Leeds to Host China Squad During London 2012

China has chosen Leeds as it’s pre-Olympic Games training centre after an agreement was signed by the city council in Beijing.

Approximately 220 athletes, coaches and support staff will be based in the city from early July.

Leeds City Council said the hosting deal was worth £250,000.

The Chinese team will use a number of sporting facilities owned by the council, private sports clubs and the city’s two universities.

The signing ceremony between the Chinese Olympic Committee and Leeds City Council finalised a deal that was announced in August 2011.

As well as the direct financial benefit of hosting the Chinese squad, Leeds City Council said it hoped the deal would provide “a major long-term boost to trade, commerce and tourism as well as strengthening cultural ties between Leeds, Yorkshire, the UK and China”.

Chinese Olympic Committee Liu Aijie said: “The Chinese Olympic Committee sincerely appreciates the hard and fruitful work Leeds City Council has done on the preparations of the pre-Games training camp for the Chinese sports delegation.

“We are firmly convinced that the training camp of the Chinese sports delegation in Leeds will achieve great success with mutual trust, concerted efforts and friendly cooperation from both sides.”

As well as the Chinese team, Leeds will also be hosting pre-Games training for the Netherlands swimming squad.

NBA Signs Lucrative New Broadcast Deals with ESPN & TNT

Walt Disney owned ESPN and Turner Broadcasting System’s TNT have extended their rights deal with the National Basketball Association (NBA) for a further nine years.

The deal takes effect starting with the 2016-17 season and increases ESPN’s television, digital, highlights, data, audio and international NBA rights. Games will continue to air on ESPN and TNT through the 2024-25 season.

ABC will remain the exclusive network for the NBA Finals and both ESPN and ABC will combine for up to 44 postseason games, including the conference finals. ESPN will continue to air the draft, draft combine and draft lottery.

The New York Times reports the deal’s value at more than $2.5 billion per year. ESPN’s current relationship covering NBA games on television began in 2002, when the network won the rights from NBC. TNT has been covering the NBA since 1988.

“The NBA has never been more popular and it continues to grow under Adam’s leadership,” Skipper said Monday in a statement. “By acquiring significantly more NBA content for both existing and yet-to-be created platforms, we will establish a vibrant, year-round NBA presence for fans. For ESPN, this agreement continues our fruitful, longstanding relationship with the NBA and bolsters what is already the sports industry’s most impressive and impactful collection of media rights.”

David Levy, President of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc added: “This is a significant deal for our company and we are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with the NBA, its fans, owners and players,” said Levy.  “The agreement locks in some of the most valuable, original, premium live sports programming that we’ll continue to monetize across TNT and all other platforms within our extensive portfolio and will help further grow our businesses into the next decade.”

“The Walt Disney Company and Turner Broadcasting share responsibility for the growing popularity and interest the NBA enjoys, and we are thrilled to extend our partnerships,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “With these new agreements, our fans will continue to benefit from the outstanding NBA coverage and programming provided by ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and their digital platforms.”

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Oldham Athletic Chairman Still Looking to Sell Despite Koukash Snub

Oldham Athletic chairman Simon Corney has revealed he is still seeking new investment for Oldham despite rejecting interest from billionaire Marwan Koukash.

Corney last week confirmed that he would not be selling to Koukash, a horse-racing magnate who also owns Super League club Salford Red Devils, because of his intention to move Latics away from Boundary Park and into a new stadium.

The Oldham chairman is content with the club’s current abode, which is currently under construction to have a new stand fitted, and wants any potential investors to continue his work rather than starting afresh.

“I have made it public before that I am looking for somebody to invest in the club, the team and stadium. That is still the case,” Corney told Oldham’s official website.

“I am not looking for somebody to come in and make a clean sweep and do it his way as I believe we are on the right track.

“If they share our vision and buy into it, then I will happily talk to them and bring them on board.”

Middle East Golf Awards to Bring Regional Golf Industry Together

Director of Golf at European Tour UAE, allergy Nick Tarratt says the Middle East Golf Awards awards present a great opportunity for the industry to come together as a whole and celebrate golf in the region.

The inaugural MEGAs – in association with Sport360 – will recognise the massive efforts being made by golfing individuals and organisations throughout the region at a black-tie dinner on Wednesday, pills December 11.

Tarratt said: “I think the whole industry needs to come together more – it creates a healthy rivalry – and it can be only good for the industry. We’re all looking forward to the next few weeks for the final voting and the function on the December 11.

“It’s exciting that it’s the region that’s being covered and not just Dubai, sale which has traditionally been the case – I mean all the emirates of the UAE are being covered as well as international clubs. Whether it’s Qatar, Oman or Bahrain, it’s nice to see the industry coming together on a narrower UAE front, as well as the region, as the game continues to grow.”

Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Golf, Christopher May, echoed these sentiments, saying the awards give organisations and individuals extra incentives to improve the quality of their products and services.

He said: “I think any kind of awards will help because it gives motivation to a team of people to improve and do better next year and do better than the competition. It’s a very good initiative to have and hopefully it will improve the industry as a whole.”

Michael Gallemore, who is publisher and editor-in-chief of Worldwide Golf magazine says the awards are going to be a huge boost to golf in the region.

He said: “This is the first time that a thorough survey of the region has been done and the fact that you’re getting feedback from readers who voted in amazing numbers means these golf courses will receive credit for what they’re doing.

“It’s also a chance for golfers to show their appreciation for the quality of golf courses they play on.”

For more information about the awards gala dinner visit www.sport360.com/mega

Middle East Golf Awards Category Finalists

Golf Hole of the Year

–      Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course (18th Hole – Par 5)

–      Yas Links Golf Club (17th Hole – Par 3)

–      Saadiyat Beach Golf Cub (5th Hole – Par 4)

–      Doha Golf Club (15th Hole – Par 4)

–      Abu Dhabi Golf Club (18th Hole – Par 5)

–      Towers Links Golf Club (18th Hole – Par 5)

–      Dubai Creek Golf & Yatch Club (18th Hole – Par 4)

 

Professional Event of the Year

–      Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships

–      Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

–      DP World Tour Championships

–      Omega Dubai Desert Classic

 

Golf Course of the year above 400 AED / $110 (Green Fees)

–      Royal Golf Club Bahrain

–      Abu Dhabi Golf Club

–      Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course

–      Yas Links Golf Club

–      Almouj Golf at the Wave Muscat

–      Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course

 

Golf Course of the year under 400 AED / $110 (Green Fees)

–      The Track, Meydan

–      Jebel Ali Golf Resort

–      Al Hamra Golf Club

–      Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

 

Best Practice Facility of the Year

–      Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

–      The Els Club

–      The Address Montgomerie

–      Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

–      Doha Golf Club

 

Best Academy of the year

–      Abu Dhabi Golf Club, The Golf Institute

–      Royal Golf Club Bahrain

–      Dubai Creek & Yatch Club

–      The Els Club, Butch Harmon School of Golf

–      Al Badia Golf by InterContinental

–      Yas Links

 

Best Food & Beverage Outlet of the year

–      Ranches Restaurant at Arabian Ranches Golf Club

–      The Cube at the Track, Meydan

–      Hickroy’s at Yas Links

–      Blades at Al Badia

–      Links at The Address Montgomerie

 

Apparel of the Year

–      Greg Norman

–      Footjoy

–      J.Lindeberg

–      Ecco

–      Galvin Green

–      Oakley

 

Equipment of the Year

–      Callaway

–      Ping

–      Club Car

–      Titleist

–      Cleveland

–      Odyssey Putters

 

Retailer of the year

–      Golf House

–      EGolf Outlet

–      Ecco

 

Corporate Tournament of the year

–      Xerox Corporate golf challenge

–      Al Fair Charity Golf Day

–      The Dubai duty free golf world cup

Amateur tournament of the year

–      Abu Dhabi Mens Open by Abu Dhabi Golf Club

–      5th UAE PGA Patrons Pro Am by IP Global

–      The Chivas Mens Open by Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

–      17th GCC Golf Championships by Almouj Golf at the wave Muscat

–      ASIA vs The World by FIGME

–      The Conares Golf Society League by Sharjah Golf & Shooting club

 

Best Golf Sponsorship of the year

–      Xerox for the Xerox Corporate Golf Challenge

–      Sian Live for the Sian Golf Series

–      Peugeot for the Peugeot Order of Merit & Grand Final

–      Acuma for the UAE Professional Golfers Association

–      IP Global for the UAE Professional Golfers Association

–      Emirates NBD for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

–      Chicago Bridge & Iron for the Philippine Independence Day Golf Invitational

–      Conares for the Conares Golf Society League

 

Best Golf Marketing Campaign of the year

–      Yas Links Summer Passport 2013 by Yas Links

–      Emirates Golf Club Night Golf Campaign by Dubai Golf

–      ReGolf by Insight Dubai

–      Golf Academy Open Day by Abu Dhabi City golf Club

–      Summer Golf Passport by Almouj Golf club at the wave Muscat

–      Night golf at the Track by The Track Meydan

–      The Etihad Airways night flight by Abu Dhabi Golf Club

–      Callaway Marketing Campaign by Golf House

 

Youth Development Initiative of the year

–      The Faldo series by Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club

–      Kellogg’s Grass Roots Golf by MGW Golf

–      Junior Development Program at the Academy by Troon Golf, the Address Montgomerie

–      Yas Links Golf Academy by Yas Links

–      The Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Junior Golf School by Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

–      Abu Dhabi Schools& club League by Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

–      Future Falcon Program by Abu Dhabi Golf Club

–      Junior Development Program by Al Badia

–      Junior Development Program by Dubai Creek Golf & Yatch Club

–      Junior Development Program by Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Teddy Riner Elected New President of IJF Athletes Commission

French Judoka and six-time senior world champion Teddy Riner was elected the new President of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Athletes Commission.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion was unanimously voted in by his fellow judoka and was unveiled to the crowd ahead of the final block in the team’s competition on the final day of the World Championships. 

Riner said: “I’m really happy and honoured to be elected as President of the IJF Athletes Commission. I will do my best to represent athletes at the international level I hope I will do a good job for them.” 

Riner takes over role from 1992 Olympic bronze medallist and two-time senior world champion Hirotaka Okada of Japan who was elected in 2009 when the Commission launched. 

Kayla Harrison of USA, sale Alina Dumitru of Romania, discount Teddy Riner of France and Kim Jae-Bum of Korea, were appointed to the commission by Mr. Marius Vizer, IJF President, a week ago at the Executive Committee meeting. 

Five athletes were also elected to the commission as Miklos Ungvari of Hungary joined Rishod Sobirov of Uzbekistan, Dieudonne Dolassem of Cameroon, Tiago Camilo of Brazil and Anthony Liu of American Samoa as new Commission members.

Mr. Marius Vizer, IJF President, said: “I congratulate all new members of the IJF Athletes Commission which represents something very important in the IJF. I wish them good luck and good team work to help the development of judo.”

New York Possible Destination for 2024 Olympic Games Bid

New York is being considered the top contender for any potential U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) 2024 bid following their decision against a 2022 Winter Games bid.

USOC and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have already resolved their revenue-sharing dispute, the USOC said it is considering a submission for the 2024 Summer Games and the 2026 Winter Games, with New York City being mentioned as a top candidate for 2024.

But the New York Daily News reports Dallas and Chicago are providing tough competition, according to sources familiar with the process.

Experts say a New York 2024 bid would have to start in 2014. But there reportedly are sceptics that believe New York’s Olympic moment has come and gone.

The area now has new stadiums and arenas in Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and New Jersey, while Madison Square Gardens is being renovated, and two subway extensions should be complete by 2024.

Rick Ludwig, who worked on the 2012 bid, said that New York has significant advantages. “It has corporate sponsors and a large population for buying tickets. It has the mass transit.”

But there are reportedly several obstacles to a 2024 bid. New York’s failed 2012 bid included an Olympic Village to be built in Long Island City, Queens, and an Olympic Stadium on the West Side. Both sites are now being developed for other uses.

According to a source with experience building Olympic venues, the city has no venue large enough to serve as a main stadium for track and field, or an aquatics centre.

Ludwig says the tougher sell for 2024 would be public money to guarantee the Games and to provide security.

Alex Garvin, the urban planner behind the 2012 bid said, “I’m convinced that something is possible. But we would need to inspire the citizens of New York all over again.”

‘Brand Britain’ Getting Major Consumer Boost from London 2012

The London 2012 Olympics are giving “brand Britain” a major boost in China and India, a survey conducted by Deloitte suggested.

Publicity surrounding the Games had resulted in nearly 80 percent of those Chinese and Indians questioned saying they were more likely to want to visit Britain.

They were also keen to flash the cash, lured by the UK’s luxury brands and fashion stores, with 63 percent of Chinese and 60 percent of Indians saying they would like to buy more British goods, professional services provider Deloitte said.

Britain has embarked on a trade and tourism campaign called “GREAT” in the hope of maximising its economic potential and generating long-term growth, lifting an economy that has fallen back into recession.

It is supported by British businesses as well as figures from the fashion world.

The Games, which start on July 27, have cost 9.3 billion pounds and British firms, especially retailers and hospitality operators, have been urged to take advantage of them in the short-term as well as the “shifting global demographics”.

Deloitte director Simon Oaten said in a statement: “There has always been a strong underlying demand to visit Britain, but London 2012 is giving the UK a shot in the arm.

“Given the UK economy’s growth prospects, it is important for consumer businesses to develop relationships with overseas customers, particularly from markets such as India and China.

“London 2012 provides the UK with a unique moment, a unique competitive edge over other countries.”

The survey showed the London Games is having less impact in more developed economies, where as few as 49 percent of respondents in the United States said it had made them more interested in visiting Britain, rising to 57 percent among those questioned in France.

A meagre 20 percent of Americans said they would like to buy more British goods, with 23 percent saying so in Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse.

Tottenham submit joint AEG bid for Olympic Stadium

English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and American venue operator AEG have submitted a joint bid to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games, it has been announced.

The bid was submitted on Thursday [30 September], the deadline the Olympic Park Legacy Committee (OPLC) had set for those wishing to lease the stadium.

Yesterday was also the day Tottenham’s plans to redevelop its existing White Hart Lane stadium in North London were approved by Haringey Council.

The club’s bid for the Olympic Stadium is seen by some as a tactical lever in the protracted negotiations with Haringey Council over the improvements to White Hart Lane.

The club’s chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement: “I can confirm we have registered an interest in the Olympic Stadium site within the deadline of September 30, in conjunction with AEG (Europe), the world’s largest entertainment and facilities management company.

“It is only prudent and good management that we ensure that we investigate all possible options for the club…We have always maintained that we wouldn’t undertake any project that could undermine the overall financial stability and future success of the club and this shall remain our guiding principle going forward and in determining our best option in the interests of the club and all its fans and stakeholders.”

Tottenham join fellow London Premier League club West Ham United in submitting a formal interest in the Olympic Stadium.

BT Sport Inks England Development Teams Broadcast Deal

British sports broadcaster BT Sport have signed a four-year deal to show England development team matches, beginning with the U21s’ crucial European Championship play-off match against Croatia on Friday 10 October.

The deal continues the broadcaster’s coverage of all the U21s’ home qualifiers for their Euro 2015 qualification campaign so far and extends to the Young Lions’ future home competitive and friendly matches until 2018.

BT Sport will also cover one England U17s game and one England U19s game each season over this four-year period, providing a huge boost to the national development teams.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: “We’re delighted to be showing the Young Lions on BT Sport. Youth development is important to the future of our national game and now our viewers will be able to watch the stars of the future in action, exclusively live, on BT Sport.”

Gareth Southgate, England Under-21 Head Coach, added: “BT Sport’s continued support of the England Under-21s is great news and by including younger development teams in their coverage it means fans will be able to watch some of the country’s most exciting prospects even further down the age groups.”

Southgate’s side take on Croatia on Friday 10 October at Molineux, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Barcelona Names Intel as Official Technological Partner

FC Barcelona have revealed a global sponsorship deal with Intel Corporation. 

The innovative computer company will be the La Liga club’s official technological partner. Further details will be announced on 12 December in a press conference announcing the deal.

The event will be attended by Club President Sandro Rosell, Board Member with responsibility for the Economic and Strategy Area, Manel Arroyo, Board Member with responsibility for the Technology Area, Dídac Lee, and the Chief Marketing Officer and Vice-President of Intel, Deborah Conrad.

Intel will join current partners which include:

Main Partners – Nike, Qatar Airways

Premium Partners – Estrella Damn, La Caixa, Audi

Official Partners – Etisalat, Replay, Assistencia Sanitaria, Movistar, Gatorade, Seiko, Allianz, EA Sports, Coca-Cola and Panasonic.

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