Oman has beaten bids from Buenos Aires (ARG), drugs Medemblik (NED) and Gydnia (POL) to host the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in 2016.

Held annually, click the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships is open to sailors aged 14-19. At this year’s event, also held in Dun Laoghaire, 350 competitors took part from 63 nations.

Coming off the back of successfully winning the right to hold the Laser World Championships in 2013, the bid to host the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships was presented by Oman Sail, a  government-backed initiative that harnesses the power of sailing to contribute to the development of Oman and its people. It particularly aims to rejuvenate Oman’s rich maritime heritage and to this end has set up sailing schools with the target of getting 30,000 Omanis afloat over a five year period (they recently reached 10,000).

For the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) the attractions of holding the Youth Worlds in Oman were multiple. It is always keen to support emerging nations and, thanks to Oman Sail’s initiative in the sultanate, there are few other places in the world where sailing is promoted so strongly to its population, in particular young people.

Fiona Kidd, Chair of the ISAF World Youth Sailing sub-committee, which voted to go to Oman, explained their reasoning: “We had four excellent bids to host the championship, but one of the strongest things that came through in the Oman bid, was the legacy that would be left behind after the Worlds.”

In addition to the ‘hard’ legacy such as equipment and infrastructure, the committee was particularly impressed with the ‘soft’ legacy left by staging the event in Oman. “That it will inspire a whole generation of young people into sailing, was for me the overriding issue,” said Kidd. “Obviously they have the next four years and it can be the cornerstone of their own development, getting sailors to participate in every one of the events – they want to have multihull sailors and they want to have windsurfers – now they have a goal in front of them and they can develop their sailors to achieve that goal.”

The committee was also impressed by how much Oman Sail had achieved in the relatively short time it has existed. “It is an incredible model what they have done. It should be replicated in other areas of the region, in terms of how they are getting children into water sports, and their women in sailing program is fantastic. That energy all came across in their presentation.”

Hosting the event in Oman it is hoped will also attract and inspire sailors to take part from other nations around the Gulf area and Middle East. In addition to inspiring its future sailing champions, hosting the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships will also provide local race officials and organisers with additional experience in hosting international sailing events and the economic benefits these events in turn bring to the country.

The 2016 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships will be held at the Mussanah Sports City, situated on the coast of the Wilayat of Al Mussanah, 100km northwest of the Omani capital, Muscat. Purpose-built to host the 2010 Asian Beach Games, this Olympic-standard venue spans one million square metres and is based around a marina. Among its facilities are a 4 star hotel, apartments, an athletes’ village, food halls, a state of the art media centre as well as launching and landing zones for boats. This venue will also host the Laser World Championships at the end of 2013.

Oman Sail will manage the Championships, both on and off the water. Its staff now holds a wealth of expertise in event management, having twice hosted the Extreme Sailing Series in Muscat as well as running their own events such as Sailing Arabia – The Tour and Mussanah Race Week. In 2013, in addition to the Laser World Championships, the Extreme Sailing Series is due to return while the RC44 class is to hold its first 2013 season regatta in Muscat, both classes attracted by the prospect of extending their seasons into the ‘winter’ months, when in Oman the temperature is still around 20-30degC and the water temperature 25 degC – no wet suits required. The exact date of the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship has yet to be finalised but it is expected to be in December 2016 or January 2017.

If there is any down time, sailors will also have the opportunity to visit the Omani capital, Muscat a 45 minute drive away from the venue. The best flavour of Muscat can be had by walking the Mutrah Corniche, admiring the local dhows and, depending upon the timing, the local fish market and the famous Mutrah Souq market.

Oman Sail CEO David Graham concludes: “The ISAF Youth Worlds is an opportunity to inspire our youth, as well as showcase Oman in all its natural beauty to an international audience through sport, aligning perfectly with Oman Sail’s strategy.”

Wie Sponsors berichtet hat Servus TV Einbußen bei der Reichweite seiner Live-Übertragungen der Deutschen Eishockey Liga (DEL) hinnehmen müssen. Am vergangenen Sonntag sanken die zu Saisonbeginn noch passablen Werte auf das frühere Niveau von Sky.

Die Partie zwischen den Straubing Tigers und dem ERC Ingolstadt am vergangenen Sonntag erzielte eine durchschnittliche Reichweite von 20 000 Zuschauern ab drei Jahren. Damit liegt Servus TV nach dem 8. Spieltag der laufenden Saison auf dem Niveau, ambulance das der Bezahlsender Sky Deutschland in der vergangenen Spielzeit im Schnitt pro Spiel erzielte.

Zum Auftakt der DEL-Saison hatten die Übertragungen bei Servus TV noch ein deutlich höheres Interesse hervorgerufen. Die erste Partie zwischen den Kölner Haien und den Krefeld Pinguinen an einem Freitag ab 19.35 Uhr sahen im Schnitt 50 000 Zuschauer ab drei Jahren. Am darauffolgenden Sonntag verfolgten ab 17.50 Uhr im Schnitt 80 000 Zuschauer das Top-Spiel zwischen Adler Mannheim und den Eisbären Berlin.

Es bleibt nun abzuwarten, cheap ob die aktuelle Reichweite der verhältnismäßig schwachen Paarung geschuldet war und ob Servus TV die ambitionierten Ziele der Liga erreichen kann: Die Vorgabe lautet im Schnitt 200 000 bis 250 000 Zuschauer pro Spiel.

Juventus coach Antonio Conte’s FIFA ban has been extended to include Champions League matches starting next week.

Conte was suspended for ten months by the Italian Football Federation for allegedly not reporting a suspect fixture during his time with Siena back in 2010.

However, he had still performed match-day duties during friendly games so the rules regarding his position when Juventus kick off their European campaign against Chelsea on Wednesday was previously in doubt.

The world governing body has ended that speculation in a statement released on Friday afternoon. It said the ban “covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.”

With Conte set to face a second appeal hearing next week, FIFA’s statement went on to say the sanction could be changed if he is successful.

Juventus technical director and former player Massimo Carrera has taken over Conte’s duties on match days with the banned coach continuing to lead the team during training sessions.

FIFA also revealed others caught up in the match-fixing trials will be subject to similar punishment. The statement went on to say it is “currently reviewing additional documentation provided by the Italian federation in relation to other sanctions.”

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA)  today announced a new licensing relationship with TheraPearl, adiposity an innovative consumer products company specializing in hot and cold pack technology.

TheraPearl’s products are uniquely designed to aid in post-workout recovery, making the company a natural fit for the NFLPA and pro football players everywhere. TheraPearl’s mission is to educate consumers about the proper use of hot and cold therapy in conjunction with various forms of training, while informing consumers on the many benefits of using hot and cold therapy.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the NFLPA in developing products that impact a player’s training and recovery,” said Daniel Baumwald, President of TheraPearl. “Our products maximize targeted hot and cold therapy and are uniquely designed for athletes and athlete recovery. We are happy to make this technology available to the NFL players for whom recovery is such a crucial part of the game.”

TheraPearl’s unique products were recently on display at the 2012 NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles last month where 35 of the top NFL rookies experienced the product benefits in the TheraPearl cooling, relaxation and massage tent. The technology has appealed to a wide range of celebrities and athletes including current and former NFL players.

“Health and safety is a great concern for all professional football players,” said Keith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS, INC. “We are pleased to bring on an innovative company like TheraPearl as an official licensee. Proper recovery between practice and games is a crucial piece of staying healthy, and TheraPearl technology aims to enhance and maximize the recovery process. We hope that both players and fans will embrace their products”

The San Diego Padres announced that Vice Chairman and CEO Jeff Moorad has withdrawn his application to Major League Baseball for a control transfer, in order to expedite MLB approval of the club’s television broadcasting agreement.

“With Opening Day less than one month away, John Moores and I believe our top priority is to ensure that Padres fans will be able to watch broadcasts of what we believe is an exciting baseball team,” said Moorad. “I remain fully committed to the San Diego Padres and our fans, and am looking forward to the 2012 season.”

But the real reason, according to multiple sources, has more to do with Moorad’s group lacking the votes needed among MLB owners to approve the sale of the team. Moorad and his group controls 49 percent of the team (John Moores has the majority share), and Moorad has been running the Padres as CEO. 

Moorad’s tenure has been marked by way too much front-office turnover (three GMs in four years, with Kevin Towers departing and Jed Hoyer fleeing), and there’s some doubt as to whether the group has the financial resources needed to succeed. The Fox Sports broadcast deal will help allay many of those fears, so the delay may be only temporary, something that Bud Selig hinted at in a press release:

“I have spoken with San Diego Padres Chairman John Moores and Vice Chairman/CEO Jeff Moorad.  They have informed me that Jeff is withdrawing his control transfer application of the Padres at this time in order to focus on completing the club’s local television contract.  I am pleased that John and Jeff are working on ensuring that the club’s games will be televised this season and beyond, and I know that they are acting in the best interests of Baseball, the franchise and the great fans of San Diego.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have signed their final sponsorship deal with Hyundai Motor Company to become the governing bodies first official car partner, in a deal worth US$44m, for the duration of a new five-year agreement.

Under this agreement, ICC officials and players will use Hyundai cars for official transportation for the duration of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Additionally, Hyundai will be the transportation partner for ICC’s other competitions, such as the Champions Trophy, Women’s World Cup and the World Twenty20, among other exclusive rights.

Arvind Saxena, director, marketing and sales, HMIL, spoke at a press conference yesterday, February 8, stating: “The estimated cost of the partnership between ICC and HMIL is more than Rs 200 crore (two billion) for the next five years. It includes the ICC deal as well as the cost of our media campaign.

“The cost of the media campaign will be varying in future. It keeps changing every year depending on various factors.”

HW Park, CEO HMIL, said at the signing ceremony on behalf of Hyundai: “The ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas and we are proud to be part of this event. Hyundai shares ICC’s deep-rooted passion for cricket and remains committed to supporting the game in the future as well.”

Haroon Lorgat, chief executive of the ICC added: ” We are very glad that two Korean companies, LG and Hyundai are now associated with us, which will also help to develop cricket in that country.

“Hyundai has an opportunity to enhance their brand around 105 countries where ICC is deeply involved.”

Michael Gove, herbal Education Secretary, cialis was forced to withdraw his proposal to eliminate the £162m (US$250m) UK school sports funding put in place by the previous government.

Although the u-turn does not mean that the entire funding will stay in place, view Gove promised that £47m ($72.8m) of the total would be salvaged from the partnership.

Gove also stated that a further £65m ($100m) would be released in the academic years which straddle the 2012 Olympics to ensure that there will be at least one dedicated PE teacher in place at every school.

The move was an embarrassing climbdown for the education secretary whose plans forced an intervention by David Cameron, who demanded a rethink after the coalition Government was hit by a public backlash.

The European Tour has unveiled a new Beijing Office today with the aim of further developing its global brand in China.

It will be led by Simon Leach (Li Sai Wen), who previously helped grow the game of snooker in China through his work with World Snooker’s governing body, World Snooker Limited.

In addition to seeking new opportunities in China, Leach and his team will help manage and oversee the existing European Tour events played in the country, working alongside the China Golf Association and the Multi-Ball Games Administration Centre of the General Administration of Sport.

The European Tour has had a strong presence in China for the past 12 years, with April’s Volvo China Open, at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen, the 44th European Tour event to be staged in the country.

Three more tournaments are due to take place on Chinese soil on The 2014 Race to Dubai, with the Hong Kong Open returning to Hong Kong Golf Club from October 16-19, before two out of the four Final Series events – the BMW Masters and WGC-HSBC Champions – are held in Shanghai in consecutive weeks at the end of October and start of November.

As a consultant to The European Tour, Leach was central to the development of partnerships which have subsequently helped establish the BMW Masters in 2012, while last year he also helped launch the Foshan Open, one of two Chinese events on the European Challenge Tour in 2014 alongside the Shankai China Classic. He has now been appointed Director of European Tour International, China, leading the new office which is located at Park View Green (Qiao Fu Fan Cao Di) Beijing’s ground-breaking, iconic, creative and ecologically friendly office and retail premises.

Leach said: “After building a sound, sustainable platform in Greater China for many years, it is now the right time to create a permanent presence on the ground to further develop the already excellent relationships with the China Golf Association, and other various Local Sports and Government Bureaus throughout the country.”

“We are implementing sustainable long term plans with partners to further develop European Tour events in China, and we are focusing our efforts to provide young Chinese players with increased playing opportunities both in Mainland China and overseas through the Challenge Tour platform – the leading feeder tour for rising stars heading for The European Tour.”

“In addition, we will be announcing new and exciting initiatives in the areas of digital and social media, retail and brand development. The China golf market is clearly at the beginning of a huge growth curve, especially with its recent inclusion in the Olympics, and The European Tour is well placed to contribute hugely to this development. It is an exciting time for golf in China, and we look forward to developing many reliable and effective partnerships throughout the region.”

Edmonton in Canada has hired TSE Consulting as lead consultants in its bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Edmonton, denture a premier destination for sports events for over thirty years, malady has been a long-term client of TSE Consulting. The Commonwealth Games bid is part of the implementation of a long term sports event strategy to drive results in meeting various socio-economic objectives of the city.

With vast experience in advising bids, TSE will assist Edmonton 2022 with all aspects of the bid until the election of the host city of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in September 2015. TSE has recently worked with winning hosts such as the City of Lima on their bid for the 2019 Pan American Games as well as Sport Event Denmark in their recent wins to host the 2018 ISAF Sailing 2018 World Championships as well as the IIHF World Championships 2018.

Lars Haue-Pedersen, TSE Managing Director, commented: “We look forward to continuing our work with Edmonton on this exciting project. Edmonton is a city with a strong and clearly defined sports event strategy and to bring the Commonwealth there in 2022 just makes a lot of sense – for Edmonton and the Commonwealth Games movement. We are very excited to be part of this vision and together with the Edmonton bid committee we will develop a strong bid building on Edmonton’s experience in organising world class events.”

The first official announcement from the Edmonton 2022 bid will be made next week in Edmonton on Canada Day – July 1.