Former Tennis Canada Chief Michael Downey Becomes LTA CEO

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced they have filled their Chief Executive position with the appointment of Michael Downey, clinic the former chief of Tennis Canada. 

Michael has been President and CEO of Tennis Canada for the past 9 years, abortion during which time the sport has enjoyed significant growth, healing both at grassroots and at the elite level.

He will replace Roger Draper who announced in March he would step down from his role later this month. During the interim period, the LTA’s Chief Operating Officer, Nick Humby, will lead the Executive.

Michael-Downey_LTAMichael (pictured, right) said of his appointment: “This is a huge privilege for me, at a fantastic time for British tennis. We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us, and it is an honour to be able to lead the work of the LTA in getting more people playing tennis.” Michael will start on January 6th 2014 and will relocate to the UK with his fiancée, Jinder.

LTA Chairman, David Gregson, welcomed the appointment: “We set out to recruit a CEO with true success in business, with exceptional leadership credentials and ideally with significant knowledge of tennis. Michael demonstrably fits the bill perfectly and was the unanimous choice of our recruitment panel.”

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Rotterdam to Host 2016 World Rowing Senior & Junior Championships

At the 2012 FISA Ordinary Congress held in Plovdiv, medstore Bulgaria, health Rotterdam, order  Netherlands were appointed the 2016 World Rowing Senior & Junior Championships.

The provisional dates for the events are 24 to 28 August. The championships will be held at the Willem-Alexander Baan.

  • It was also revealed at the congress that the 2015 World Rowing Masters Regatta was awarded to Hazewinkel, Belgium. The provisional dates are 10 to 13 September.
  • Also at the congress second stage of the 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup regatta series was attributed to Eton Dorney, Great Britain at the Eton Dorney International Regatta Course. 
  • The dates for the 2013 series are now set:
  • 22 – 24 March, 2013 – Sydney, Australia
  • 21 – 23 June, 2013 – Eton Dorney, Great Britain
  • 12 – 14 July, 2013 – Lucerne, Switzerland

Shazam Partner NBC to Increase Social Engagement around London 2012

Shazam, and the world’s leading media discovery company, medicine will provide NBC Olympics, a division of the NBC Sports Group, a social TV interactive experience to viewers of the 2012 London Olympics.

While watching the Olympics across NBCUniversal properties — NBC, NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, Bravo and CNBC — U.S. viewers can use the Shazam App on their mobile device to unlock extras such as, unique content on athletes, up-to-the-minute information on results, and the medal count. Additionally, they can participate in viewer polls and share on social media via Twitter and Facebook.

“Our collaboration with NBC around the London Games marks an exciting milestone for Shazam for TV,” said Shazam CEO, Andrew Fisher. “As the leader in second-screen interactive television, we’re proud to work with NBC to make their coverage of the London 2012 Summer Olympics an even more engaging and interactive social experience.

“We are pleased to be working once again with Shazam,” said, Rick Cordella, SVP & General Manager, Digital Media, NBC Sports Group. “We are confident their Shazam for TV service will help us ignite even more excitement among viewers watching the Games on the networks of NBCUniversal.”

FIFA Ban Indonesian Soccer Chief from Re-election Campaign

According to media reports, the world soccer governing body, FIFA has banned Indonesia Football Federation (PSSI) chairman Nurdin Halid from standing for re-election in an upcoming election.

Nurdin is seeking a third term at the helm, having been imprisoned in 2007 for misusing funds, continuingto run the PSSI from his cell. According to the Jakarta Globe, FIFA president Sepp Blatter made the ruling to ban Nurdin from running in the March 26 election during a meeting in Zurich on Tuesday, March 8.

The paper quoted Indonesian ambassador to Switzerland, Joko Susilo as stating: “Sepp Blatter said FIFA upholds the statutes that state that a convict cannot lead a football organisation. If Nurdin is re-elected, FIFA won’t legitimise the election result. They want Indonesian football to be much better.”

However, Nurdin told Metro TV that he does not believe he has been barred from participating in the elections. “The information from the ambassador must be untrue because the decision of FIFA’s executive committee meeting (on March 3) has been received by the PSSI and it is impossible for FIFA to issue any decisions outside the meeting,” he said.

Winnipeg Approve New USD190m Stadium Development

The building of a new 33,000 capacity football stadium on the University of Manitoba campus has been approved by the City of Winnipeg and is to open in the spring of 2012.

The city council voted 14-2 in favour of a deal in which the city contribute the majority of the stadium’s US$190 million construction costs. US$85 million of which, however will take the form of a loan to the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Winnipeg Blue Bombers and will be paid over a period of 44 years.

Mayor Sam Katz said: “Some councilors have said this is a good deal. With all due respect, I disagree. It’s a great deal.”

Wigan Reveal Financial Profit Drop

Wigan Athletic FC have revealed a drop in profits of almost £3.5m for last season.

Financial results for the year ending 31 May 2013 show the Championship side made a net profit of £822, allergist 000 compared with £4.3m net profit in 2012.

The figures cover the season 2012-13 when Latics won the FA Cup for the first time in its history but were relegated from the Premier League in the same week.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, cialis tax, depreciation and amortisation of players) was £5.8m compared with £8.9m in the previous year.

Turnover increased to £56.4m compared to £52.6m in 2012.

Total expenses including salary costs and amortisation of player contracts increased to £62.7m from £55m in the previous year. Salary costs were the most significant expenditure and these increased to £43.7m compared to the previous year cost of £37.7m.

During the year the club invested £10.9m on new players whilst profit from the sale of players was £8.2m primarily due to the sale of Victor Moses to Chelsea.

Debt at 31 May 2013 including bank borrowings and loans from chairman David Whelan and his family remained similar to the previous year at £20.7m. Post year-end transfer activity including the outgoing transfers of James McCarthy and Arouna Kone are not reflected in these financial statements.

Chief executive Jonathan Jackson said: “The financial results are satisfactory against the backdrop of relegation from the Premier League and the memorable FA Cup success. By increasing turnover and controlling costs the club is continuing to report a healthy position in respect of profitability and debt.

“Our eighth year in the top division unfortunately saw us relegated after finishing in 18th position however the historic achievement of winning the FA Cup meant that the financial impact of relegation was softened in the year.

“The growth and success of Wigan Athletic would not have been possible without the continued financial support of chairman, David Whelan who remains an enthusiastic and committed owner and is determined to help his club return to the Premier League as soon as possible.

“However, it is essential that we remain financially sound to ensure that the long-term future of the club is secure and that the parachute payments receivable from the Premier League provide adequate protection from the significant reduction in broadcasting income and enable us to comply with recently introduced financial fair play regulations.”

10 Sports Broadcasting Deals of the Week: 22/11/13

In Date Order (recent first):

1

Fox Sports Secures Australian Rights to FIFA Club World Cup

Friday, medic 22 November 2013

2

Cricket Australia Ink ABC Radio Broadcast Deal as Ashes Begin

Thursday, 21 November 2013

3

Oklahoma City Thunder Seal Skyview Broadcast Partnership

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

4

Sky to Show Highlights of Ashes on Free-to-Air in UK

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

5

PERFORM Secures North American & Caribbean Rights to England Cricket Matches

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

6

Cricket Australia Inks Digital Offerings Deal with Accenture

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

7

AXS TV to Broadcast Legacy Fighting Championship

Monday, 18 November 2013

8

Arqiva to Distribute Premier League Globally in HD

Monday, 18 November 2013

9

Chinese Olympic Committee Extends Tencent Media Deal

Monday, 18 November 2013

10 

BBC to Air World Taekwondo Grand Prix on Red Button

Monday, 18 November 2013

Jason Dial Becomes New Circuit of The Americas President

Circuit of The Americas (COTA), hospital which hosts the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, today announced that Jason Dial has joined its executive team in the newly created role of president.

Dial, who has enjoyed a distinguished career at Procter and Gamble (P&G) in sports marketing and most recently served as chief marketing officer for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team, will report directly to Steve Sexton, who will continue as chief executive officer. Dial will assume his new duties on Oct. 1.

“We’re excited to add Jason Dial to our team at a time when Circuit of The Americas is quickly evolving,” COTA Founding Partner Bobby Epstein said. “In less than one year, we’ve gone from hosting one hugely successful international event, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, to a year-round schedule of motorsports and entertainment events, concerts, track experiences and campus activities—and we just landed ESPN’s X Games for four years.

“We’re advancing rapidly, and as our programming increases, we’re expanding our executive team to keep pace with our progress and workload. Jason has been responsible for managing some of the most prestigious consumer brands in the world and activating them in both the sports and entertainment arenas. He’s received industry accolades for his work at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his fan-focused approach to doing business will be a great advantage to COTA.”

During his time with the Buccaneers, Dial was credited with rejuvenating the franchise’s relationship with its fans, while increasing attendance and season ticket renewals. He introduced a fan-centric approach to the entire organization, leading to a major revamp of the Buccaneer’s game day experience, which is now ranked 10th best in the NFL, up from 24th. 

“Circuit of The Americas catapulted onto the sports landscape last year, and I am eager to join COTA at such an important time in the company’s history,” Dial said. “The 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix was just honored as ‘Sports Event of the Year.’ The addition of the ESPN X Games is a great new platform for growth, and we’re ready to take things to the next level. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the best brands in the world and grow them through a consistent, strategic framework and consumer-first approach to doing business. 

“I am leaving behind a great team at the Buccaneers and am proud of the way we transformed our organization with the tremendous support of the Glazer Family and the Tampa Bay community. I now look forward to joining COTA, growing its fan base and continuing to establish COTA as a premier destination. We have a world-class facility with amazing events, and we want to be customers’ first choice for premium sports and entertainment.”

Dial will oversee day-to-day business operations for Circuit of The Americas and its Austin360 Amphitheater.

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ISAF Looking for Bids for 2016 Youth Sailing World Championships

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has inviting bids to host the 2016 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship.

The ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship is ISAFs longest running event, ambulance having taken place every year since the first championships hosted by Sweden in 1971.

The event has been held in 25 countries over the past 42 years. The 42nd edition took place from 12-21 July in Dublin Bay, viagra Ireland before the flag was handed over to Limassol, Cyprus who will host the 2013 version. Tavira, Portugal will welcome the best young sailors in 2014 before the event heads to Langkawi, Malaysia in 2015.

In advance of the 2012 ISAF Annual Conference in Ireland, ISAF is inviting bids to host the 2016 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship.

All ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) are invited to bid for the event.

The deadline for bids is 17 October 2012. Bids will be reviewed by the Youth World Championship Sub-Committee during its meeting on 3 November 2012 at the ISAF Annual Conference in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland.

Saudi Arabia to Let Women Compete in Olympics

Saudi Arabia will let its female athletes compete in the Olympics for the first time, adiposity its embassy in London said.

Until now, medic Saudi Arabia was one of three countries that did not allow women to participate in the games.

The other two — Qatar and Brunei — also reversed course this year and said they will send athletes to the London games that begin July 27.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to reaffirm its support for the sublime meanings reflected by Olympic Games and the cherished values of excellence, friendship and respect that they represent,” the Saudi embassy in London said in a statement, announcing its decision.

The International Olympic Committee had been pressing Saudi Arabia to allow women to compete and act as officials, and said in March that talks were going well.

The decision is a rare concession for a kingdom where women are banned from driving.

They also cannot vote or hold public office, though that will change in 2015.

Women in Saudi Arabia also cannot marry, leave the country, go to school or open bank accounts without permission from a male guardian, who usually is the father or husband. Much of public life is segregated by gender.

When it came to sports, female athletes were barred from the Olympic games because they would be participating in front of a mixed-gender crowd.

Saudi Arabia will let its female athletes compete in the Olympics for the first time, its embassy in London said.

Until now, Saudi Arabia was one of three countries that did not allow women to participate in the games.

The other two Qatar and Brunei also reversed course this year and said they will send athletes to the London games that begin July 27.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to reaffirm its support for the sublime meanings reflected by Olympic Games and the cherished values of excellence, friendship and respect that they represent,” the Saudi embassy in London said in a statement, announcing its decision.

The International Olympic Committee had been pressing Saudi Arabia to allow women to compete and act as officials, and said in March that talks were going well.

The decision is a rare concession for a kingdom where women are banned from driving.They also cannot vote or hold public office, though that will change in 2015.

Women in Saudi Arabia also cannot marry, leave the country, go to school or open bank accounts without permission from a male guardian, who usually is the father or husband. Much of public life is segregated by gender.When it came to sports, female athletes were barred from the Olympic games because they would be participating in front of a mixed-gender crowd.