduled races.

Nike Inc confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday that it has no plans to use Pistorius in future campaigns. Nike spokesman KeJuan Wilkins declined to say whether Nike had previously had any plans for Pistorius, or whether it will remove current advertising that includes him.

A 2007 Nike internet ad showing Pistorius starting to sprint in his blades with the caption: ‘I am the bullet in the chamber’ had already been pulled.

Wilkins said the wording in the 2007 campaign ‘was in reference to Oscar’s speed and performance on the track. Nike felt it was appropriate to take the ad down from Oscar’s website recognising the sensitivities of the situation’

Later on Monday, Oakley, in an emailed statement, said that ‘in light of the recent allegations, Oakley is suspending its contract with Oscar Pistorius, effective immediately’. The California company, a unit of Italian glasses and sunglasses maker Luxottica Group, has been associated with Pistorius since 2009, according to the athlete’s website.

St Andrews to Host 2013 Golf Business Forum

KPMG has announced the 2013 Golf Business Forum will take place at the Home of Golf, order St Andrews, therapy Scotland, herbal 3-5 June, 2013.

Fairmont St Andrews will host the special 10th anniversary edition of the annual conference, which has become the most important golf industry event in Europe, the Middle East andAfrica, bringing together up to 300 leading players from the golf, real estate, finance and tourism sectors from more than 40 countries.

The event, which is being supported by VisitScotland, Scottish Development International and Fife Council, with the assistance of Golf TourismScotland, attracts some of the biggest names in golf, and has previously welcomed golfing icons Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Annika Sorenstam.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, said: “As the Golf Business Forum is celebrating its 10th anniversary, it is appropriate that we should meet at the Home of Golf,St Andrews.

“Over the past decade, we have welcomed many of the most powerful people in golf and business, and significant ideas and introductions have been made – it was here that the European Tour’s Race toDubaiwas conceived and first discussed. The calibre of the delegates remains extremely high and, for many, networking is what the Golf Business Forum is all about.

“The event remains focused on the development of golf venues and facilities internationally, andScotlandhas been immensely influential in the export of golf as a sport and business for more than a century. The next two years are an especially important time forScotland, as it looks forward to hosting The Ryder Cup in 2014, and a number of new golf courses, resorts and golf-related real estate projects continue to be developed.”

Andrea Sartori added: “We are working hard to make this the best Golf Business Forum yet and we look forward to welcoming an international audience of influential investors, developers, golf industry professionals and decision makers for three days of networking, market insights and business.”

The Fairmont St Andrews, venue of the Golf Business Forum, was named European Golf Resort of the Year 2012 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), and the 2011 Golf Resort of the Year by Golf TourismScotland.

Set on a 520-acre coastal estate with views over St Andrews and theNorth Sea, the resort and spa features luxury accommodation and conferencing facilities, plus two championship golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks.

Visit Scotland Chairman, Mike Cantlay, said: “This is great news for the visitor economy and a fantastic opportunity to invite some of the world’s biggest investors in the game of golf toScotland. As the Home ofGolf,Scotlandis well used to hosting the world’s biggest events and in terms of golf and business combined, they don’t come bigger than the KPMG Golf Business Forum.

“As Scotlandprepares to welcome the world, the next few years are a busy and exciting time for the sport and it is entirely fitting that the 10th anniversary of the Golf Business Forum will be held inSt Andrews, where both the game and the business of golf began.

“The addition of the Golf Business Forum to a calendar that includes major events such as The Ryder Cup and Open Championships signals Scotland’s intent that it is open for business and ready to invest in the future of the game. As we do with every other major event inScotland, VisitScotland will work hard with our partners to ensure the Golf Business Forum is an outstanding success.”

The Golf Business Forum, developed by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Services in Budapest, is a unique platform for professionals involved in the golf business industry to meet, learn, exchange ideas and do business at an exciting and memorable event. The GBF has quickly established itself as the foremost golf industry event. Since it was introduced in 2004, KPMG has held nine successful Golf Business Forums, each year taken to a different venue and location, such asHungary,CzechRepublic,Cyprus,Ireland,Wales,Turkey,DubaiandItaly.

South Korea Added to Asian Le Mans Series Calendar for 2013

The new Asian Le Mans Series is set to have a new round after Automobile Club de l’Ouest agreed a deal to hold a round in South Korea in 2013.

A three-hour race will be organized at the brand-new Autopia circuit, which is currently under construction. Located 80 miles from Seoul in the Inje region, the 2.61-mile circuit will play host to the relaunched championship on Aug. 4, 2013.

“South Korea is an important country in terms of business, in particular with an industry that’s linked to a very dynamic motor car sector thanks to its major car constructors, accessory suppliers and big manufacturers,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon. 

“The Korean go-ahead spirit is an important guarantee for the development of our Le Mans races. We really had to be present in a particularly dynamic country of fifty million inhabitants.”

The new circuit, featuring hilly terrain and elevation change, has been dubbed the “Road Atlanta” of Asia. “By programming this race in South Korea we’re also looking at the possibility of giving the start in the late afternoon between 17h00 and 20h00 to have a nighttime finish, one of the strong points of the Le Mans label events,” added Remy Brouard, ACO International Development Director.

Chi-Ho Yang, CEO of Inje Autopia Ltd., added: “Technically Le Mans racing is a very demanding sport and reliability and continuous performance are key factor for success. That suits the Korean mentality exactly. 

“Although we have a strong automobile industry and millions of car enthusiasts, curiously the motorsports fan base is not increasing. But I’m pretty sure the Le Mans race will play a bridge role for binding the automobile and motorsports industry together. That’s the reason why we need a long term relationship with Le Mans.”

The announcement of the latest event completes the 2013 Asian Le Man Series calendar, which will feature three rounds in China (Zhuhai, Shanghai and Ordos), Mt. Fuji, Japan and Sentul, Indonesia.