The Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA) has partnered with HSBC to launch the HSBC Hong Kong Junior Golf Programme.

Full story HERE.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has agreed a deal with Formula One for the Malaysian Grand Prix to remain on the calendar for a further three years.

The race has been on the F1 calendar since its debut in 1999.

“The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today announced that the contract to host the Formula One Malaysia Grand Prix has been extended for another three years until 2018, capsule ” a statement read.

“Malaysian Prime Minister, hospital Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, revealed the news of the extension after the conclusion of the 17th edition of the 2015 F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit today.

“The contract for the extension was signed today following the successful negotiations between SIC and Formula One Management. The Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix has been a major annual sporting event in the country since it was first hosted here in 1999.”

Petronas Deal

Following the news of the race being extended, Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas have extended their title sponsorship of the race for three years.

The company has been a title sponsor of the race since its inception.

Petronas is also the title sponsor of Formula One team Mercedes.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission have officially submitted a bid to host the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

The bid was confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group (NOMG) by Cavaliers Chief Executive Officer Len Komoroski and President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission David Gilbert.

The city is due to host several events in the coming years, with the regional semifinals and finals of the 2015 NCAA basketball tournament in March being held in Cleveland for the first time as well as being awarded the Republican National Convention in 2016.

The return of NBA star Lebron James to Cleveland could help boost the city’s bid.

Komoroski told NEOMG: “You can just sense the momentum in this town.

“There’s incredible pride and enthusiasm. Having major events at The Q of this magnitude and being able to handle them is a defining point for our community. It shows we are ready and capable at the highest level.”

The 2015 NBA All-Star Game will be hosted in New York, followed by Toronto in 2016, with vacant slots currently in 2017 and 2018.

According to Gilbert, the city of Cleveland would experience an economic impact of approximately $100 million from the game.

Cleveland last staged an All-Star Game in 1997, but facilities and infrastructure has improved drastically over the last 17 years which puts the city in a better position to host it again soon.

“We’re 100 percent sure we can host All-Star Weekend. We hope the NBA recognizes that this is a new city with new energy and a new attitude,” Gilbert said. “This city is ready for prime time.”

“This is a major shift to our entire image,” Komoroski said.

“We’re changing the narrative of Cleveland nationally and internationally. The All-Star Game would be a great opportunity to showcase our community to the world. This is truly a destination city.”

Cleveland are immediately in competition with the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets who have already placed bids for 2018.

Towards the end of last year on our blog on www.sinequanon-intl.com/news-views/article/an-olympic-task-for-it/ we discussed how the technology partners involved in London 2012 would cope with the numerous tasks such as building the IT infrastructure and delivering the communications services network to the global audience. A week on from the closing ceremony of a hugely successful Olympics across all platforms, it’s a good time to assess how technology performed at the games.

Atos, Cisco and BT were the three key players when it came to the technological side of the games. All three were official partners with the games and played their own important individual roles as well as linking up with each other to help deliver a secure, digital Olympics.

Atos’ games management system began its job prior to the start of the games with its first tasks including the collection and processing of data on each eligible athlete for the games and supporting the HR department with the functions needed for interviewing and training staff and volunteers. Once the games were underway the system also provided the International Olympic Committee with medical statistics throughout the two-week period.

The second group of systems the worldwide partner provided was the Information Diffusion Sytem.  This included the commentator information system (CIS), which was managed from the Technology Operations Centre and used across all 26 Olympic sports for the first time ever. The CIS provided broadcasters with results in real time through the use of touch-screen technology and was praised by IOC president Jacques Rogge.

Atos also provided the competition data to various news agencies through its Olympic data feed as well as providing fellow partner BT with the data for the official website of the games.

As the ‘official network infrastructure supporter’ for London 2012, Cisco had to be sure they delivered their service, which involved the provision of a network infrastructure that would connect over 90 locations with the 21,000 broadcasters and media, securely and trouble free. With the games coverage receiving worldwide praise, it’s safe to say they successfully carried out their task.

Neil Crockett, managing director 2012 for Cisco UK recently commented on the success of the technology companies at the games.”It’s been great the way everyone has come together and delivered such a great Games, with everyone from the athletes to the volunteers to the media all playing their part, as well as the unsung heroes behind the scenes working on the technology.

“We dealt with everything that was required and all the planning and preparations really paid off, and it was great to see all the different companies working so proactively together.” He said.

 Sin-bins for yellow card offences in football could be introduced imminently.

Football’s law-making body will discuss the concept at their annual meeting in London, along with a number of other proposed alterations to the current guidelines. The sin-bin measure has already been trialled in youth and development leagues.

If approved by the body, the sin-bin rule will come in at non-professional levels of the game, with the professional ranks to follow suit by the turn of the decade.

Another proposed rule will be to allow national associations to create their own ruling on the number of substitutions permitted during a competitive fixture.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Closing Date: January 20, 2017

Overview:

The key purpose of the role is to lead and be accountable for the development, delivery and/or performance of the following: The National Football Department; The Football Philosophy of NZF; High Performance within NZF; National Teams; Coach Education and Development; Player Development to evaluate and improve capability in all areas of elite and domestic football.

The Technical Director is responsible for ensuring that players and coaches have a clear pathway from community participation through to International Teams. To ensure the mechanisms are in place to support elite football and ensure that coaching and training programs are available to ensure this occurs.

You will play a critical role in helping New Zealand Football achieve two of its strategic goals which includes more New Zealanders playing and loving football, and the elite teams (All Whites and Football Ferns) winning at global pinnacle events.

Key attributes / experience to be successful in the role will be:

·         Strong leadership and team development abilities, and an ability to motivate skilled professional staff in a performance-focussed environment

·         Pro Licence coaching qualification and high performance coaching experience

·         Preferably, educational qualifications which demonstrate a senior management capability

·         A thorough knowledge of high performance principals

·         An understanding of sports science and sport medicine requirements for football

·         A detailed understanding of the New Zealand Football National Curriculum and awareness of the place of football (and sport) in New Zealand

·         Evidence of successfully and positively working with diverse stakeholders and/or customers

·         Experience of overseeing budgets and managing P&Ls.

·         Strong communication, time management and organisational skills with the ability to effectively gain support for initiatives within and outside the sport

Global Elite Sports (www.globalelitesports.com) have been contracted to manage the recruitment process for this position.

How to apply: Submit your application with cover letter to: richard@globalelitesports.com

 H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council & Patron of “H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Creative Sports Award” and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the President of the National Olympic Committee & Chairman of the Award, rewarded winners of the various categories of the 8^th Edition of the Award.

 

The Award, which is affiliated into “Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Initiatives”, is the greatest of its kind all over the world with respect to its various categories & financial rewards and the first of its kind ever that deals with creativity in sports work in UAE, Arab World and the entire world.

The winners’ list comprises local & Arab sports leaders, athletes, coaches, referees and other sports figures who serve in the local, Arab & world sports fields.

The winners of the 8^th Edition of the Award were rewarded in a prestigious awarding ceremony, held on Monday afternoon at Dubai World Trade Center in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority & Chairman of Emirates Group / H.H. Princess Haya Bint Al-Hussain, the Wife of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

 

The awarding ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Dept. of Information & President of the UAE Tennis Association / Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al-Maktoum / H.E. Mater Al-Tayer, the Deputy President of DSC / several official persons in the sports sector.

 

The awarding ceremony was inaugurated with recitation for the UAE National Anthem, followed by a short film on the Award.

 

H.H. Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussain, the President of Jordon Football Association and West Asia Football Federation, presented a brief speech expressing his pleasure to win this prestigious Award, which holds the name of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is considered as a model for creativity in all fields.

 

He remarked: “The Award motivates all sportspersons to attain excellence and to keep on the track of distinction”.

 

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, rewarded winners who have gained the medals of the Local Sportsperson, Arab Athlete, Arab Corporation and Arab Team.

 

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai & Minister of Finance, has been named as the Local Sportsperson for his great efforts to boost the sports movement during her presidency for Al-Nasr Club besides his support to Hatta Club, marine sports, equestrian & camel sports and disabled category. The award was received by H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the President of Al-Nasr Football Co., on behalf of his Father, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

 

H.H. Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussain, the President of Jordon Football Association and West Asia Football Federation, has been named as the Arab Sportsperson for his eminent role to lead the change movement & combat corruption in FIFA, besides his permanent demands to implement transparency in FIFA’s works to ensure world football prosperity, whether during the period of assuming the Deputy Chairmanship of FIFA or during his election campaign to assume the presidency of FIFA. H.H. Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussain deserves the reward of this category toward his utmost efforts to develop the Jordanian football when he was assuming the presidency of Jordon Football Association, during which Jordan has attained several achievements, the latest of which was the hosting of the FIFA U–17 Women’s World Cup Jordon 2016 in addition to his efforts to enhance football work in West Asia.

 

 

The Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain has been rewarded the Arab Team Award For winning distinctive rewards from the International Equestrian Federation in Juniors Endurance World Cup – Chile 2015. The reward was received by H.H. Sheikh Naser Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

 

Sheikha Al-Thani Foundation – Egypt:

H.H. Sheikha Sheikha Al-Thani received the Arab Corporation Medal, which is rewarded to Sheikha Al-Thani Foundation in Egypt for its unique humanitarian initiatives; the most eminent of which is the organization of the Orphan & Deprived Children World Cup, besides finding means to cohere orphans & deprived children in the community.

 

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the President of the National Olympic Committee & Chairman of the Award, has awarded winners of the other categories of the Award; as following:

 

The Local Administrator Award:

 

Naser Mohammed Ali Al-Tamimi – UAE:

Toward his distinctive administrative efforts & eminent role as Board Member & Financial Secretary for the International Judo Federation since 2007 and up to date. He is presenting vital roles to develop the Judo sport all over the world.

 

The Local Referee Award:

 

Khamis Hassan Al-Shamsi – UAE:

He is an international referee in futsal and is classified among the elite referees group in Asia. He managed the final match of the Asian Champions League and the final match of the Futsal World Cup – 2016.

 

The Local Coach Award:

Ismail Mohammed Al-Jazeeri – UAE:

For attaining local & world achievements in equestrian field. He has served as a coach for the “Emirates Equestrian Team”, which has got first places in various competitions.

 

The Local Corporation Award:

 

The UAE Paralympic Committee – UAE

The UAE Paralympic Committee has followed a distinctive strategy as a result of which the Committee has gained seven various medals in weightlifting, shooting & athletic competitions, taking into account that these medals are the greatest achievement in the history of the UAE’s participation in the weightlifting, shooting & athletic competitions of the Paralympic Games.

 

The Arab Athlete Award:

Ahmed Omran Essa Abu Ghush of Jordon and Fahaid Mohammed Fahaid Al-Duhani of Kuwait:

For winning the golden medals of the Taekwondo & shooting Competitions in Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games.

 

The Arab Referee Award:

Ahmed Helmi Mohammed Qura – Egypt:

For managing the final match of the archery competition in Rio De Janeiro 2016. He is the only Arab referee, who has been nominated as “Referees Chief” of the Archery in World Cup – Morocco 2015.

 

The Arab Coach Award:

Ali Mezher Al-Zahrani – Saudi Arabia:

He has presented a vital role and shared in gaining world medal in karate in the World Cup – Jakarta 2015 / silver medal in Asian Master Athletic Championships / golden medal of Asian Championship.

 

The International Corporation Award / The International Summer Federation – Malaysia:

 

Badminton World Federation, BWF:

Applying voting system, based on full integrity & transparency, in such distinctive way that boosts the election system throughout the world.

 

The International Corporation Award / The National Paralympic Committee: 

 

British Paralympic Association, IPC:

For implementing a program, based on integrity & transparency, to nominate participants in the Olympic Games, expanding opportunities for athletes to attain medals & motivating the upcoming generations of athletes.

 

Appreciative Awards: 

Local Junior Athlete attained Distinctive Success:

As per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of DSC & Patron of the Award, and based on the decision of the Board of Trustees of the Award to enable public to participate in the nomination of the best three junior athletes by voting through Dubai Sports Channel & smart application of the Award, six young athletes were named for the final voting, taking into account that voting door was closed on 31^st Dec. 2016, while the winners of this category were rewarded in the Final Awarding Ceremony, scheduled 9^th Jan. 2017, as per the following ranking:

 

–          6^th Rank: Mahra Malah Essa Al-Rumaithi, who has gained the 1^st place & golden medal in the Arab Olympic – Chess (Morocco – Oct. 2015).

 

–          5^th Rank: Reem Ali Hassan Al-Shamaa, who has gained the 1^st place in the Arab Epee Dueling Championship.

 

–          4^th Rank: Abdul Rahman Yaser Al-Kitbi, who has got two golden medals in taekwondo in Qatar & Fujairah International Championships.

 

–          3^rd Rank: Reema Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al-Hilo, who has got the 1^st place in the Gulf Golf Championship – 2016

 

–          2^nd Rank: Abdulla Anwar Bin Khusaif Al-Nuami, who has attained the title of Qatar International Motorcycling Championship – Motor Cruise category.

 

–          1^st Rank: Mai Ahmed Essa Al-Madani, who has gained nine golden medals in the Arab & Afro–Asian Weightlifting Championship in Jordon – 2016.

 

 

The Local Athlete Award:

 

Yousuf Mohammed Merza:

For attaining silver medal in Asia Cycling and qualifying to Rio De Janeiro Olympics 2016. He has gained 9 golden medals in Arab Championships.

 

Distinctive Arab Sports Media Initiative Award

Arab States Broadcasting Unions – Tunisia:

For its distinctive & pioneering coverage for the Olympic Summer Games – Rio De Janeiro 2016.

 

Athlete Attained Success within Major Humanitarian Challenges (Disabled Category)

 

Marwa Al-Ibrahimi – Tunisia:

For attaining two golden medals (in shot put & scepter competitions of the Paralympic Games – Rio De Janeiro 2016) and breaking the world record.

 

Distinctive Applied Scientific Innovation

Mohannad Kamel Shaker – Iraq:

For innovating a training device, helping users to master performance and develop muscles, exploited in all kinds of Olympic swimming.

 

 

Athlete Attained Top Level Achievement (4 winners)

Inas Bu Bakri – Tunisia: The first Arab female athlete to attain Olympic medal in duel – the bronze medal in Rio De Janeiro Olympics – 2016.

 

Marwa Al-Amri – Tunisia: The first Arab female athlete to attain Olympic medal in wrestling – the bronze medal in Rio De Janeiro Olympics 2016.

 

Hadya Ahmed Malak – Egypt: The first Arab female athlete to attain Olympic medal in taekwondo – the bronze medal in Rio De Janeiro Olympics 2016.

 

Sara Sameer Al-Sayed – Egypt: The first Arab female athlete to attain Olympic medal in weightlifting – bronze medal in Rio De Janeiro Olympics 2016.