Newcastle United have announced today the appointment of Lee Charnley as the Club’s new Managing Director. 

Lee, who previously held the position of Football Secretary and has been a director at the Club since 2008, has taken up his new role with immediate effect.

Owner Mike Ashley will also be formally appointed to the Club’s Board of Directors, joining Lee and Finance Director John Irving.

Speaking after his appointment, Lee said: “It is a real honour to be confirmed as Managing Director,” he said.

“I have been with the Club for almost 15 years and have seen a great many changes in my time here.

“The Club has never been in such a stable and healthy financial position, which gives us the best possible platform from which to grow.

“I am confident that with our dedicated, hardworking and loyal employees, together with Alan Pardew and his backroom staff, we will progress the Club, both on and off the field over the coming years.

For the second consecutive year, the 2013 USA Paratriathlon National Championships are heading to Austin, Texas.

The event that will see the United States’ top paratriathletes compete alongside able-bodied runners, will take place on May 27, Memorial Day.

The race itself consists of a 750 meter swim, a 20 kilometres cycle and a 5 kilometre run.

Speaking exclusively to iSportconnect, USA Triathlon (USAT) President Bob Wedling said: We experienced an extremely well-run USAT Paratriathlon National Championship in May at the Capital Texas Triathlon, both because of the strong and experienced race management and the support from the city of Austin.

“There was overwhelming sentiment from paratriathletes, our own USAT Paratriathlon Committee, and USAT staff to return in 2013.

“Because many of our paratriathletes are former military members, it does not go unnoticed that the event will be conducted on Memorial Day again and will be enhanced by other, military–related parasport functions that weekend.

“We look forward to providing another challenging event for our amazing paratriathletes as they compete for starting slots at the 2013 ITU World Championships in London.”

USAT Chief Executive, Rob Urbach said: “The Capital of Texas Triathlon and its staff did a fantastic job hosting the Paratriathlon Nationals this year and USA Triathlon looks forward to building on that success in 2013.

“Given the military backgrounds of many Paratriathletes, it is fitting to hold Paratriathlon Nationals on Memorial Day and we are proud to have this event be a key part of one of the nation’s pre-eminent race weekends.”

As the sports looks to make its debut at Rio 2016, many of the participants will have that particular destination in mind when going through those three gruelling disciplines.

Rick Margiotta of the Capital of Texas Triathlon added: “On behalf of our entire race organising committee, we are grateful that USA Triathlon chose to return to Austin and the CapTexTri for the 2013 USA Paratriathlon National Championships.

“The effort that was put forth to make this year’s Paratriathlon Nationals the best experience ever for the participating athletes was certainly worthwhile knowing that we’ll once again have the opportunity to be host to these amazing athletes.

“I know that the committee and the City of Austin will step up to the challenge of making the 2013 event another huge success.”

Matthew Payne, the Executive Director of the Austin Sports Commission, was also delighted to hear that the event was returning to his city.

“This event will be another opportunity to host inspiring athletes and showcase our dynamic city,” he said.

“We’re excited to see it come back again.”

British Orienteering has appointed Limelight Sports, help the UK’s leading sports participation company, discount to help them develop non-traditional orienteering participation. 

Limelight’s wide ranging brief includes the creation of new non-traditional event and product concepts, sale combined with a commercial strategy to support their development. As part of their work Limelight will also be proposing a digital activation plan to enhance participant experience and drive sustained participation.

Mike Hamilton, British Orienteering’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re very pleased to have Limelight Sports on board. Their proven expertise in developing innovative but authentic new sports concepts and in particular their expertise in running programmes will be invaluable in helping us reach new audiences and grow the non-traditional strand of the sport.”

Andy Anstey, Head of Consultancy at Limelight Sports, added: “We’ve seen rapid growth in recent years in non-traditional running and we believe there’s now a real opportunity to apply some of this innovation to orienteering. We are delighted to be working with British Orienteering to help them achieve their vision of increasing participation. ”

Governor Bobby Jindal and the New Orleans Hornets announced an agreement in principle that will keep the team in New Orleans through 2024, subject to the conclusion of the NBA’s sale of the team to a new owner and legislative approval.

Governor Jindal said the agreement will include funding for upgrades to the New Orleans Arena and eliminate all exit options, attendance benchmarks, and financial inducements. Compared to the current lease, the terms will save the state at least $72 million in operating subsidies over the life of the lease, and no new taxes will be required to fund any aspect of the proposed agreement. When completed, the agreement would also guarantee at least one NBA All-Star Game over the course of the lease. 

Governor Jindal said, “We’re proud to announce that we have an agreement that keeps the Hornets in Louisiana, and is in the best interest of the state and Louisiana taxpayers. This proposed agreement shows that we’re changing the way we do business with our sports teams. We are investing in our capital assets to allow the Hornets the opportunity to earn more money, which reduces the risk for the state and our taxpayers. 

“By upgrading the New Orleans Arena, we will help the Hornets earn more revenue and also make the site more competitive to attract entertainment and sporting events that generate economic development for the city and the state. The Hornets have been an incredible asset in the rebirth of the City of New Orleans and the team provides an enthusiasm and energy that enhances this great city’s spirit and unique culture.” 

“We appreciate the strong support the Hornets enjoy in New Orleans and throughout the State of Louisiana,” commented NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Today’s announcement is an important and necessary step toward reaching an agreement with a new owner.”

Hornets Chairman Jac Sperling added: “This agreement is an evolution of the great partnership between the Hornets, state and local leaders and all our fans. Governor Jindal deserves a tremendous amount of credit for demonstrating that the state wants this team to remain here so Hornets fans can continue to cheer for years to come.”

“We take pride in being a high-revenue producing business for Louisiana that provides over 2,000 jobs and opportunities and relish the chance to experience daily how New Orleans is emerging as a new force in business development and entrepreneurship,” said Hornets President Hugh Weber. “Knowing the Hornets will be here for our children and their children mean many more will grow up enjoying the excitement and memorable experiences at Hornets games.” 

“I am thrilled at the prospect that the Hornets will continue to call New Orleans home through the next decade,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “On top of employing over 2,000 men and women in our city, the team has proven to be a great partner with local businesses and the Greater New Orleans community. This season, New Orleans proved it was “in” by achieving the ambitious goal of selling 10,000 season tickets for the 2012 season. This agreement in principle ensures the Hornets will continue to play a part in creating a New Orleans of our dreams.”

Subject to closing conditions, the lease will go into effect on July 1, 2012 and will significantly limit the financial exposure to The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (LSED). Under the current agreement, the LSED is responsible for paying up to $7.9 million annually, but under the new agreement, that obligation will be reduced to $2.8 million that will go towards revenue generating opportunities for the LSED. The Hornets will be required to produce 15 events per year in Champions Square with the revenues going to the LSED, and the LSED will also receive certain television, radio and electronic advertising benefits from the Hornets to promote live entertainment including concerts, family shows and other sporting events. These events and benefits will allow the LSED to recapture a portion of its payment. 

Governor Jindal also said he is working with the Legislature to include $50 million in capital outlay funds to make improvements to the New Orleans Arena. These funds will be phased in over two NBA off-seasons. The improvements to the New Orleans Arena will provide the Hornets with additional opportunities to generate revenue, which allows the Hornets to assume greater financial risk as opposed to the state bearing that burden. Governor Jindal said these upgrades will also help the New Orleans Arena remain competitive with newer arenas around the country so the Arena can continue to attract major entertainment and sporting events. 

The lease agreement also includes an option where the Hornets can receive up to $10 million in capital outlay funds in 2013 that can be used for either additional improvements to the New Orleans Arena or for the Hornets training facility. 

A UNO study found that the Hornets generate over $300 million annually to the economy and over $10 million in annual tax dollars.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has said he would be “very sad” if India boycotted the London Olympics following the row over sponsorship of the event by Dow Chemicals, linked to the Bhopal Gas tragedy of 1984. 

However, Cameron dubbed Dow Chemicals as a “reputable company” and said he did not want to see the Olympics used for industrial or political purposes.

“It would be a very sad day,” he told a TV channel when asked about a possible boycott by India of the London Olympics. 

Cameron said he felt “huge sympathy” for those injured and killed in the Bhopal gas disaster but insisted boycotting the Olympics was not the “right action”. 

“By all means, take up the issue with the International Olympics Committee (IOC) but a boycott will not be the right action. I will be very sad for Indian athletes, sad for India, Britain, of course. I will be desperately sad. But I cannot tell people to come. I have fulfilled all my responsibilities. I hope the Indian athletes will come,” he said. 

Cameron said his responsibilities were to make sure that the Olympics were properly staged and to ensure that all the athletes feel welcome. 

He said Britain and India were “old friends and old partners” and British athletes had enjoyed participating in the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. 

“Obviously, people have a difficulty with individual Olympics sponsors. I don’t happen to share that view in the way you put it. People who do (have a problem) may take it up with the IOC and they have to make their own decisions,” he said. 

Asked whether the sporting event could be an ideal opportunity to make Dow realise its responsibilities towards Bhopal victims, he said it was for the people to make their own decisions and to take up their own choices. 

“What I am saying as British Prime Minister wanting to see the Olympics to be successful is I want to see the Olympics not used for industrial or political or other purposes. I cannot see a problem with International Olympic Committee (IOC) being sponsored by Dow,” he said. 

After Indian Olympic Association failed to convince the IOC to drop Dow Chemicals as the London Games’ sponsor, a “dismayed” Indian Government asked the IOC to “go beyond lesser considerations” and cancel the deal. 

Cameron pointed out that Dow Chemicals was not the owner of Union Carbide when the gas disaster took place. 

He also made it clear that the sponsorship of the Olympics was done by the IOC. “It is their decision making process. I do not criticise their decision making process,” he said. 

by Ismail Uddin

sickness helvetica, discount sans-serif;”>New Zealand’s economy has been given a boost following spending during the Rugby World Cup.

The rate of economic expansion during the period from July – September was higher than expected and saw the country’s GDP up from 0.1% in the previous quarter.

The World Cup was a boon to the country following the Christchurch earthquake and success on the field, coupled with the prestige of hosting such a the tournament, had tangible fiscal results with the retail, hotel and service industries benefiting from locals and tourist alike.

Household consumption was also up by the largest margin for four years during this period with the food, drinks and tobacco markets all profiting.

Overall, manufacturing, consumption and fishing and forestry numbers assisted in offsetting vulnerabilities in the agriculture, construction and wholesale industries.

The upturn is not expected to endure, however. Mark Smith of ANZ National Bank stated, “We can expect a softer run of GDP numbers over the next few quarters as the rugby World Cup impact washes out of the data”.

New Zealand may also be hit hard by the fall-out from the Eurozone crisis and the slow rate of recovery in the US economy. This global climate could mean that interest rates in NZ remain low for much of 2012.

Smith continued, “We continue to look for a December 2012 start to the tightening cycle, barring a global meltdown”.