Sports News

Laura Muir will use The Müller Anniversary Games on 9 July to attempt to break Zola Budd’s 32 year old British record for the women’s one mile.

Muir has recently set new British records for 1500m and 3000m and is now aiming to follow Sir Mo Farah with a clean sweep of British middle-distance records.

Since it opened in London 2012, the London Stadium has established a reputation as a super fast track, having seen five world records in four years, including the 100m hurdles at last year’s Müller Anniversary Games.

Muir said: “I am in the form of my life and want to make the most of it. With the mile being a non-championship distance, The Müller Anniversary Games is the best possible chance I have to claim the record. The mile is such an iconic event and to become the British record holder would be massive for me.”

Steve Cram, British record holder for the men’s mile, said: “The mile is an historicdistance for British athletes, going back to Roger Bannister and the 4 minute mile. Laura has the chance to run at the best stadium in the world, on a track that we know is fast, in a race set up for the record – I believe if conditions are good she may even threaten the world record.”

Muir added: “The Müller Anniversary Games is one of the best events in the global athletics calendar. It’s always a wonderful experience to return to the London Stadium where there is such a passionate crowd and I encourage people to come and support not only myself as I challenge for this record, but also give the British team a great send-off for the IAAF World Championships.”

The Müller Anniversary Games is part of the prestigious IAAF Diamond League and will be one of the British Athletics team’s last chance to compete ahead of this summer’s IAAF World Championships, which will see the best athletes in the world return to the London Stadium a matter of weeks later from 4-13 August.

British Athletics is encouraging fans to turn out in red, white and blue for the Müller Anniversary Games and cheer on the Brits as they prepare for one of the biggest sporting events in the World.

Korea Tourism Organization in collaboration with the PyeongChang2018 Winter Olympic Committee brought the PyeongChang2018 Winter Games Road Show to the palatial surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel London. In the presence of H.E. Mr Joonkook Hwang, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UK, the CEO of Korea Tourism Mr Chang Soo Jung and Mr Hyung Koo Yeo, secretary General of the PyeongChang2018 Organising Committee, and a host of guests joined the countdown to the games. A press conference and speeches delivered a timely update about PyeongChang2018 progress.

The evening gave a snap-shot of next year's Winter Olympic Games, in terms of venues and infrastructure, the regional tourism potential of the Gangwondo region and the legacy this event will provide in the form the new rail connection between Seoul and the PyeongChang cluster. It was also the chance to introduce and connect the UK's Authorised Ticket Seller 'Sports Travel & Hospitality Group' for the Winter Olympics and members of TeamGB including the British Olympic Association Chairman, Rt Hon Sir Hugh Robertson, to key members of the press and travel trade.

British Skeleton racer and current Olympic Gold Medallist Lizzie Yarnold MBE was the star turn at the event (see images) bringing yet more glamour to a prestigious event.

According to a Gilani Research Foundation Survey carried out by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, 69% Pakistanis believe Pakistan Cricket Team’s performance will improve because of Pakistan Super League.

A nationally representative sample of men and women from across the four provinces was asked, “Please tell, to what extent is it possible that Pakistan Cricket Team’s performance will improve because of Pakistan Super League?” In response to this question, 36% said it is highly possible for Pakistan Cricket Team’s performance to improve because of Pakistan Super League, 33% said somewhat possible, 23% said somewhat not possible, while 8% said not possible at all.

The study was released by Gilani Research Foundation and carried out by Gallup and Gilani Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 1833 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during March 06 – March 13, 2017. Error margin is estimated to be approximately ± 2-3 per cent at 95% confidence level.

A Birmingham bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 has been endorsed by the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bid Company – on the same day the UK Government has said it was ready to work with cities interested in hosting the Games.

At a meeting on Friday (April 21), the Birmingham bid company reviewed a feasibility study produced by consultants Origin and decided it would be in the best interests of Birmingham and the wider region to put forward a proposal to stage the event, last staged in England in 2002.

The city had initially been preparing a study for the 2026 Games, but the plans were brought forward following the news Durban would no longer be staging the 2022 Games as planned in South Africa.

Exact details of the Birmingham feasibility study have to remain confidential at this stage whilst the report is taken through the cross-party political and democratic processes of the city council.

The study will then form part of a public report to the council Cabinet in the coming weeks, at which point everyone with an interest in the proposed bid will be able to analyse its merits.

It is understood the merits of formal proposals from across the UK will be considered before the selection of a candidate bid to compete against rivals from other Commonwealth nations for the honour of staging the games.

The Commonwealth Games Federation, which administers the event on an overall basis, is expected to make a final decision on the replacement 2022 host by “mid-summer” of this year.

Cllr Ian Ward, Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bid Company, said: “We now have confirmation from our consultants that a Birmingham bid for the Commonwealth Games would have a very strong chance of success.

“Given today’s announcement that the Government want to hear from cities interested in hosting the 2022 Games, we are making it clear we have an interest in being considered for the privilege.

“The feasibility study, if endorsed by the city council as hoped, puts us in prime position to do just that.”

Whizbee the Bee and Hero the Hedgehog have today been revealed as the official mascots for the World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships respectively following a nationwide search in partnership with iconic BBC children’s television show Blue Peter.

Whizbee and Hero were created by talented Elinor, aged nine from the West Midlands and stood out from an overwhelming response of more than 4,000 entries to the official mascot competition run by organisers and Blue Peter in February.

Elinor impressed a stellar judging panel including representatives from the Organising Committee, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the IAAF and Blue Peter as well as Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE, who both helped launch the search.

From the entries received, 29 of the top 30 were submitted by children outside of London with the key to Elinor’s winning entry being her important message about the need to protect bees and hedgehogs with numbers in decline across the UK.

Elinor is now set to receive four tickets to a session at both Championships, a VIP tour of the London Stadium, a framed photo of the finished mascots and a Blue Peter orange competition badge having already enjoyed a VIP visit to see her designs come to life.

In line with Elinor’s wishes for her Whizbee, organisers conducted a successful search for an actor with a below knee leg prosthetic to perform as the mascot in the build-up and throughout the World Para Athletics Championships – something that has never been done before.

Whizbee the Bee is the official mascot of the World Para Athletics Championships, which takes place at the London Stadium from 14-23 July, and Hero the Hedgehog is the official mascot of the IAAF World Championships, which takes place at the same venue from 4-13 August.

Elinor said: “It is so exciting that my designs were chosen as the winner. I was so happy when I was told. When I saw the competition, I was really inspired but I didn’t think I would win. I chose Whizbee and Hero because they are endangered species and are survivors. Bees are really important because they make the world go around and hedgehogs are determined and brave. Whizbee has a blade like the Paralympians which is really important. It’s really cool getting them made into proper mascots. I can’t wait to see them in the summer.”

Jessica Ennis-Hill said: “I really enjoyed being part of the judging panel for the London 2017 mascot design competition. Having stepped away from the track it was nice to be asked to be involved in this year’s World Championships in a different way.

“As a mum I love the idea of London 2017 and Blue Peter encouraging youngsters to get involved with the Championships by designing the mascots. There were so many good, creative designs it was pretty hard to choose a winner.

“I think Elinor’s reason for choosing a bee and hedgehog, and the fact that they are creatures in our everyday lives in Britain, made the designs stand out. Hopefully the mascots will bring a lot of fun and energy to the Championships.”

World Golf Awards has revealed that the five-star La Manga Club resort, an unrivalled sports and leisure paradise in south-east Spain, will host its Gala Ceremony 2017 at the end of this year.

The most prestigious awards programme in the golf tourism industry will take place at the famous venue in Murcia, from 23-26 November 2017.

Attendees will be welcomed to Spain's flagship resort for three action-packed days of networking events, dinners and exclusive golf experience activities.

The highlight of the event will be the red-carpet World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony on Saturday 25 November, where golf tourism figureheads and market leaders from North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Central & South America and Australasia will gather together at La Manga Club's Hotel Principe Felipe for the 2017 winners to be announced.

“The team and I are beyond excited to be bringing the World Golf Awards to Spain for the first time,” commented Chris Frost, World Golf Awards Managing Director.

“We look forward to welcoming industry leaders and luminaries to La Manga Club, Spain's most exclusive sports and leisure resort, in November and I know it will be a weekend to remember.”

Set across an area of 1,400 acres, La Manga Club has been at the forefront of European sports and leisure destinations since its inception in 1972.

Featuring three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole academy course and outstanding practice facilities, La Manga Club has enjoyed a rich golfing history over the last four decades. Golfing legends Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Seve Ballesteros all figure prominently in its past, while its array of other outstanding sports and leisure amenities, bars and restaurants has helped establish La Manga Club as a firm favourite with golfers worldwide.

The official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the resort's unrivalled facilities as a sports and leisure destination also include a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. In addition, La Manga Club features the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 20 bars and restaurants.

José Asenjo, General Manager of La Manga Club, said: “It's a great honour and privilege to be chosen to host the World Golf Awards for the first time, in what is a landmark year for the resort as we celebrate our 45th birthday.

“Every year the event attracts some of the most respected figures in the golf industry, and we're very excited to have this opportunity to showcase our numerous world-class golf and leisure facilities to a key global audience and look forward to welcoming everyone here in November.”

Voting for the World Golf Awards is now open and will conclude on 1 October 2017.

Ahead of the London Marathon this weekend, Asia touring specialist Wendy Wu Tours has pulled together other marathons taking place around Asia that keen runners can take part in.

The Great Wall Marathon, China (20 May 2017)

Celebrating its 18th year, this is recognised as the most challenging marathon in Asia. Nearly 3,000 runners attempt to conquer the Great Wall's 5,164 steps, reaching elevations of over 500m from the start line. The route travels along both restored and more traditional sections of the wall, as well as going through local villages and the picturesque surrounding hills, making it one of most unique marathons in the world.

The Angkor Empire Marathon, Cambodia (6 August, 2017)

Taking place in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, this picturesque marathon takes in several UNESCO Heritage Sites, including Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm and Pre Rup. The race begins and ends in front of the majestic Angkor Wat, with the race beginning at 4.30am so that participants can experience the famous sunrise and avoid the heat of the day.

Tune into the Esports Industry Awards Twitch Channel at 9pm (GMT) this Thursday 20^th April as nominations for the 2017 awards are unveiled.

Join TV and Radio star, and MC for the awards, OJ Borg, alongside esports luminaries Paul “ReDeYe” Chaloner and Alan "Bricey" Brice together with NOWTV’s  Dave Turner as they discuss the 2017 Esports Industry Awards.

This special Twitch broadcast will include a recap on the outstanding success of the 2016 debut show and also reveal plans to make this year’s event even bigger and better.

British Athletics today announced a team of ten ahead of the IAU World 24-Hour Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland on July 1-2.

Heading up the quintet of senior men are Robbie Britton - a World and European bronze medallist from 2015’s combined championships in Turin - Pat Robbins and Dan Lawson, with Robbins’ lifetime best haul of 256.801km securing him a highly commendable seventh place finish back in 2015, while Lawson earns his second British vest having claimed 25^th back at 2015’s championships.

Marco Consani and James Stewart complete the men’s team due to complete in Northern Ireland’s capital in under three months’ time.

Of the women, 2016 IAU World Trial team bronze medallist Beth Pascall will contest her first 24 hour championships in a British vest following one previous attempt which brought victory at 2015’s Self-Transcendence race in Tooting, thanks to a run of just over 230km.

Company to Pascall comes from experienced 24-hour runner Sharon Law, with the championships serving as her fifth attempt at the competition, while Ali Young (Bryan Smith) steps up to contest against the world’s best ultra-runners following an 18^th place finisher at last year’s IAU 24-Hour European Championships.

After finishing as the top Briton back in 2015 for 12^th out of the 123 females in Turin, Debbie Martin-Consani will hope to show strongly once again, with Jess Baker also looking to go well at the home championships in Belfast’s Victoria Park.

Zenit St. Petersburg have been given the green light to host their home matches at the new ‘Stadium St. Petersburg’.

Every year over 60,000 visitors make the journey to Horse of the Year Show at the Genting Arena, Birmingham’s NEC for five days of edge-of-your-seat action, world-class competition, lavish shopping and celebrity rider signings. With something on offer for every member of the family, it really is the most elite and exclusive event in the equestrian calendar. Luxury is a given with the unrivalled ring-side views which the hospitality seating beholds, serving exquisite lunch time and evening meals and champagne reception in a black tie ambiance. Champions Bar offers a more sociable and relaxed atmosphere providing panoramic views of the arena and complimentary tea and coffee; the perfect environment for networking and catching up with friends.

There’s a spectrum of supreme entertainment this year, including: National Showing and Showjumping Championships, International Showjumping Competition and two never seen before displays as Atkinson Action Horses present LIMITLESS and the Caspian Horse Society demonstrate The Story of the Caspian Horse. Taking place each day will be the Virbac 3D Worming Pony Club Mounted Games as they compete for the Prince Philip Cup and the Osborne Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry Championship. Thursday’s Dressage Masterclass will be delivered by double Olympic Gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin and the Saturday night highlight is the world famous HOYS Puissance. Sunday’s Gala evening is a party not to be missed with a celebration of everything equestrian. This year the crowd will be treated to a musical performance like no other as the Red Hot Chilli Pipers play their way into the HOYS Finale with their ground-breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems which they proudly call ‘Bagrock’.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have opened sign-ups for Tennis for Kids 2017 – the second year of its biggest ever grass roots initiative, in partnership with Highland Spring.

After a hugely successful first year, the initiative will be bigger and better in 2017 with 20,000 free courses and rackets available to children aged five to eight years old all over the United Kingdom.

The ‘Tennis for Kids’ initiative in 2016 aimed to inspire 10,000 children aged 5-8 to pick up a racket and play tennis for the first time. It was so successful that the 10,000 places were filled within a week, prompting the LTA to release a further 5,000 places. The fun, six week course also resulted in almost half of those who took part continuing to play after completing the lessons.

The course is aimed at children who have never played before, so focuses on fun and getting kids active, combining basic hand eye co-ordination with rudimentary tennis skills. Beyond the practical side of the sport, the sessions will be teaching children how to work with a partner, become a valuable member of a team and through our partnership with Highland Spring, establish healthy hydration habits – all in a fun and relaxed environment. Parents are also encouraged to join for the final session when 20,000 children will be gifted their first racket.

Tennis for Kids was launched after the historic victory of the Davis Cup team in 2015 to establish greater accessibility into tennis, with a view to creating a new generation of tennis loving children. The free six-week course is led by 1,000 specially trained coaches, who have been trained at sixteen sessions all over the UK by Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, former British number one’s Greg Rusedski and Annabel Croft, and 2016 Wimbledon Wheelchair Doubles champion Alfie Hewett. Local venues are in charge of their own timings, but courses are now running all the way through the summer.

Alastair Marks, LTA Director of Participation, said: “Following the fantastic success of Tennis for Kids in 2016 we’re thrilled to bring it back for a second year, even bigger and better.”

Former British No.1, Annabel Croft, said: “Programmes such as this one are a brilliant way of encouraging children to pick up a racket for the first time, and fulfil the legacy of our current British Tennis talent.”

Les Montgomery, Chief Executive, Highland Spring, adds: “Our partnership with the LTAs ‘The Tennis for Kids’ initiative will continue to bring more children into tennis and empower families to get the water habit at the same time.”

“We‘ve been working with our brilliant Tennis For Kids coaches to make sure we’re delivering a programme that engages, excites and inspires the kids and look forward to welcome the class of 2017 to the game we all love,” says Marks.

With one year to go until the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games England (CGE) has announced that Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford are the first athletes to qualify to represent Team England at the 2018 Games.

Paul Drinkhall, 27, is the reigning Commonwealth mixed doubles table-tennis champion with four Commonwealth medals in total and Liam Pitchford, 23, has a total of five Commonwealth medals to his name.

Team England will send a team of around 600 athletes and staff in what will be England’s largest ever team to represent the nation in an overseas sporting event. The team will compete in 18 sports, including 38 para medal events.

Sarah Winckless, Chef de Mission for Commonwealth Games England said: "With only one year to go until Gold Coast 2018, preparations are well advanced and we are confident of sending the best prepared English team to the Gold Coast. We have an excellent team of staff working hard to ensure that when we get out there, Team England will have everything in place for the perfect performance environment.

“Having Paul and Liam as our first athletes to qualify for Gold Coast 2018 is great news. They have both been to the Commonwealth Games before, experienced it, know what is required and will be able to lead from the front, supporting younger athletes at the Games.”

Commonwealth table tennis champion Paul Drinkhall said: “I am delighted to qualify to represent Team England at Gold Coast 2018. The Commonwealth Games is one of the world’s best sporting events and Team England is the country’s most successful team. I know that Commonwealth Games England is working tirelessly to ensure we have the best prepared team and facilities available to give us the very best chance of delivering more success for the nation at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

While Commonwealth table tennis champion Liam Pitchford said: “It is a very proud moment to qualify for Team England. The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be outstanding and I am looking forward to going to the Gold Coast with the aim of returning as Commonwealth champion. Glasgow 2014 was fantastic for Team England athletes and it was vital in terms of my development. The Games has helped me progress to where I am today and I am excited for what next year can bring.”

As part of its plans to send the best prepared team to the Gold Coast, CGE will hold a Team England 10-day preparation camp in Brisbane, create a dedicated performance centre inside the Commonwealth Games Village, and offer a full programme of support services.

Team England’s preparation camp for the Gold Coast will include a number of specially selected high-performance sports and support facilities that will enable athletes to continue training and complete their final preparations prior to entering the Commonwealth Games Village.

The dedicated performance centre will be at the heart of Team England’s headquarters inside the Commonwealth Games Village. It will provide an enhanced environment in the Village for athletes, coaches and support staff, where the team will have access to dedicated doctors, physios and a full range of clinical, rehabilitation, preparation services, kit, equipment, stretching and R&R areas.

A new partnership is set to inspire triathlon participation through the support of youth hostelling charity, YHA (England and Wales).

On the back of a historic and hugely successful year for Britain's athletes at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, British Triathlon has teamed up with YHA, to support the delivery of its world class success, as well as provide opportunities for more people to get involved in the sport.

YHA is now the nominated accommodation partner for British Triathlon. YHA's 160-strong network of properties will also to be used to host British Triathlon's GO TRI events throughout England and Wales, encouraging new communities to take their first steps in the sport in some of the county's most beautiful settings.

As part of the partnership, British Triathlon and its affiliated clubs will benefit from subsidised use of meeting rooms in Youth Hostels, along with heavily discounted YHA membership, accommodation and related products and services.

At its core, the YHA / British Triathlon partnership aims to inspire young people and their families to participate in sport and get active outdoors.  Both parties are committed to enabling children to become more active, not only improving their health, but also developing social skills, increasing self-esteem and nurturing good habits such as commitment, discipline and respect.

The primary vehicle for encouraging participation will be British Triathlon's GO TRI programme, designed as a low-cost, enjoyable way to access triathlon and multisport for the first time. Both GO TRI training and events are available locally and are tailored towards complete novices, with low-cost entry and manageable distances.

Already a number of GO TRI events have been held at YHA sites in the Lake District and Liverpool City Centre, with a further 20 events planned at YHAs throughout 2017.

British Triathlon will also be using YHA's sites for its own performance camps and meetings, utilising the surrounding landscapes of rural Youth Hostels to enable its athletes, including Rio 2016 medalists, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee and Vicky Holland, to combine the required daily training with team meetings.

Commenting on the partnership with British Triathlon, Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA England and Wales, said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for YHA to work with an organisation that can really influence the impact we have on the lives of young people and their families. The partnership will enable more people of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds to experience an enhanced triathlon experience.”

Jack Buckner, CEO British Triathlon, added: “We believe this partnership will open up many doors for both British Triathlon and the YHA. With the support of a fantastic organisation, we will have the ability to grow the sport of triathlon by offering even greater participation opportunities across England and Wales to brand new communities.

“The YHA boast venues in some of the county's most stunning locations and we couldn't be more excited to begin this journey alongside them.”

On the pitch many look on him in admiration, but in his hometown, Christiano Ronaldo is ‘looked on’ more with miff and curiosity.

The Real Madrid star was in his place of birth, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, to witness the unveiling of a statue at a ceremony to name the island's airport after him. But as the star stood by his bust at the unveiling he had to put on a brave face at the outcome as many questioned the resemblance to the World Footballer of The Year.

Portugal's president and the prime minister flew to the island to unveil the tribute to the player outside the terminal entrance.

President Rebelo de Sousa said Ronaldo "projects Madeira and Portugal across the world far more than anybody else."

The 32-year-old local hero saw the funny side, though as he already has a museum about him in his hometown of Funchal.

The bust was unveiled at the renamed Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport

Beat the Street has got off to a flying start with people travelling 26,000 miles in the first five days of Wolverhampton’s giant walking and cycling game. More than 17,800 people are taking part and have already walked and cycled the equivalent of travelling to London and back over 100 times since the launch of Beat the Street.

The free competition continues until Wednesday 3 May, 2017, and challenges people to see how far they can travel across Wolverhampton in return for points and prizes. Players score points and miles by tapping special sensors called Beat Boxes which can be found on lampposts around the City.

Tapping one of the 191 Beat Boxes at the start of the journey, and others en route or at the end, calculates the distance that the player has travelled. This is recorded against the card and added to the player’s individual total, their team total and the city’s overall score.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The response to Beat the Street has been incredible with thousands of people visiting libraries, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and our WV Active leisure centres to pick up a card and get involved.

“The game has really caught people’s imagination and it is fantastic to see everyone, young and old, playing along. In doing so, they are not only improving their health and wellbeing but also having great fun at the same time.”

Laura Page from Wolverhampton Art Gallery said: “We have been completely overwhelmed in the past week with people coming in to Wolverhampton Art Gallery to pick up their game cards so they can play Beat the Street. From the conversations we have been having with visitors it is clear that the game has got everyone excited.”

More than 130 schools and teams in Wolverhampton are also competing against each other to see who can journey the furthest and win up to £750 worth of sports and fitness equipment supplied by Decathlon.

In addition to the team prize, participants in Wolverhampton are also playing for a good cause with £1,000 being donated to Compton Hospice if the city travels 196,000 miles – the distance reached during last year’s game.

Beat the Street is being delivered by Intelligent Health on behalf of Sport England, The National Lottery and the City of Wolverhampton Council.