Buffalo Bills Extends Partnership with Security Firm CSC

National Football League franchise Buffalo Bills have renewed their partnership with crowd management and event security firm, cough Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC), for a further three years.

As part of the new deal CSC will provide services for all Buffalo Bills home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium. CSC Buffalo, led by Branch Manager Tim Schmitt, also provides services for University at Buffalo, Alumni Arena, Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, Artpark Amphitheatre, Rapids Theatre, and First Niagara Center.

The Buffalo Bills have been a CSC client since 2004, and services are provided under the direction of Andy Major, Buffalo Bills Vice President of Event Operations and Guest Experience, who stated: “Our partnership and positive relationship with CSC has been an integral part of improving the guest experience in Buffalo.

“CSC has increased their staffing levels this season and teamed with the Bills, Erie County Sheriff and Apex Security to provide a more safe, secure and efficient gate entry process at Ralph Wilson Stadium. In Buffalo, our fans have been very receptive to all of our fan experience enhancements, and we are beginning to see more kids and families attend our games.

“The Bills, CSC and all of our valued partners and Team Members continue to promote responsible behavior and responsible tailgating. CSC has done a great job with being proactive, friendly and professional with our great fans when enforcing the Bills and NFL’s Fan Code of Conduct.”

Australian Swimming & Athletics Receive Funding Cuts

Australian swimming has been told they will receive a half-million-dollar funding cut in the wake of a poor Olympics at London 2012.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) announced their 2013-14 allocation on Monday and despite swimming receiving a 5.8% cut, they are still the most funded sport at AU$8.1m.

Athletics also received a 3.8% cut, down to AU$6.57m.

Big increases in funding were however handed to sailing (16.7% increase), canoeing, rowing, rugby sevens and golf.

Sailing played a huge role in keeping Australia in the top ten on the medal stable at London 2012, after the team secured three gold medals.

Paralympic sports earned a boost of 14% on the back of a successful campaign last year in London.

The ASC said swimming’s cut reflected the findings of the Smith Review of ‘significant administration overheads’ and a need to show greater leadership and governance.

John Wylie, ASC Chairman said: “’Their reaction, while I wouldn’t say it was bursting with enthusiasm, they do understand the basis on which these decisions have been made.

“The primary basis for the decisions has been the performance cases … and the funding requirements that are assessed to go with that.”

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates welcomed the ASC’s call for increased accountability from individual sporting bodies.

‘”There will always be winners and losers under the new strategy but we fully support Winning Edge and its goals,” Coates said in a statement.

“Sports are now more accountable and they are not only judged on performance but governance.”

Nantes to Host Men’s EHF Cup Final Tournament

Nantes will host the Men’s EHF Cup Final Tournament on the fringes of the 10th Women’s EHF European Championship, doctor being held in Serbia from 4 to 16 December 2012.

The announcement, drugs before the draw for the Group Phase of the competition, no rx sees the event awarded to the French city of Nantes and to HBC Nantes. The French league club will itself compete in the Group Phase of the competition for a place in the Final Tournament. The club has agreed to host the event even if they do not qualify for the final event.

Nantes and surrounding region in western France, boasts 27,000 handball players and 177 handball clubs and the city of Nantes prides itself on its sporting heritage. Amongst many international handball events, the city hosted the Women’s World Championship in 2007. HBC Nantes has also hosted the French League Cup in 2010 and 2011, selling out their 5,000 seat arena on both occasions.

Commenting on the awarding of the event to Nantes, Jean Brihault, EHF President, said: “We considered a number of excellent applications to host the event, but the French city of Nantes presented us with a concept that we felt would really work, especially in the first year. Handball is hugely popular in the region and with the support of the club and the local region we are sure that the premiere edition of the new EHF Cup Final Tournament will be in safe hands.”

Exclusive: BWF Reinforces Match-Throwing Decision at London 2012

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have reinforced their decision to exclude eight women’s players for match-throwing at London 2012 following reports of discontent amongst Chinese coaches.

BWF SG/COO, Thomas Lund (pictured), told iSportconnect: “A decision was taken to disqualify four pairs from the London Olympics following two Women’s Doubles matches and obviously that incident and resulting disqualifications required some deliberation afterwards by various parties, including BWF as the world-governing organisation for badminton. As stated, we have begun our work in assessing the situation and this is on the agenda for our Council meeting in November.”

“It is also good to see that some other parties within the badminton family have engaged in their own processes of evaluating what happened.”

Dr. Kang, President of BWF, stressed it “must serve as a lesson to us all” and called on each BWF member association “to review its elite structures and programmes; thus ensuring badminton is played with the highest degree of ethical sporting standards”.

Lund acknowledged Kang statement and expects the whole Badminton community to contribute their involvement in this evaluation.

He added: “Our President has spoken quite clearly in saying this is a moment which must serve as a lesson to us all. The entire badminton community has a role to play in evaluating how we move forward from here – whether it’s BWF, its member associations or individuals – players, coaches, managers or other persons – associated with badminton. At a personal and institutional level, we must ensure we all subscribe to the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship. Each of us is an ambassador for spreading/entrenching these ideals among those in our sport.”

This follows reports from a Chinese coach which criticised the organisation for ‘carelessness’ and how this decision will hurt the sport.

But Lund said: “We are proud of our sport, its history and the strides we are continuing to make in increasing its global popularity, especially among the youth. Badminton has a lot to offer and we are determined not to let this single incident derail our positive goals or taint the long-standing wholesome image which badminton has enjoyed.”

Daily Telegraph’s Gareth Davies Appointed IPC Representative on IOC Press Commission

The Daily Telegraph’s award winning sports correspondent Gareth Davies has been appointed as the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) representative on the IOC’s Press Commission.

The IOC Press Commission, which is chaired by Kevan Gosper, is responsible for advising the IOC and Organizing Committees on the provision of the best possible working conditions for the world’s written and photographic press. The Commission reviews and makes recommendations with regard to the proposed facilities and services to be provided by Organizing Committees at each edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This is the first time the IPC has nominated a current working journalist as its representative on the Commission and IPC President Sir Philip Craven believes it is testament to Gareth’s years of support to the Paralympic Movement.

Sir Philip Craven said: “Gareth is one of the world’s leading journalists when it comes to covering the Paralympic Movement. You only have to read one of his many articles dedicated to the subject to realize his passion and enthusiasm for Paralympians and the Games.

“Having attended many Games and other events the IPC believes he has the required experience and know how to be the IPC’s representative on the IOC Press Commission.

“Gareth understands exactly what the media needs when covering the Paralympics and we are confident he will share these views when representing the IPC.”

Gareth Davies commented: “Covering Paralympic Sport has always been a pioneering aspect of my career. From the very first time I saw a Paralympic event – in Atlanta in 1996 – I knew I was witnessing an amazing sporting spectacle.

“Nothing has changed after five Games. I have also covered combat sports across my career and the spirit of the Paralympians always reminds me of the fighters I cover. They are the spirit that cannot be tied down.

“I consider it a great honour and privilege to be regarded by the Paralympic Movement and the IPC as a genuine honest witness and supporter of a sporting movement which changes the way the world views people’s abilities.”

London’s New Olympic Landmark to Receive Final Ring this Afternoon

London’s newest Olympic landmark, physician the “ArcelorMittal Orbit”  is set to add its final Olympic ring organizers have said.

Officials say the top ring of the showcase sculpture for the 2012 London Olympics will be lifted by three cranes and put into place Friday afternoon.

The “ArcelorMittal Orbit” rises 35 stories and languishes above the Olympic stadium. It’s made of red steel.

The tower was designed by London-based artist Anish Kapoor and his partner, treatment Cecil Balmond.

When finished, the structure will be taller than the Statue of Liberty.

WPP Invest in Just Marketing International

Just Marketing International (JMI), a leader in motorsports marketing, has announced that WPP, the world’s largest communications services group, has made a strategic investment in the company.

JMI represents a broad portfolio of global brands with an established presence in Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, The World Rally Championship and the major sportscar categories. The company was founded by CEO Zak Brown in 1995, and operates from its Indianapolis headquarters with global offices in cities including London, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The investment represents a strategic affiliation by both parties to leverage expertise and elevate client insights and solutions. 

The agreement means that JMI will have access to WPP’s global network while providing a direct route for WPP clients to be introduced to motorsports. 

Spire Capital, which took a majority stake in JMI in 2008, remains the principal shareholder and Brown the second largest shareholder. 

WPP takes a minority equity stake and has representation on the board of JMI, with the Credit Suisse Customized Fund Investment Group completing the shareholder group.

Zak Brown, founder and CEO of JMI, said: “I am thrilled with WPP’s investment in JMI. It represents a significant development for the company and an endorsement of our expertise from the biggest global player in the industry. 

“The benefits to JMI, its people and most importantly our clients, will be substantial and I am excited by the potential of this alliance. Our ability to tap into the WPP network will bolster our client offerings, enhance operational excellence and drive accelerated growth. Quite simply, WPP is the turbo for JMI’s engine.”

Andrew Scott, director of corporate development of WPP, added: “We are strong believers in the marketing power of international motorsports for global brands. 

“JMI is a leading company in the sector so this investment is a natural fit for WPP and will help to offer our clients exciting new opportunities in the field of motorsports.”

Celtic Manor Resort Announces Appointment of KTB PR Agency

2010 Ryder Cup hosts Celtic Manor Resort has appointed KTB PR Agency to provide wide-ranging PR support.

KTB, viagra based in Battersea, capsule London, specialises in lifestyle, sport and wellness PR. The company will implement a 12 month integrated campaign from 1st July.

Celtic Manor Resort was awarded European Golf Resort of the Year 2011 and Venue of the Year at this year’s Sport Industry Awards. 

The five star resort has invested heavily in its leisure and family facilities, boasting 400 bedrooms in two hotels, luxury spas, award-winning restaurants, a large and versatile Convention Centre, as well as three championship golf courses.

Vanessa Russell, Celtic Manor Resort marketing director, said: “We felt the time was right to take a fresh approach to our PR to really engage the leisure and family market.  KTB demonstrated a creative and clear strategy to help us achieve this and we were really impressed with their campaign.  
“Celtic Manor Resort is world renowned for its golf and conference facilities, KTB are now tasked with ensuring we win similar recognition as a five star leisure destination.”

Kate Bosomworth, KTB managing director, added: “We worked alongside Celtic Manor on the 2010 Ryder Cup, and are thrilled to be working more closely with the resort now.  It’s a great opportunity to combine our key strengths to support the development of a superb brand. 

“The campaign will focus heavily on the resort’s lifestyle and family credentials whilst not forgetting its core golf and conference sectors.  Another great win for the team – it’s been an exciting year and this continues that trend.”

Red Bull Racing Renew FXDD Sponsor for 2011

Red Bull Racing is delighted to announce that FXDD, an on-line leader in foreign exchange, has
renewed its commitment to the team and will remain a Team Partner for 2011. Under this new
agreement, which comes as the team continues to bolster its portfolio of partners, FXDD will be
known as the ‘Official Foreign Currency and Precious Metals Partner of Red Bull Racing’.
FXDD chose to join Red Bull Racing last year to reach Formula One’s significant global audience
and raise awareness of its growing global brand. The continuing partnership is testimony to the
success of that goal. In addition to being visible on the nose of the RB7, the company’s logo will
appear on the driver overalls, worn by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, as well as on general
team wear and across Red Bull Racing’s other partner branding areas.
Team Principal Christian Horner said: “The worlds of finance and Formula One are well matched.
Both involve risk and reward and the prizes are hard won in both. It’s gratifying for all of us at
Red Bull Racing to once again have FXDD on board as a Team Partner; we hope that we continue
to trade on our good relationship and establish an even more profitable partnership this season.”
Formula One’s Red Bull Racing has announce that FXDD, an on-line leader in foreign exchange, has renewed its commitment to the team and will remain a Team Partner for 2011.

Under the new agreement, which comes as the team continues to bolster its portfolio of partners, FXDD will be known as the ‘Official Foreign Currency and Precious Metals Partner of Red Bull Racing’.

FXDD chose to join Red Bull Racing last year to reach Formula One’s significant global audience and raise awareness of its growing global brand. The continuing partnership is testimony to the success of that goal.

In addition to being visible on the nose of the RB7, the company’s logo will appear on the driver overalls, worn by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, as well as on general team wear and across Red Bull Racing’s other partner branding areas.

Team Principal Christian Horner said: “The worlds of finance and Formula One are well matched. Both involve risk and reward and the prizes are hard won in both. It’s gratifying for all of us at Red Bull Racing to once again have FXDD on board as a Team Partner; we hope that we continue to trade on our good relationship and establish an even more profitable partnership this season.”

First 10 ICC WC Matches See Increase in TVR from ’07

The first 10 matches of the International Cricket World Cup (ICC) World Cup which began last month have delivered and average rating of 2.6 TVR (television viewer ratings), up 2.4 TVR for the previous 2007 edition of the quadrennial tournament.

The matches, including the opener between South Asian rivals India – Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – Pakistan have been the most watched games delivering ratings of 7.47 and 3.28 TVR respectively.

According to data released by ratings agency Tam for CS 4+ TG, the India – Bangladesh was sampled by more than 76 million viewers, while the Sri Lanka – Pakistan game attracted more than 51 million viewers on Star Cricket, ESPN, Star Sports and DD1 together.

By the end of match 10, the World Cup had been sampled by a record 127 million individuals, or 64 per cent of the total audience in the country. 

Except for two matches, New Zealand -Australia (0.68 TVR) and New Zealand – Kenya (0.63 TVR), the rest of the games got a viewership of more than 1 TVR.

The remaining games between the West Indies – South Africa and England – Netherlands delivered similar ratings of 1.68 TVR. Both the matches were sampled by more than 40 million viewers respectively. Some of the one-sided contests like Sri Lanka – Canada and Pakistan – Kenya also managed good ratings of 1.36 and 1.41 TVR.

Average ratings for the first 10 matches of the 2007 World Cup was 2.4 TVR with India-Bangladesh and Pakistan-West Indies match being the two most watched game with a rating of 8.85 and 3.66 TVR respectively.

Commenting on the ratings, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd EVP-Ad Sales & New Media Sanjay Kailash said, “The ratings for the non-India matches are very healthy and point towards increasing viewer interest in the tournament as a whole. We expect the trend to continue as the tournament progresses towards the second phase as teams get into top gear to qualify for the knock-out stages.”