Hong Kong to Host 2018 29er World Championship

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club have been awarded hosting rights to the 2018 edition of the 29er World Championship by the International 29er Class Association.

In congratulating RHKYC, allergist International 29er Class President Barry Johnson said: “RHKYC is a club known for its professionalism and its volunteer base both of which are integral in the running of a successful event. To say the class is excited in its decision to award such an event to Hong Kong would be an understatement.”

As an ISAF recognised one-design class and one of the few sailing disciplines where competition is not segregated on the basis of gender, herbal the 29er is the largest asymmetric class in the world, health   having global appeal as a double handed skiff with fractional spinnaker and trapeze. 

The 2018 event will represent the first time that the World Championship has been organised in Asia and it is hoped that this will encourage the development of the class in the region. Emerging 29er nations such as Thailand, India, Singapore and Japan are expected to attend, together with the more established fleets.

Hong Kong representative for the International 29er Class, Mei Han Cheung, predicted a surge in interest in the class, saying: “it is very exciting that Hong Kong will be the first Asian city to stage the 29er World Championships in 2018. It will be a milestone for 29er sailing in Hong Kong and Asia, and a target for the local youth sailors to strive for.”

RHKYC Commodore, Mark Whitehead commented: “All at RHKYC are delighted to have the honour and privilege to host the 2018 29er Worlds, my only regret is that age and lack of agility (ability) prevent me from competing. It will be a great event.”

Nashville Predators Extend Affiliate Partnership with Cincinnati Cyclones

National Hockey League (NHL) team Nashville Predators have renewed their affiliation partnership with Cincinnati Cyclones for the 2014-15 season. 

The Nashville Predators, who will participate their 16th NHL season this fall, have served as one of the Cyclones parent clubs since the 2007-08 season. In that span, former Cyclones forwards Mark Van Guilder,Chris Mueller and Kevin Henderson, along with goaltenders Magnus Hellberg and Mark Dekanich, have all made their NHL debuts with the Predators. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with such a class organization that creates a winning environment for our players to develop,” said Predators Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton. “Led by Ben Simon, the Cyclones have been a model of consistency the past seven seasons and have been critical to the success of the Milwaukee Admirals and the Nashville Predators.” 

“We are excited to again be affiliated with Nashville and Milwaukee,” said Cyclones Head Coach Ben Simon. “They have done a tremendous job of providing us with great players and good kids who we take pride in helping develop to the next level. I look forward to working with Paul Fenton and the rest of Nashville’s staff next year.”

Paciolan Extends Georgia Tech Ticketing Partnership

Ticketing provider Paciolan has extended its 30-year partnership with Georgia Tech University.

Georgia Tech will continue leveraging Paciolan’s best-of-breed ticketing online ticketing system, data warehouse solution, and the company’s strategic partnership with StubHub. In conjunction with the renewal, Georgia Tech has implemented Marketing Automation, a behavior based multi-channel marketing solution powered by FanOne Marketing (FanOne). Georgia Tech has been a Paciolan partner since 1984. Paciolan is a subsidiary of the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor.

“We are excited to continue our 30-year partnership with Paciolan, a technology company that delivers proven products and service that support our strategic initiatives,” said Mike Bobinski, Director of Athletics at Georgia Tech. “Paciolan continues to evolve and offer intriguing solutions that we are able to offer to our fans and donors.”

“Marketing Automation enables us to deliver targeted messaging and linked communications that ultimately helps us sell smarter and generate additional revenue,” said Rick Thorpe, Associate Athletics Director, Sales and Fan Experience at Georgia Tech. “Through this platform we are driving and tracking traffic to microsites which list the benefits and amenities that highlight our enhanced gameday experiences available to our fans.”

Georgia Tech continues to leverage Paciolan’s industry-leading eVenue online ticketing solution to efficiently sell tickets in real-time at RamblinWreck.com. Using the branded eCommerce site, fans are able to purchase tickets and manage their accounts online in a secured environment, and have the ability to select their own seats via interactive pick your own seat maps for football, basketball and baseball events, along with the option to print their tickets from home.

With the renewed partnership, Georgia Tech will be adopting mobile ticketing and delivery through Paciolan’s Access scanning solution. Beginning with the 2014 football season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Yellow Jackets fans will have the convenience of using their mobile devices to bypass will call lines and enter the stadium upon arrival. The solution also provides Georgia Tech with enhanced real-time attendance reports and information to better serve their customers to build lifelong relationships.

Additionally, Georgia Tech continues to utilize Paciolan’s integration with strategic partner StubHub, which provides them with a platform for ticket resale through its eCommerce site. The integration allows football and men’s basketball season ticket, single game or combo pack ticket holders the opportunity to resell unused tickets in a safe and secure environment on the secondary market. StubHub provides Georgia Tech with a platform to build relationships with fans purchasing tickets on the secondary site, and affords buyers with access to great seats, and the ability to print and receive tickets instantly at home or via mobile delivery.

“Paciolan delivers the technology and analytics tools that are crucial to our business. The solutions we utilize allow us to know the make-up of our fan base, how to best service them, and ultimately convert them into lifelong customers,” added Thorpe.

“We are pleased to continue our 30-year partnership with Georgia Tech and assist in their efforts to deliver innovative solutions,” said Dave Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Paciolan. “Georgia Tech is a leader in adopting new and leading technology that enables their athletic department to create lasting relationships with their fans.”

Former World Cup Winner Gattuso Investigated for Match-Fixing

A new Italian match-fixing scandal has broken out with World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso in the centre of it.

The former Milan, Rangers and Italy midfielder has been placed under investigation for match-fixing and four more people have been arrested in an early morning police sweep in Italy.

Cremona prosecutor Roberto Di Martino said that Gattuso and retired Lazio player Cristian Brocchi were allegedly part of a ring that fixed Serie A and other Italian matches at the end of the 2010-11 season.

The duo, who had their homes searched, reportedly face charges of criminal conspiracy and sports fraud.

“Gattuso and Brocchi were connected to the case by the use of phone taps,” said Di Martino.

The four people arrested are Salvatore Spadaro, Francesco Bazzani, Cosimo Rinci and Fabio Quadri; each of whom allegedly helped connect fixers to players.

Gattuso, 35, who was in charge at Swiss club Sion until February, was sacked by Serie B club Palermo in September after achieving only two wins and a draw in the first six games of the season.

Gattuso’s agent Andrea D’Amico said: “Gennaro is stunned by the news.”

“I spoke to him and he is returning home (to Milan). We are remaining calm and we have to be patient and see how the investigation develops.

“However, just because he is under investigation does not mean anything. For all we know this could be just false allegations.

“Sometimes when you are a famous player, it is very easy for your name to appear and to be a target. We will wait and see how the situation develops.”

More than 50 people have been arrested in Italy for match-fixing since mid-2011, with matches under investigation by prosecutors in Cremona, Bari and Naples.

It has resulted in lengthy bans for former Lazio captains Giuseppe Signori and Stefano Mauri, as well as former Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni. Several clubs have also had points deducted.

This also follows the recent match-fixing scandals that have broken out in England.

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Philadelphia Eagles Partner with Marvel Custom Solutions to Launch New Mascot Comic

The Philadelphia Eagles have teamed up with Marvel Custom Solutions to create an all-new, impotent custom and exclusive comic that narrates the adventure of their mascor Swoop.

Hard copies of the comic were distributed to members of the Eagles Kids Club who attended the Halloween Party at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, cialis November 2. The Eagles also released the comic frame by frame throughout the week via the team’s social networks.

This marks the second straight year that the Eagles have worked with Marvel Entertainment. The comic book company also created a Brian Dawkins “Weapon X” poster which was distributed to fans who attended the game on September 30, 2012, when Dawkins’ number was retired.

“Marvel did a fantastic job of putting together a story that explains SWOOP’s origin, as well as his role with the Eagles and in the Philadelphia community,” said Brian Papson, Eagles’ Vice President of Marketing. “We enjoy working with their creative team on these types of special projects and we are always looking for fun ways to partner with them.”

British Racing Seals New Levy Deal with Four Bookmakers

The four largest bookmakers in the UK have secured a four-year deal with British racing to make voluntary contributions of £4.5million per annum into the newly-created Incentive Fund.

Taking effect from April 2014, the payments from William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Betfred will be managed by a new distribution group made up of representatives from the likes of the Levy Board, British Horseracing Authority, Racecourse Association, Horsemen’s Group and the bookmakers themselves to advise on how best to distribute the money.

As part of the arrangement, the four bookmakers have agreed to underwrite a combined contribution payable through the statutory Levy of not less than £47.5m per year, as well as the additional voluntary contributions.

With the announcement of the 53rd Levy Scheme also arriving, total income to the Levy Board from bookmakers in 2014-15 is estimated to reach £80.2m, including Betfair’s £7.8m contribution.

A statement on behalf of William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Betfred said: “We are delighted to have reached an arrangement with racing, which will see the biggest four bookmakers in Britain inject an additional £18m into British racing over the next four years.

“This addition to our normal statutory Levy payments will ensure that the four companies underwrite a minimum £52m per year to the Levy Board.

“British racing is a core product in our betting offices and we want to see it grow and thrive. The £18m will be used to improve the competitiveness of the racing product, making it more appealing to both racegoers and betting office customers alike.

“We look forward to working closely with our colleagues from racing over the next four years and maintaining, and enhancing, Britain’s status as the number one horseracing nation in the world.”

BHA chief executive Paul Bittar said: “This arrangement has the support of the principal organisations in the sport, including the Racecourse Association and Horsemen’s Group, and represents a positive step forwards in the prevailing circumstances.

“We are pleased to reach an early Levy settlement, and in turn trigger a significant additional voluntary contribution from the big four retail operators for the next four years.

“This additional funding, coupled with a continuation of the underwrite, brings a degree of certainty and considerable upside in the coming years, and we would like to place on record our appreciation towards the big four bookmakers and the Levy Board in helping us reach this arrangement.

“Importantly, the arrangement places the emphasis on joint efforts with the betting industry to make the racing product even more compelling, and competitive year-round. We look forward to working with the big four bookmakers to put the new Incentive Fund to best use, and grow Levy income further.”

Oakland Athletics to Train in Mesa in 20-year Deal

Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics have reached a 20-year agreement to conduct Spring Training in the city of Mesa beginning in 2015.

The deal also includes a pair of five-year team options that could extend Oakland’s stay in Arizona’s East Valley City to 30 years.

That means Oakland will vacate the outdated Phoenix Municipal Stadium after the conclusion of Spring Training next year, which will mark its 32nd consecutive year there, in favor of a new home at a renovated HoHoKam Stadium. That’s where they played their games in 1977 and ’78, after an eight-year stay at Mesa’s Rendezvous Park.

The Cubs reside at HoHoKam, but will be moving into a new facility in Mesa in 2014, leaving the city a year to complete renovations expecting to total $20 million. Some of those funds will be used to expand and remodel Fitch Park, where the A’s will conduct workouts on its four practice fields.

It was Monday night when Mesa City Council approved the agreement, which calls for the city to pay $17.5 million and the A’s to provide $2.5 million.

“Certainly there’s money going into it,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “Nothing’s really going into [Phoenix Muni], and it’s dated, so our organization is looking to get into a place that’s more modern. Our facilities are lacking a little bit, and therefore I certainly understand the move.”

As part of the renovation plans, HoHoKam will feature completely renovated seating, a new scoreboard, a remodeled home team clubhouse, remodeled and expanded weight rooms, two new rehabilitation pools, a field replacement and a remodeled and expanded team store.

Over at Fitch Park, meanwhile, both the training building and team clubhouse will be expanded and remodeled, while all practice fields will receive an upgrade.

“We are extremely excited about our future spring home and want to thank the city of Mesa for all their hard work and cooperation in making this agreement possible,” said A’s owner and managing partner Lew Wolff. “With the improvements planned over the next two years, we believe HoHoKam Stadium and surrounding facilities will rival any in Major League Baseball. Our players and coaches, as well as our great fans, will be the beneficiaries.”

Klitschko-Kampf: Telekom steigt erstmals mit Framesplit in den RTL-Boxring

Box-Weltmeister Wladimir Klitschko bekommt im Kampf gegen Mariusz Wach am 10. November 2012 tatkräftige Unterstützung von der Telekom. Mit einem Framesplit boxt sich der Bonner Konzern zwischen der fünften und sechsten Runde durch das RTL-Highlight. Für das Special Ad eine Premiere: Der Framesplit läuft erstmals während eines Box-Kampfes. Mit der Sonderwerbeform bewirbt die Telekom ihr aktuelles LTE-Angebot, pill eine neue Mobilfunktechnologie.

Die Telekom zeigt sich im 25-sekündigen Framesplit von ihrer schnellsten Seite und nimmt das fortlaufende Livebild in die sportliche Mitte. Damit erzielt das exklusive Special Ad die volle Aufmerksamkeit der Boxfans. Ergänzt wird die starke Markeninszenierung der Telekom durch klassische TV-Spots, denture die seit Ende September on air zu sehen sind. Die Mediaplanung für den Telekommunikations-Riesen übernimmt die Mediacom, die kreative Umsetzung stammt von DDB Tribal aus Hamburg. Für den Fall, dass der Kampf vor der fünften Runde zu Ende geht, wird der Framesplit während der Abschieds-Szenen im Ring geschaltet.

“Wladimir Klitschko ist im Ring, die Telekom im Rahmen. Boxen bei RTL ist ein unschlagbares Umfeld, um sich mit dem Special Ad in Szene zu setzen und die Premiere der Werbeform während eines Box-Events zu zelebrieren.”, so Lars-Eric Mann, Verkaufsdirektor Solutions bei IP Deutschland.

IBF- und IBO-Schwergewichtsweltmeister und WBO- und WBA-Champion Wladimir Klitschko verteidigt am 10. November seinen WM-Titel gegen den Polen Mariusz Wach. RTL zeigt den Kampf ab 22.10 Uhr live aus der Hamburger o2 World.

Neue Eliteschulen des Sports in Nürnberg und Luckenwalde

Die Anzahl der Eliteschulen des Sports wird im nächsten olympischen Zyklus von 39 auf 41 erhöht. Dies teilte der DOSB am Freitag in Frankfurt/Main mit. Neu in den Kreis aufgenommen wurden die Verbundsysteme Schule und Leistungssport in Nürnberg und in Luckenwalde.

In Nürnberg werden die Schwerpunktsportarten Ringen, cialis Leichtathletik/Sprint und Taekwondo gefördert. Den Athleten stehen mit einer Mittelschule, viagra sale einer Realschule und einem Gymnasium drei Schularten zur Verfügung. Das Luckenwalder Verbundsystem ist auf die Schwerpunktsportart Ringen fokussiert.

Darüber hinaus haben DOSB und Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe als Partner der Eliteschulen des Sports an allen Standorten Befragungen vorgenommen, um die derzeitige Situation der Verbundsysteme aus Schule, Sport und Wohnen zu ermitteln. Als Ergebnis der Analyse dürfen zehn Standorte bis 2016 das Prädikat “Eliteschule des Sports” tragen. Weiteren 31 Standorten, an denen sich Verbesserungspotentiale im Rahmen der Befragung zeigten, wurde das Prädikat zunächst bis 2014 verliehen.

“Wir haben mit der Befragung und Analyse ein echtes Qualitätsmanagement an den Eliteschulen des Sports etabliert. Gemeinsam mit den Schulen, Verbänden und Internaten können so tragfähige Modelle entwickelt werden, die auf die jeweiligen Verbundsysteme individuell zugeschnitten sind. Damit werden optimale Voraussetzungen für die angestrebte duale Karriere unserer Nachwuchssportler geschaffen”, sagt Christa Thiel, DOSB-Vizepräsidentin Leistungssport.

Die Befragung für den neuen olympischen Zyklus wurde anhand von sechs Kriterien vorgenommen, welche das DOSB-Präsidium 2009 verabschiedet hatte. Dazu zählen u.a. die Bedingungen für die sportliche Ausbildung, die Abstimmungs- und Organisationsstruktur zwischen Schule und Sport und die pädagogische Gesamtkonzeption unter leistungssportlichen Gesichtspunkten.

Die Eliteschulen des Sports (EdS) haben sich seit ihrer Einführung Anfang der 90er Jahre zu unverzichtbaren Förder- und Unterstützungseinrichtungen für den Nachwuchsleistungssport in Deutschland entwickelt. Das Nebeneinander von sportlicher und schulischer Förderung bei einer hohen Qualität der einzelnen Bausteine zeichnet die Einrichtungen aus.

An 41 Eliteschulen des Sports mit über 100 Haupt-, Real- und Gesamtschulen sowie Gymnasien werden derzeit mehr als 11.000 Talente gefördert.

Bei den Olympischen Spielen in London 2012 waren 104 der 392 nominierten Sportler aktuelle oder ehemalige Eliteschüler des Sports. Mit 26,6 Prozent durchliefen mehr als ein Viertel der Mitglieder der Deutschen Olympiamannschaft die Eliteschulen des Sports. Eliteschüler des Sports waren an 31 von 44 Medaillengewinnen beteiligt.

Bei den Winterspielen in Vancouver 2010 kämpften 78 Athleten aus den Eliteschulen des Sports um olympisches Edelmetall. Das sind 51,3 Prozent, also mehr als die Hälfte aller deutschen Teilnehmer. 36 der 43 deutschen Medaillengewinner sind ehemalige oder zum Teil auch aktuelle Eliteschüler des Sports gewesen. Eliteschüler des Sports waren an 25 von 30 deutschen Medaillengewinnen beteiligt.

Manchester City Announce Paddy Power As Official UK Betting Partner

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Barclays Premier League high flyers Manchester City have today confirmed that Irish Bookmaking giants Paddy Power are to act as their UK betting partner through to the end of the 2012/13 season.

 

The deal will involve the two parties collaborate across a wide range of commercial activities in which Paddy Power will offer its market-leading range of innovative betting products to City fans via the club’s official website and also a specially created City microsite.

 

The news follows on from August’s announcement that the Mansion Group would become the club’s international betting partner.

 

“We wanted to wait for the right partner with the right principles, especially when it came to how they intended to engage with our biggest asset, our fans,” said Ian Cafferky, Manchester City’s chief brand and commercial officer. “Not only do Paddy Power and football go hand-in-hand but, with their dynamic match-day odds and Money-Back Specials, we believe this partnership will provide real added value to our supporters’ match-day experience.

 

Paddy Power added: “There are a lot of similarities between Manchester City and Paddy Power, with us both having established reputations for putting our fans and customers first, whilst rising to the top of the table in our respective fields. Paddy Power specialises in surprising and delighting punters and I really look forward to sharing our unbeatable betting value with the Manchester City fans.”

 

By Marc Sibbons