ITF Join Forces With Grand Slam Tournaments To Support Wheelchair Tennis

ITF and Grand Slam tournaments have joined forces to support Wheelchair Tennis

The four Grand Slam tournaments and the ITF have come together to pledge over US$300,000 in financial support for wheelchair tennis. The fund will provide grants to help wheelchair athletes and national association event hosts impacted by the suspension of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and postponement of major wheelchair tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eighty-eight (88) ITF-sanctioned wheelchair events have been postponed or cancelled since the ATP, WTA and ITF tours were suspended on March 12, including the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. The UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour is currently suspended until July 31 in alignment with other professional circuits.

Wheelchair tennis players who earned less than US$100,000 in prize money in 2019 ranked inside the Top 20 of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour rankings in the men’s and women’s open division, and the Top 15 in the quad division, will be eligible to apply for a grant.

This fund follows the announcement of the Player Relief Programme, a similar joint initiative of tennis’ seven major stakeholders, which will provide financial support to approximately 800 ATP/WTA singles and doubles players.

ECB Pledges Support For Every Mind Matters With The NHS

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has pledged its support for Every Mind Matters – Public Health England’s (PHE) new mental health campaign launched in partnership with the NHS.

The government-backed campaign is designed to show the steps people can take to be better prepared for life’s ups and downs. It offers an online platform that allows users to create a personalised action plan recommending a set of self-care actions to deal with stress, boost mood, improve sleep and feel in control.

A new PHE survey reveals more than eight in ten (83%) people have experienced early signs of poor mental health including feeling anxious, stressed, having low mood or trouble sleeping in the last 12 months. While these can be a natural response to life’s challenges, they can become more serious if people don’t take action – and many wait too long.

A special film to promote Every Mind Matters has been written by Richard Curtis and directed by Rankin. It will be aired simultaneously at around 8:45pm tonight (Monday) across ITV, Channel 4 and Sky channels.

The film features a range of famous faces whose lives have been affected by poor mental health including former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff and Sarah Taylor who retired from the England Women’s team in September following a phenomenal career which saw her make 226 appearances, win multiple Ashes series and an ICC Cricket World Cup. As well as earning a reputation as one of the world’s finest players, she has become a powerful voice on mental health within sport.

Lord Kamlesh Patel, mental health campaigner and ECB Board member said: “ECB is really pleased to be supporting Every Mind Matters – it’s an important step on our ongoing journey to tackle mental health issues which are a growing cause for concern for cricket and wider society.

“As someone who has spent most of my life working in the mental health sector, it has been fantastic to see the strides ECB has taken to remove the stigma around mental health issues and to create a culture of acceptance in cricket. We are proud of the bravery and resilience of players like Sarah Taylor who are inspirational role models both on and off the pitch. We look forward to working in this space as we explore what more we can do.”

World Cup and Ashes winning women’s cricketer, Sarah Taylor said: “As someone who has always struggled with anxiety, I know first-hand how painful and isolating it can feel. It’s a real privilege to be a part of Every Mind Matters and to stand alongside so many amazing role models in the film to show anyone who’s struggling that they are not alone and there is help out there. That’s a message I’m passionate about using my platform and voice to share with as many people as possible.”

 

WTA Unveils ‘Aceing Cancer’ Campaign For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

WTA Charities has launched its “Aceing Cancer” campaign with a month of activities throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

“We are thrilled to announce the WTA’s first global philanthropic campaign,” said Ann Austin, WTA Senior Director of Community Development. “So many of our players, tournaments, partners and friends are engaged in charitable initiatives that the WTA is pleased to be able to support through donations and in-kind gifts.”

To kick off the campaign, WTA players, including Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Naomi Osaka, Bianca Andreescu, Ashleigh Barty, Kiki Bertens, and Petra Kvitova have recorded a breast cancer awareness PSA which is available on WTA’s social media platforms.

The first event which WTA Charities will sponsor in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the Pretty In Pink Charity Tennis Tournament on October 5-6 in Clearwater, FL in close proximity to WTA’s global headquarters in St. Petersburg, FL. All proceeds from the event will benefit Women With Purpose, a local nonprofit that assists cancer patients with basic daily living expenses.

In Asia, WTA Charities will support Think Pink, an annual tennis and yoga event organized by the American Club of Hong Kong on October 14, benefiting the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, through the Tianjin Open’s charitable support of breast cancer, the WTA has donated a VIP weekend package to the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen to be auctioned off by the Tianjin International Community Center (TICC) at its 10th annual Pink Ribbon Gala on October 26. The Gala proceeds are directed to a local cancer hospital.

During the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen, three “Aceing Cancer” initiatives will offer fundraising opportunities as well as heighten awareness. The first activity will include a WTA “Aceing Cancer” clinic to bring attention to breast cancer awareness. In addition, a special WTA “Aceing Cancer” wristband will be sold throughout the week at the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen with all proceeds going to a local breast cancer organization in Shenzhen. Additionally, WTA Charities will make a donation for every ace served throughout the tournament to support the American Cancer Society (ACS). Through a partnership with ACS and the Cancer Research Racquet, an international organization of business professionals who love the game of tennis and raise money to fund cancer researchers, monies raised through this initiative will support a researcher focused on cancers that most impact women.

In addition to the activities during October, WTA Charities has committed donations to various cancer-related organizations including Plooschter Projet which is being recognized by the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open to encourage stem cell donations and registration, and the Breast Cancer Foundation in Singapore, for which WTA Charities funded the first tennis therapy program for breast cancer survivors.

“These are several of the important initiatives of WTA Charities which are directed to “Aceing Cancer,” explained Austin. “The mission of WTA Charities is to promote health and wellness, and we are committed year-round to our goal of improving lives whenever we can make a difference.”

Threshold Sports Extend Partnership With WePlay As Digital Marketing Agency

Threshold Sports has retained WePlay as its lead digital marketing agency for the second year running.

Threshold Sports, one of the fastest-growing sports events companies in the UK, have recently entered a new chapter in their company’s journey after being acquired by global sports marketing company Infront. With the backing of a global successful enterprise like Infront, as well as a market-leading sports marketing agency as WePlay, Threshold Sports will be able to sell out more events, expand their event portfolio even further, and reach a wider pool of participants and charities that will see the company enter a new chapter in its journey.

Using tactical messaging and creative pre- and post- price rise periods, WePlay helped Deloitte Ride Across Britain sell out more than six months in advance. This contributed to the overall growth of Threshold Sports in 2018/2019, and is an example of how WePlay’s expertise and knowledge in the mass participation industry helps sports organisations grow.

In addition, WePlay will also be in charge of implementing a strategy across all stages of the customer journey, showcasing the expansion of the partnership between the agency and Threshold.

Chris Tong, Interim Marketing Director at Threshold Sports, said: “It has been a pleasure working with WePlay. They have done a fantastic job across all our events, from putting together the initial paid social strategy, all the way through to the implementation phase. They always strive to target specific and highly relevant audience groups with our innovative content. Our partnership has allowed us to engage and grow a much broader number of audience groups and drive ticket sales across our entire portfolio.”

Kenny Ager, Client Services Director at WePlay, added: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Threshold Sports as the company is entering a new chapter following its acquisition by Infront. Combined with the company’s exponential growth over the last decade, this acquisition puts them firmly in the mix of being one of the leading sports events companies in the UK. WePlay’s expertise in the mass participation industry and expansive knowledge of the landscape will put Threshold in front of previously untapped audiences and will solidify both WePlay’s and Threshold’s positions as leaders in the industry. We’re excited about the journey that lies ahead, and we look forward to expanding our relationship over the next 12 months.”

FloSports Rebrands With An Unveiling Of An Android App

Sports streamer FloSports has launched a complete rebrand with expanded distribution to Android.

The new rebrand, which the company hopes will contribute to that growth, comes with a new logo, visual identity, tagline and is the result of a collaboration with Troika Media Group, a Los Angeles based agency.

Mark Floreani, CEO and co-founder of FloSports said: “Since our first live stream in 2006, we have been obsessed with the drive to give underserved sports the love they deserve. We live and breathe the sports we cover. It is time for our brand identity to fully represent the competitive spirit that is core to our DNA.”

“We are continuing to see a shift in viewership from desktop and mobile browsers to mobile and TV apps. Through our apps, we give consumers a superior viewing experience and easy access to all of the live events we cover. And we’re not done yet. In the next few months, we will be releasing casting support, which allows consumers to cast live events from their mobile devices to LG, Samsung and Vizio TVs, Roku and Fire TV.”

The launch of the app on Android follows launches on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV in June. The Android app expands the service’s distribution to seven platforms.

 

Keeneland Association Partners Sky Sports Racing To Expand Sales

Keeneland Association has entered into a multiyear agreement with Sky Sports Racing to give the British sports channel the exclusive rights to broadcast Keeneland racing and sales to its viewership in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

As part of the partnership, Sky Sports Racing will carry Keeneland’s live race signal across its broadcast and digital platforms in the UK and Ireland. Race-day coverage will be enhanced with exclusive content and expert commentary provided by Keeneland Paddock Hosts Scott Hazelton and Gabby Gaudet.

Additionally, Sky Sports Racing will provide exclusive coverage of Keeneland’s four annual Thoroughbred auctions, among them the prestigious September Yearling and November Breeding Stock Sales, with content highlighted by editorial features, interviews with industry insiders and promotion of the global success of Keeneland sales graduates.

“Keeneland is excited to team with Sky Sports Racing, which represents a tremendous opportunity to further enhance our outreach in established racing markets abroad,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing and Sales Bob Elliston said. “Sky Sports Racing is internationally respected for its racing coverage, and our unique partnership offers the ability to deliver high-quality content to subscribers via a range of media platforms.”

 

“Keeneland is an industry leader and a benchmark for quality in everything it does,” Sky Sports Racing Director of Domestic and International Media Rights James Singer said. “We are delighted to enter a new partnership that will ensure we bring to racing fans in the UK and Ireland the best possible coverage of Keeneland’s 32 graded stakes races worth nearly $10 million, including ten Breeders’ Cup Challenge races, as well as insights and stories from the most influential sales auctions in the world.”

AC Milan Collaborates With Axitea

Axitea has signed a collaboration agreement with AC Milan.

The Italian Global Security Provider will take care of providing integrated security services at the various offices of the company for the next three football seasons.

The agreement means Axitea will be in charge of protecting the various locations managed directly by AC Milan, including Casa Milan headquarters and the Mondo Milan museum; the Milanello Sports Center, which is the training ground for the First Team and the Primavera squad; the Vismara Sports Center which is the Women’s Team training center and the entire Youth Sector.

“The partnership with AC Milan is a source of great pride for Axitea,” as explained by the company’s CEO, Marco Bavazzano. “This is a high-value, long-term collaboration during which, as a Security Partner, Axitea will embody the values that unite it with the Rossoneri club, such as teamwork, excellence and passion.”

“We welcome Axitea as one of our partners,” adds Casper Stylsvig, AC Milan Chief Revenue Officer. “In sports as in business, our company always strives for excellence, and the skills shown by the Axitea staff have prompted us to begin this valuable and articulated partnership, covering every aspect of corporate security, and which we strongly believe in.”

For Axitea, the new collaboration with AC Milan further underlines the company’s vocation to protect the historic names of Italian and international sports. Since 2018, Axitea has been the safety partner for the Alfa Romeo Racing F1 team, providing advanced cybersecurity services, aimed at protecting digital assets that increasingly represent a fundamental component of the company’s strategy and activities related to the competition.

Tampa Bay Lightning Signs Pepsi As Championship Level Partner

Tampa Bay Lightning has joined forces with PepsiCo Beverages North America in a seven-year deal.

Community elements in the partnership include the entitlement of one of the organization’s 10 Lightning Made Street hockey rinks currently being constructed in Tampa Bay, sponsorship of the Bolt Run, scheduled this year for Sunday, October 27, and participation in the Lightning’s flagship fundraising events, including Coop’s Catch and the Bolts and Bulls golf tournament.

In addition to community support, fan engaging experiential programs across hockey, eSports, and music will be launched in the initial year of the partnership.

The partnership also includes the entitlement of AMALIE Arena’s west patio, the primary entrance used by arena guests to enter and exit the building, as well as static and digital signage throughout AMALIE Arena for Lightning games, concerts and events alike.

Chief Executive Officer Steve Griggs said: “We could not be more pleased to have PepsiCo Beverages North America join the Tampa Bay Lightning and AMALIE Arena as one of our championship level partners for the next seven years. We look forward to offering hockey fans and other arena guests the fantastic array of beverages produced by PepsiCo and we are excited about working together to market, activate and engage the Tampa Bay community through the joint strength and energy of our great brands.”

Derek Lewis, South Division President, PepsiCo Beverages North America said: “The Tampa Bay Lightning organization is truly remarkable and a staple in the Tampa community and throughout Florida. We are excited to partner together to bring fans and consumers incredible experiences and memories across hockey, entertainment and gaming.”

New Balance Teams Up With The Hundred

England Cricket Board (ECB) has extended its partnership with New Balance for all eight teams in The Hundred.

The kits will aim to reflect the vibrant identities of the new teams and have been designed to appeal to fans across the country. The designs will be unveiled soon and will be available to buy in the lead up to the competition from The Hundred’s online store, at The Hundred venues, as well as through a range of UK retail partners.

The Hundred is a new 100-ball format that will feature some of the world’s best players. It launches in Summer 2020, following an incredible year of cricket and will feature men’s and women’s competitions across a five-week period, hosted in venues across England and Wales.

Rob Calder, Commercial Director of The Hundred, said: “New Balance has been a long-standing partner and we are delighted to extend our relationship with them to include The Hundred. Following the amazing success of the 2019 England men’s World Cup shirt, we know New Balance produce kits that fans love and world-class players are proud to wear. We can’t wait to see the venues full of fans supporting the new teams next summer.”

Liam Burns, Head of Cricket for New Balance, added, “We’re thrilled to be involved in this exciting new competition. It is great to produce designs that are a true representation of each team – the result is eight brand new kits unlike anything seen before in cricket in England and Wales.”The Hundred is a new and exciting 100-ball format that will feature some of the world’s best players. It launches in Summer 2020, following an incredible year of cricket and will feature men’s and women’s competitions across a five-week period, hosted in venues across England and Wales.

 

Premier League Appoints Guardian’s David Pemsel As New CEO

The Premier League has named CEO of Guardian Media David Pemsel as its new Chief Executive.

His candidacy was approved unanimously at a special meeting of Shareholders. David has led Guardian’s transformation into a more digital, more international media brand and has overseen the organisation’s first operating profits in its news business for 20 years, delivering record revenues in 2019.

Bruce Buck, Chairman of Chelsea Football Club and Chairman of the Premier League Nominations Committee which conducted the recruitment process, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to the Premier League. His straightforward style and personal integrity make him an ideal person to lead the business.

“At the Guardian, he has shown strong leadership through a period of change and transformation. Returning the group to profit is an impressive achievement and has demonstrated that he can develop and execute a transformational plan in an ever-changing business landscape. In addition, he has worked with the big players in digital and media and has managed diverse groups and constituencies.

“We are looking forward to working with David and are sure he will be a great asset to the Premier League.

“At the same time, we would like to extend our huge appreciation to Richard Masters, who has captained the ship expertly this year as Interim Chief Executive. Richard and his team have done a great job and will continue to drive the League forward under David’s leadership.”

Commenting on his appointment, David said: “I am thrilled to have been offered this incredible opportunity. The Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world and I am very excited to be a key part of that. As a football fan, I understand just how important the game is to supporters and our national identity and I am honoured to take the helm of such an influential and prestigious organisation.

“I have enjoyed my eight years at Guardian Media Group and want to thank everyone for their support and friendship, but now is the perfect time for me to take on the next challenge. I am really looking forward to meeting the team and working with them on the evolution of the Premier League.”

Neil Berkett, Chair of Guardian Media Group, said: “In highly turbulent times in the global media sector, David has been an outstanding Chief Executive and tireless in his pursuit of the company’s goals. Under his leadership GMG has restored its finances to a sustainable position and become a much stronger, better business. Everyone at the Guardian wishes him well and we are sure he will continue to thrive in his new role.”

David is a proven Chief Executive who led the strategic and commercial expansion of Guardian Media Group into an international business. He brings additional management experience from his earlier roles, which include: Group Marketing Director at ITV; Partner at boymeetsgirl, working with Channel 4, Disney and Discovery; Managing Director and Partner at Shine, the TV and film production company; and Managing Partner at St Luke’s Communications, where his clients included Sky and the BBC.

– David Pemsel will join the Premier League no later than April 2020.

– Richard Masters will continue as Interim Chief Executive until that time and will then revert to Managing Director.

– The search for a non-executive Chair will now commence.

– The Premier League Nominations Committee comprises: Chair, Bruce Buck (Chelsea FC); Susan Whelan (Leicester City FC); Mike Garlick (Burnley FC); Claudia Arney (Interim Chair of the Premier League and Non-Executive Director); and Kevin Beeston (Non-Executive Director).