There is a buzz around British Basketball right now and one of its biggest events is returning back to Arena Birmingham for 2019.

Now the home of the British Basketball Cup Finals, the 2019 edition will see another spectacular event and fans are being urged to grab their tickets and be one of the first to guarantee they get closer to the action.

Set to take place on Sunday 27 January 2019, the exhilarating menu will offer a pair of showpiece games, with the WBBL Cup tipping of the day and the BBL Cup Final taking centre stage after the 2019 Dunk Contest.

With all the usual courtside fun and entertainment in addition to the on-court action, it will be a day you really can’t miss. Tickets are on sale from 9am 11 February 2018.

With Easter fast approaching idyllic island Amilla Fushi has raised the game for family holidays in the Maldives. The laidback resort will be hosting their first ever football training camp exclusively for kids in partnership with FUTBOLTEC. The Sydney-based football program owned by Asian Champions League winner Jason Trifiro and his brother, current Sydney United 58 player Glen Trifiro, is inviting young guests to train and perfect their skills through elite coaching on the island's very own full-sized pitch.

Passionate about the increasing importance of technique and skill in Australian football, Jason and Glen established their own academy 'FUTBOLTEC'. Bringing their passion to the Maldives, the extraordinary three-day football camp focuses on teamwork tactics and individual techniques, including dribbling, footwork, passing and receiving.  At the end of the three days, players will go head to head in a fun-filled match before a crowd of their loyal fans. Each player will be fully kitted with an exclusive training shirt, shorts and socks from premium athletic clothing brand ALPHA Gear to ensure they are fully equipped – and look the part.

The three-day camp is available just for Easter from 31st March to 2nd April 2018 and invites all levels of skill from beginners to budding professionals. The Junior Camp welcomes players aged from 5-11 years, whilst the Senior Camp is open to those aged 12-16 years.

Translating to 'My Island Home', the luxury resort offers spacious accommodation in a broad range of family accommodation, all with large freshwater pools and outside areas for al fresco dining. Families can choose from four to eight bedroom houses designed to be self contained and equipped with a full kitchen for a true 'home from home' experience. Relaxed dining options allow families to indulge in diverse culinary offerings from around the world whilst the Javvu Spa offers a holistic retreat in stunning surrounds.

Legendary Cricketer Sh. Kapil Dev inaugurated India’s first ever Adventure Sports Expo Asia 2018 – the biggest adventure sports event in the country at the Four Points by Sheraton, New Delhi on January 27. This unique and first of its kind expo is expected to witness the participation from over 60+ brands and 15000+ visitors over the 3-day long adventure extravaganza.

The expo has received strong support by various Ministries & forums- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Air India – the official Airline partner, ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association), UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation), OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators Association of India), IATO (The Indian Association of Tour Operators), ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators of India), ADTOI (Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India), ESOI (Ecotourism Society of India), WAS (World Adventure Society).

Sh. Kapil Dev at Adventure Sports Expo Asia 2018’s platform said: “I am in favor of encouraging all kinds of sports but adventure sports is particularly good because it gets you close to nature and into clean fresh places which calms the body and mind. It is heartening to see so many adventure sports enthusiasts assemble here in Delhi from all over India and the world at Adventure Sports Expo Asia and I am sure in years to come more people will discover the joys of participating in Adventure Sports. I wish the organizers and visitors all the best for the next three days.”

Various eminent dignitaries, like Mr. Suman Billa, IAS – Joint Secretary of (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Mr. Tejbir Singh Anand – Vice President – Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, Mr. Ajeet Bajaj – Padma Shree Awardee & MD – Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd and Mr. Rishi Narain – Asian Games Gold Medalist, Founder & MD, RN Sports Marketing Pvt. Ltd. Ms. Aanchal Thakur-first Indian to win a medal at an international skiing event , Ms. Malvath Poorna- Youngest Woman to climb Mount Everest and Mr. Shekhar Babu-First Indian Mountaineer to climb Mount Everest as an individual of Adventure Sports industry will be gracing the occasion.

Mr. Ajeet Bajaj, Padma Shree Awardee & MD – Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd, said: “I am thankful to Mr. Kapil Dev for giving us his time and sharing his views on Adventure Sports industry. We are elated to see such amazing beginning of the first edition of ASEA 2018 and we already planning for a bigger ASEA 2019 as well.”

He further added: “India already has huge potential as an Adventure Sports destination with so much diversity from mountains to rivers and desserts. ASEA 2018 will be marketing India as an iconic destination for Adventure Sports to the world with the support of ATOAI. Adventure Sports Expo Asia 2018 would also be recognizing individual/groups and companies in the field of adventure on the opening night of the show.”

Mr. Shannon Stowell, CEO-Adventure Travel Trade Association, said: “ India has so much to offer the world when it comes to Adventure Sports and Adventure Tourism. This is my first trip to India which has been planned for past 14 years and I thank the Adventure Sports Expo Asia for making the visit happen. I certainly look forward to taking the message of what India has to offer back to America and my network of Tour Companies and we look forward to working with the Adventure community that has gathered here for this show and putting India on the world map of Adventure Tourism.”

Capt Swadesh Kumar, President- Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, said: “ I have been working in Adventure Travel for over 20 years and this is the first time such a gathering is happening among all stakeholders in Adventure Sports. I encourage everyone to visit the show in the next three days whether you are connected to or aspiring to participate in Adventure Sports. I am sure the success of this show will create many opportunities for growth in this industry and I hope the show grows from strength to strength. We at ATOAI will continue to support such efforts.”

ASEA 2018 has also exhibited a vivid collage of Exhibitors and Buyers. While the Exhibitor profiles will deal with all adventure gear manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers along with adventure and eco-tourism tour operators all over Asia; the Buyer profiles will consist of government bodies such as Army, Navy Force, Para-Military Organizations, Travel enthusiast, potential investors from hospitality and also countries like US, UK, Australia, South America, Asia and Europe. The expo has exhibited the norms of what new trends are running the adventure sports and tourism industry.

The main focus of Adventure Sports Expo Asia 2018 is to provide a unified global networking platform to facilitate the growth of adventure sports & responsible tourism vis-à-vis products and services. This will not only help them in exploring new business opportunities but also will act as a body where they can voice their opinions and grievances and find a solution through dialogue with the exhibitors.

Birmingham rugby fans are being challenged to complete a 10-mile sponsored walk, ahead of watching the highly-anticipated England Vs Wales match next month.

‘Rugby Ramble’ – which is organised by local charity, Birmingham St Mary’s – will see participants walk a scenic route through parks and canals, before finishing at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club where they will be able to watch the game with local players.

Taking place on Saturday 10 February, ramblers will be treated to a free pie, chips and pint, to reward them for their walking efforts and to help set them up for the excitement of the popular Six Nations match.

Starting at the Hospice in Selly Park, the walk will help raise crucial funds for the charity, which provides vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness.

Lucy Watkins, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “The England Vs Wales game is always one of the most eagerly anticipated Six Nations matches, so what better way to enjoy the game than surrounded by local players and other fans. Rugby Ramble is a fantastic event that the whole family can enjoy and although the 10-mile walk may be challenging, it really does make watching the game and tucking into a pie and pint that little bit more rewarding.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell – whether that’s at the Hospice, in people’s own homes or in the local community. It costs £8million every year to run its critical services and over half of its funding is required from voluntary income.

Lucy added: “All of our services are free of charge to individuals, family members, carers and loved ones, so events like this are crucial in helping us to keep providing our expert care to everyone who needs it, wherever and whenever they need it."

The fifth installment of Thailand’s biggest and most enjoyed tournament for club golfers, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship, returns to the popular beach-side resort town on Hua Hin in Thailand from 10 to 16 June 2018.

Such is the event’s popularity, more than 300 golfers have signed up for the tournament since registrations opened 3 months ago. Testimony to the events worldwide appeal, golfers from Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, USA, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, India, Pakistan, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and host country Thailand have already confirmed their participation.

Centara Grand Hua Hin Beach Resort & Villas hosts spectacular welcome and presentation dinners as well Asia’s biggest 19th hole with entertainment events every night of the week-long tournament. Centara Hua Hin’s old world charm, beachfront location, modern facilities and Thai hospitality makes it a popular place to stay. The hotel is 90% sold-out, with a number of room types already on waitlist.

Open to golfers aged 35 and over, the Centara World Masters is played in age and handicap divisions for both men and women. Playing and competing with golfers of a similar age and standard is part of the tournaments winning formula.

Golfers will play Hua Hin’s four premier golfing resorts for this year’s 72 hole championship. Asia’s number one ranked course, Black Mountain will headline the tournament along with perennial favorite Banyan will headline the course rotation. With a major new pipeline now delivering unlimited water to neighboring Springfield Country Club and Lake View golf courses, these impressive layouts now boast lush, emerald-green fairways where you never get a bad lie.

“Severe drought over the past couple of years had really impacted these two courses that were dependent on mother nature for watering. It’s amazing how lush both the courses are now that they have regular water supply. Last time I inspected Lake View the fairways had major cracks down the middle of them and we had to play ‘tee-up’ at Springfield. Now these courses have the lushest fairways and your ball sits up perfect. The transformation in course conditioning is amazing and I just know golfers will really enjoy playing these courses.” Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian.

Tournament veteran Daryn Kitchener from Brisbane Australia is among the first to register every year. “I travel to a lot of tournaments around the world and it just doesn’t get any better than the Centara World Masters. Organizers look after absolutely everything for you. Buses take you to and from the courses, you finish your round and leave your clubs on your cart and they just appear on your cart at the next course – cleaned!

According to Go Golfing founder Peter McCarthy, we love spoiling golfers at the Centara World Masters. “I don’t know any other tournament where you get a one-hour massage on arrival. We have 30 hospitality staff who look after everything for the golfers and the non-playing partners. You don’t carry a bag or line up for a drink all week. Our sponsors love the event so much they are coming up with more and more things to make the event more amazing. The whole town of Hua Hin has signs welcoming golfers and special offers for the players. It’s humbling to have this kind of support and hospitality.”

The tournament is a collaboration between Australian based Go Golfing and Thailand based Golfasian. Go Golfing pioneered World Masters tournaments 23 years ago in Australia and now take more than 13,000 golfers each year to 24 countries for their tournaments and hosted group golf tours. Golfasian have forged an enviable reputation as the trusted company for golfers to book with when travelling to Thailand, Vietnam and other parts of Asia. Each year both companies are awarded as the best golf tour operators in the Asia Pacific region at the World Golf Awards.

The Roller Derby World Cup is coming to British shores for the first time and a team of women representing the West Indies are looking to make their mark.

Roller derby is an extremely physical, full contact sport and from February 1st - 4th teams of women from all over the world will descend on Manchester to represent their respective nations. Team West Indies will be one of the 38 nations competing for glory on the roller derby track. The team consisting of women based in the UK and US are representing the islands of St Kitts, Guyana, Trinidad, St Vincent and Jamaica and they’re looking to bring the fiyah once again.

Birmingham athletes make up a large portion of this national team, with 5 of the skaters being members of the Birmingham Blitz Dames, the number 1 team in Birmingham. Blitz Dame and captain of the Windies Simone Radway, AKA Violet Attack, an 11 year veteran of the sport said “We’ve been training very hard over the past year and the team has gone from strength to strength. We’re stronger and more skilled than last time around and we’ll be going into this tournament ready for all the challenges it will bring.”

“We’re proud not only to be representing the West Indies and our respective islands, but also black female athletes, who are underrepresented in our sport. I can’t wait to lead this team at the World Cup and show the world what West Indian women are made of.”