Category: Sport and recreation

MIL-Evening Report: Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Amy Sears, Lecturer, School of Education, Charles Sturt University

mattimix/Shutterstock

Health and physical education is one of the key subjects students learn at school. In Australia it is mandatory for students from the first year of school to Year 10.

It involves theory and practical components to help students manage their health and wellbeing. This includes healthy eating habits, sexual health, cyber safety and mental health. It also incorporates fundamental movement skills (such as throwing and catching), sports (such as swimming, gymnastics and football) and team-building.

Because it is a core, compulsory part of the curriculum it is supposed to be free for students at government schools. But our research shows some students are being asked to pay – and those who cannot are missing out.

Our research

In our recent study, we looked at the staffing and delivery of health and physical education in New South Wales government schools.

We surveyed 556 schools, which make up about 30% of public schools in the state. This included primary and high schools with a mix of locations and levels of advantage.

We used an online survey, which was completed by the teacher in charge of health and physical education.

Many schools are outsourcing lessons

We asked survey respondents who was teaching health and physical education to students at their schools. Some schools were using more than one option.
- For all schools: 67% were using external provider, 44.5% were using a specialist teacher and 55.4% were using another teacher.
- For primary schools: 78.4% were using an external provider, 17.9% were using a specialist teacher and 48% were using another teacher.
- For high schools: 44.8% were using an external provider, 95.9% were using a specialist teacher and 69.2% were using another teacher.
Previous research has shown how schools outsource to external providers to “fill the gap” of teachers lacking confidence and competence to provide quality health and physical education lessons.

This study did not measure how frequent outsourcing was, however, comments from respondents suggests it is regular. For example, one teacher said: “a typical [outsourced] class would have one lesson a week for a term”.

Another teacher similarly said

one 40 min[ute] lesson per week. Company comes in with equipment and young university students to run different activities. They also assess our students for us.

Another teacher told us:

We use [company name], they offer different sports/programs that run for one lesson a week per term.

Families are being asked to pay

Of the schools who were outsourcing lessons, 78% of the schools outsourcing lessons said they were asking parents to help pay for these lessons.

One respondent told us, the costs were “A$45 for one term, $80 for two”.

Of this group, 64% reported students who did not pay did other school work (either for health and physical education or another core subject). About one fifth of schools said students that don’t pay just had to “sit and watch”.

This suggests some students are missing out on basic learning opportunities at school for financial reasons. As one teacher told us:

the school uses some off-campus sporting/gaming facilities that students can choose to pay extra for instead of free on-campus teacher run [activities].

Some students are just made to ‘sit and watch’ if they can’t pay.
nannycz/Shutterstock

Why is this a problem?

The outsourcing of health and physical education lessons comes in the middle of an ongoing teacher shortage in Australia and around the world.

A 2024 UN report estimates a global shortage of more than 44 million teachers, with many teachers teaching outside of their areas of expertise.

Specific shortages of health and physical education teachers have been noted for more than a decade.

However, outsourcing lessons away from qualified teachers, is a significant concern. Little is known about the external providers’ qualifications or quality. Unlike teachers, they are not subject to registration requirements or professional standards.

Even more concerning is some students are missing out on lessons or some components of lessons because their families have not been able to pay.

This links to wider concerns about unequal access to sport in the school system. This includes some private schools with new Olympic pools and boat ramps when other public schools don’t have access to council playing fields.

More research is needed

Our study suggests more research is needed. We need further information on staffing, outsourcing and lesson delivery in other areas of the country and in other subjects.

We need to be sure all students are being taught the core curriculum, free of charge and by qualified teachers – ideally specialists.

Jessica Amy Sears is affiliated with ACHPER (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation) NSW.

Rachel Wilson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why are some Australian students having to pay to do PE at public schools? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-some-australian-students-having-to-pay-to-do-pe-at-public-schools-239489
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Ferrada to announce new support for Jasper’s recovery

Source: Government of Canada News

On October 18, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, will announce new support from the Government of Canada to help Jasper’s tourism industry recover and rebuild following last summer’s devastating wildfire.

October 17, 2024 – Jasper, Alberta

On October 18, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, will announce new support from the Government of Canada to help Jasper’s tourism industry recover and rebuild following last summer’s devastating wildfire. Minister Ferrada will be joined by her Alberta counterpart, the Honourable Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport, as well as other local officials.The announcement follows the Minister’s tour of the region and the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers (CCTM).

Date: Friday, October 18, 2024

Time: 10:00 am (MT)

Location: Jasper, Alberta

Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at media@ised-isde.gc.ca to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

Media representatives interested in one-on-one interviews with Minister Ferrada can reach out to Marie-Justine Torres.

Marie-Justine Torres
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-327-5918
Marie-Justine.TorresAmes@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian tourism ministers join forces to propel tourism forward

Source: Government of Canada News

Tourism is a key industry and economic driver in every province and territory, supporting over 2 million jobs, or about 10 percent of all employment in Canada in 2023.

October 17, 2024 – Banff, Alberta

Tourism is a key industry and economic driver in every province and territory, supporting over 2 million jobs, or about 10 percent of all employment in Canada in 2023. In several jurisdictions, tourism is the top or one of the top service exports. Today, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for tourism participated in the 2024 Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers (CCTM) meeting in Banff National Park. The meeting was held in Alberta with the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, as well as the Honourable Joseph Schow, Alberta Minister of Tourism and Sport, co-chairing and recognizing the traditional Treaty 7 territory.

In 2023, tourism industries represented nearly 6 percent of Canada’s total economy and almost 8 percent of the Canadian service economy. Tourism revenues reached $113.4 billion in 2023 and the positive experiences international tourists have in Canada enhance the country’s brand abroad. Tourism has strong growth potential in every province and territory, and ministers recognized that strategic and collaborative actions will propel the sector forward.

Throughout the meeting, ministers heard from tourism stakeholders on the areas of destination development, investment attraction, workforce development and retention, air access, parks and recreation, and emergency management. Ministers acknowledged the importance of having consistent dialogue with experts in these fields to capitalize on trends, glean critical operational insights, and work collaboratively with industry partners to find solutions for the most pressing challenges facing the sector. Ministers sought an international perspective by inviting a speaker from the Government of Australia to discuss experiences and best practices in attracting workers to careers in tourism. Ministers also heard from Alberta officials about their successes in supporting the recovery and relaunch of the tourism sector, while bringing attention to ambitious strategic plans for the future, which aim to more than double the size of the province’s visitor economy within the next decade. Alberta demonstrated leadership within Canada’s overall tourism economy, ushering in a return to pre-pandemic levels of visitor spending two years ahead of schedule.

Ministers also acknowledged the economic impact of this summer’s wildfires across Canada, particularly in the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park, as well as the critical importance of effective emergency management and disaster preparedness. Ministers also noted that emergency management is paramount for all jurisdictions as, like other countries, Canada faces the potential of a range of emergency events year-round. Maintaining Canada’s brand and reputation are important components of the collaborative work of jurisdictions to respond to events as they arise.

Ministers were pleased with the work accomplished by the CCTM Working Groups throughout 2024 to address the topics of destination access and economic growth, as well as the important connections forged with external organizations. Ministers took the opportunity to discuss areas that impact the growth of tourism in Canada, such as limited transportation connectivity in some regions, barriers to raising private capital for investments, fees and regulations impacting the competitiveness of domestic air travel, and associated challenges including the seasonal nature of tourism. Recognizing the critical importance of the link between tourism and transportation, there was a desire to invite the Federal Minister of Transport to next year’s CCTM meeting.

In 2025, the CCTM will seek to refresh the mandates of the Working Groups to ensure their work addresses emerging priorities while effectively leveraging inter-governmental collaboration. To that end, jurisdictions will be focusing on the responsiveness and preparedness of the sector to emergency events, and ensuring capacity for strong economic growth of the industry. Efforts will be made to look at new mandate areas from different angles, while also engaging broadly across the sector to ensure CCTM priorities align with industry.

Canada’s provinces and territories continue to showcase their diverse tourism offerings globally, ranging from parks and attractions in the great outdoors, to major festivals and events, and Indigenous tourism. Successes are evident with Canada’s overall position on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index improving to 11th place in the 2024 ranking, up from 13th place in 2021. Going forward, ministers are keen to work collaboratively to tackle persistent issues and showcase Canada’s leadership in tourism on the world stage.

Marie-Justine Torres
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-327-5918
marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

Amber Edgerton
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and Sport
Government of Alberta
780-222-6113
amber.edgerton@gov.ab.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Highlights Community Investments in Chaffee, Joins Reopening of Historic McGinnis Gym

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

SALIDA – U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) recently stopped by Chaffee County to visit facilities that she championed through state and federal funding, including the historic McGinnis Gymnasium in Buena Vista and Solvista Health’s Regional Assessment Center (RAC) in Salida.

At Pettersen’s first stop in Chaffee County, she visited Solvista Health’s RAC in Salida, a substance use disorder recovery center that she helped secure funding for alongside former state Representative Jim Wilson during her time in the Colorado state legislature. As chair of the Interim Study Committee on Opioids and Other Substance Use Disorders, Pettersen helped establish the Building Substance Use Disorder Treatment Capacity in Underserved Communities Grant Program, delivering $700,000 to Solvista Health’s RAC in Salida. In Congress, Pettersen has built upon this work by calling for increased funding and expanded access to mental health and substance treatment programs.

Following her visit to Salida, Pettersen joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the McGinnis Gymnasium in Buena Vista, reopening the facility after refurbishments. Originally built in 1936 through the Public Works Administration as part of the New Deal, this gym holds a unique place in Buena Vista’s history. Pettersen wrote a letter of support to the Environmental Protection Agency for a Brownfields grant that was awarded to the gym. Now, the facility will serve as a safe, indoor recreation space for children and the Chaffee community for generations to come.

“Projects like these are a testament to the positive difference that state and federal dollars can make in our communities,” said Pettersen. “I supported funding for these facilities because I know investments like this will elevate the entire Chaffee community. The McGinnis Gym will foster creativity and community engagement in Chaffee for generations to come.”

Pettersen continued, “It was amazing to tour Solvista Health and see this center come to fruition after years of dedicated work during my time in the legislature with former Rep. Jim Wilson. This facility provides desperately needed care to those who have often been left behind. As the only place in this region to provide detox and withdrawal management services, Solvista has served over a thousand people in the last year and no doubt has saved hundreds of lives. I remain committed to advocating for the people of Chaffee in Congress, ensuring critical investments continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of this community.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Research project to address cultural gap
Source: Government of Western Australia
Nearly $200,000 has been awarded to The University of Western Australia for a research project that will develop a tool to more effectively measure mental health and wellbeing in the Aboriginal community of Mullewa.

The research project called Tharlbarra Maga: Developing a Strong Head, Strong Mind Measure received funding from Healthway’s 2023 Targeted Research Round, which called for research projects that focused on new and innovative ways to measure health behaviours.

Chief Investigator Dr Charmaine Green from the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) at The University of Western Australia said the funding will support the considerable formative work that has already been undertaken in Mullewa.

“We currently don’t have culturally appropriate tools to be able to measure the impact we are making on the local Aboriginal community’s mental health, social and emotional wellbeing,” she said.

“This research project will provide an alternative to Western mental health tools and measures, which are often disliked and not appropriate for Aboriginal people as they do not reflect their cultural beliefs and understandings of wellbeing.

“This research project will take two years to complete, the tools that will be developed are likely to be interactive, story and picture based, using local idioms and local artists.”

Healthway CEO Colin Smith said Healthway looked forward to the outcomes of Dr Green’s work, as it will address a gap by providing culturally and locally relevant tools to measure mental health and wellbeing.

“This research project will involve extensive consultation with Aboriginal co-researchers and Mullewa community members to better understand the Mullewa mental health story.

“Once culturally appropriate tools are developed, they will be shared with the wider community to improve our understanding of community mental health in Mullewa and help shape the delivery of more effective health programs.

“The project can also provide a blue-print for other Aboriginal communities to develop similar, locally appropriate tools.”

Healthway’s 2023 Targeted Research Round has supported four research projects worth nearly $800,000 to address gaps in measuring health behaviours and inform future policy and process.

The successful recipients include:

Dr Charmaine Green, WACRH, The University of Western Australia – Tharlbarra Maga: Developing a Strong Head, Strong Mind Measure- $199, 640

Dr Emma Carlin, University of Western Australia – Measuring and supporting Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing within primary healthcare – $199, 690

Associate Professor Michael Livingston, Curtin University – Measuring alcohol risk, information needs and pathways using an AI chatbot – $198,748

Professor Peter Gething, Curtin University – Smart Walking and Cycling: Active Travel to School Simulator – $197,876.
The post Research project to address cultural gap appeared first on Healthway.

MIL OSI News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Western Sydney University

ABC

Brendan Cowell’s 2021 novel Plum has expertly wed two seemingly unnatural partners: rugby league and poetry. Cowell’s story is both an ode of love to rugby league, and a powerful exploration of the catastrophic effects of sport-induced brain injury.

This story has now been brought to life in an ABC drama of the same name. It brilliantly reflects the experience of many players who are left to suffer – often in silence – with the long-term costs of the game.

A theatre of damage revealed

Our introduction to the main character, Peter “The Plum” Lum (played by Cowell), is jarring. Plum’s body lies motionless in a darkened changing room, enveloped by the distant sounds of a roaring stadium full of fans, a sharp referee’s whistle and the commentator’s pitched voice: “this poor bloke, he has had his head absolutely battered”.

We watch the doctor’s light worryingly cast to and fro across Plum’s dazed gaze, while his heavily pregnant wife’s concerned face looms large. Much larger, however, is the coach’s demand: “get the salts doc” – and his insistence that “the only way he (Plum) isn’t going back out there (on the field) is if he is fucking dead”.

And so the act proceeds, with Plum, like many athletes before and after him, returning heroically to the field. Though his team is victorious – another trophy retained – we’re forced to consider the unspoken costs of his love for the game.

These costs are amplified once the adoration from Plum’s fans and teammates, and his mantle as Cronulla’s king, are no more. We come to know a shell of a man who is desperate to deny, despite the advice of his doctor, the cognitive and other effects of the “little jolts” and “hard head knocks” experienced throughout his career.

The intensity with which Plum keeps his health condition a secret, and the ongoing abuse he levels on his body, provide a window into the lived experiences of many rugby league players. While this game gives, it also takes more than its fair share.

Asher Keddie stars as Plum’s former wife, Renee.
ABC

Masculinity and collision sports

The series highlights the emerging scientific link between collision sports such as rugby league and degenerative brain conditions including CTE-induced dementia – as well as attempts to discredit this science and silence the voices of athletes and families seeking redress from league administrators.

Contact and collision sports have often required athletes to sacrifice their brains and bodies in the pursuit of glory and success.

While a diagnosis of the degenerative brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) can only be made posthumously, Plum displays many of the hallmark symptoms: impaired judgement, impulse control issues, aggression, depression and anxiety.

Viewers are taken into the deep fog of this existence. As a 1990s playmaker, Plum had fame but not fortune. Nearing 50, working at an airport, we see a traumatic near-miss as he experiences an epileptic seizure.

His forgetfulness leaves him unable to remember his favourite player’s name at a Cronulla Sharks corporate event. He suffers confusion and anxiety. Aggressive acts, including punching holes in bedroom walls, become his daily pain and shame.

Plum’s absent father’s advice to “never take a backwards step” also echoes throughout the series, reflecting the deeply embedded view of rugby league as a hard sport played by equally hard men.

This hard man veneer is grounded in stoicism – and for Plum and his former teammates, in unhealthy addictions to gambling, drugs and grog. Plum repels his family and friends, making his world intentionally small for fear he might forget something or someone. The series brings to the fore the raw and visceral effects of hypermasculinity and not speaking out.

Cowell himself hails from the Sydney suburb of Cronulla, where the show is set.
ABC

Rugby league and poetry

The series also features poetry and the presence of past literary figures (conjured in Plum’s mind) such as Charles Bukowski and Sylvia Plath. As viewers, we see Plum’s internal dialogues with these apparitions, but his family and friends can’t.

Plum also joins a local poetry group, where his decaying brain finds purpose and connection. This unlikely outlet becomes his therapy. It comforts him and provides him a space to communicate his experiences with the outside world. Through his ode to rugby league, we witness him come closer to clarity.

Read more:
Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

All the while, Plum’s son is a talented player on the verge of a professional rugby league contract. And although Plum doesn’t regret a minute of his playing career, his prognosis leaves him urging his son away from the sport’s theatre of damage. This is a decision echoed by many parents in real life.

The future of collision sports

Reflecting on the potential impact of his book and the ABC series, Cowell imagines a space where the competitive commercial rivalries between football codes such as AFL, rugby union and soccer are suspended.

Instead of competing for a greater share of the market via trivial one-upmanship, sport leagues could pool their resources to invest in science that helps us understand and prevent sport-induced brain trauma.

Considering how many rugby players conceal and/or fail to report concussive episodes, we’ll need a major cultural shakeup at all levels of the game – because a love for the game should never come at the expense of oneself.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. When does the love of the game outweigh the cost? ABC’s Plum brings rugby league’s concussion crisis to the fore – https://theconversation.com/when-does-the-love-of-the-game-outweigh-the-cost-abcs-plum-brings-rugby-leagues-concussion-crisis-to-the-fore-240550

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Sex dolls and ‘Diddy’ costumes: the latest AFL drama shows Australian sport still can’t eradicate misogyny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Humanities and Social Sciences, Monash University

Disturbing details emerged this week about AFL men’s football team GWS’ end-of-year event, themed “controversial couples”.

The AFL handed down a range of sanctions to the players involved, including fines and suspensions.

While those defending the players have suggested their actions were lighthearted and in the spirit of the season-end celebration, research has established a connection between rape jokes and sexual assault.

The AFL has a tarnished history when it comes to players perpetrating violence against women.

Despite pledging support for ending gender-based violence in Australia, this incident proves problematic cultural problems persist within AFL clubs.

What happened?

Following an anonymous tip-off to GWS management, it was revealed a number of players engaged in sexist, racist and degrading acts during an end-of-season event.

Player Josh Fahey dressed up as former NRL player Jarryd Hayne and “simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll.”

Hayne was sentenced to four years and nine months prison for raping a woman on the night of the 2018 NRL grand final but was released earlier this year after his convictions were overturned.

Players Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield performed a skit involving slavery, while another pair simulated the September 11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.

It has also been reported a sketch involving Sean “Diddy” Combs — an American rapper currently jailed on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation — was performed.

Scholars and activists are working tirelessly to change public perceptions around violence against women. Jokes and skits themed around violence and sexual assault are harmful because they trivialise the immense harm gendered violence causes women and children.

The AFL’s woman problem

There are many historic examples of AFL players and athletes of other codes acting violently and disrespectfully towards women.

Numerous current and former players, who have faced criminal charges for assaults and sexual violence towards women, have been allowed to continue playing or retain their status as celebrated players.

Current AFL player Jordan De Goey has faced sexual assault allegations, and was briefly stood down by his club in 2021 after being charged with assault in the United States.

He pleaded guilty to harassment and in 2022, Collingwood extended De Goey’s contract for five years.

Recently, one of the AFL’s greatest former players, Wayne Carey, was set to be inducted as a legend in the New South Wales Football Hall of Fame, despite having a number of charges for assaulting women. However, the AFL did eventually block the move after public outcry.

The AFL, and parts of the media, often distinguish players’ violence against women from their achievements on the field. This allows men to continue playing or repair their public image.

It also sends a message that misogyny and violence against women are tolerated as long as the perpetrator’s talent provides value to the sport.

The impact of athletes

In the case of the GWS players, the AFL’s sanctions indicate the code’s willingness to take a stance on breaches of conduct.

However, that the players believed their costumes and skits were acceptable in the first place indicates deep-seated issues in attitudes towards women.

In each of the costume examples, sexual and racial violence formed key elements of the “joke”, indicating the AFL’s education and training on equity and diversity is not working.

The general public tends to have high expectations of athletes’ behaviour due to their position as role models.

It is often suggested that boys and young men require positive role models and that AFL players fit the bill, although research is not clear on whether the gender of supportive adults is relevant.

At the moment, there is significant concern within the community about the influence of dangerous misogynist influencers on boys’ attitudes and behaviour towards women.

Research suggests that while some young men have the skills to be critical about the messages they receive about violence and sexism, they still experience pressure to live up to restrictive rules on what it means to be a “real man.”

Many Australians highly value AFL players’ skills and abilities on the field. This admiration and respect can also extend to their off-field lives.

But it doesn’t mean AFL players are beyond reproach.

More needs to be done

The impacts of men’s violence on their victims are horrific and myriad.

This year, the AFL partnered with Our Watch – a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children – to provide training to players and clubs and help them understand:
- the link between gender inequality and violence against women
- the role of sport in promoting gender equality
- and what players can do to be active allies including taking action when they see or hear disrespect.
While this is promising, this education must result in changed behaviour, attitudes and accountability.

The Australian government has recently labelled violence against women a “national emergency”. Major sporting codes need to take a leading role in addressing it.

It’s time for the AFL to honestly confront their problems with misogyny and violence against women.

Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS)

– ref. Sex dolls and ‘Diddy’ costumes: the latest AFL drama shows Australian sport still can’t eradicate misogyny – https://theconversation.com/sex-dolls-and-diddy-costumes-the-latest-afl-drama-shows-australian-sport-still-cant-eradicate-misogyny-241562
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: 2024/25 LaLiga generates estimated $117.47 million in sponsorship revenue, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

2024/25 LaLiga generates estimated $117.47 million in sponsorship revenue, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Sport

Spanish football league LaLiga’s largest sponsorship deal in terms of annual value for the 2024/25 season is its title sponsorship with EA Sports. The deal came into effect from the 2023/24 season and covers the top-flight LaLiga and second-tier Segunda Division, LaLiga Promises, and eLaLiga. Additionally, the league’s longest active partner is Microsoft, which has been in partnership with the league since 2016. Overall, the football league generated an estimated $117.47 million in sponsorship revenue for the 2024/25 season, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’ s latest report, “The Business of LaLiga 2024/25”, reveals that the estimated domestic media revenue for the 2024/25 LaLiga is $1.12 billion. FC Barcelona’s kit supplier deal with Nike has the largest annual value across the 2024/25 LaLiga competing teams. New partners for the 2024-25 season were Uber Eats, Exness, Luckia, SportBet, and ACTIVA Group.

Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Over half of the annual deal revenue for LaLiga is being generated from American-based brands. So, developing partnerships with US-based brands is a logical step for the league to take.”

Real Madrid, being the most successful Spanish soccer club, boasts the second largest kit supplier deal with adidas. Barcelona and Real Madrid hold a far superior commercial value compared to the other competing teams. Both club kit suppliers, Nike and adidas, are comfortably the biggest spenders in the kit supplier market across the LaLiga 2024/25 season.

Snooks continues: “There is a notable drop off in terms of spend between Nike and adidas, and the other kit supplier brands across the market. As mentioned, given the commercial value of Barcelona and Real Madrid, the likes of Castore and Hummel just cannot match the ability to commit to such a high value partnership, unlike Nike and adidas.”

Worth an estimated $381.54 million annually, Barcelona has the highest estimated annual sponsorship revenue for the season, closely followed by Real Madrid in second. Barcelona’s largest deal in terms of annual value ahead of the 2024/25 season is with Spotify. Real Madrid’s largest deal is with HP, which is the team’s first ever sleeve sponsor; the deal is worth an estimated $35 million annually.

Snooks concludes: “It is no surprise that the two teams that have the highest commercial value across kit suppliers, front-of-shirt sponsors, and sleeve sponsors, also have the largest sponsorship revenue across the 20 competing LaLiga teams. It is worth noting that both Real Madrid and Barcelona did not even rank in the top three teams in terms of deal volume; however, both teams have such huge commercial value that the deal volume is not so important.”

MIL OSI Economics –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Student Wins Youth World Combat Sambo Championship

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

A first-year student of the ICEF International Bachelor’s Program in Economics and Finance, Georgy Khvatkin, won gold at the World Youth Championship in Combat Sambo. The competition was held in Larnaca, Republic of Cyprus, and was attended by 575 athletes from 33 countries. Georgy won in the 98 kg weight category. In an express interview with the champion, Master of Sports Georgy Khvatkin, we talk about how the important decision to enter ICEF was made, how long and how many days a week Georgy has been training, what Jackie Chan has to do with it, and how great it is to have a beloved twin sister.

From the personal archive of Georgy Khvatkin

– Georgy, congratulations on your gold, we are proud of such a student! How and why did you decide to enter ICEF? What were your guidelines?

– Entering ICEF was a conscious decision. My parents found out about ICEF first. They both graduated from the Philology Department of Moscow State University, and then my dad got a law degree, and my mom got an economics degree. My mom is very knowledgeable about economics and helped us choose a profession. We studied the information together and considered all the possibilities. An important factor was studying in English and getting a second diploma. We decided that this opened up great prospects. We did not consider other universities. My sister Katya and I (we are twins) prepared for the Unified State Exam and admission over the course of four school years.

My sister and I graduated from the Moscow Russian-British school “Algorithm”, where we transferred in the seventh grade, with gold medals. And now we both study in the same bachelor’s degree group at the International Institute of Economics and Finance. Katya is my best friend. By the way, she is also successful in sports, she is a candidate for master of sports in synchronized swimming.

– The school year has started intensively. Which subjects are coming to the forefront in terms of interest?

– All subjects are interesting to me, all of them “caught” my attention. Largely thanks to the teaching staff. It feels like the teachers are professionals in their field, I value them all very much. I would like to separately mention Yaroslav Aleksandrovich Lyulko, who teaches “Probability Theory and Statistics”. It seems to me that this subject opens up the greatest opportunities for me as a student.

The first few days were, of course, a bit difficult, considering how much sport there is in my life. It was also difficult because I was faced with topics that were completely new to me, but with the help of teachers and friends I figured it out and found solutions.

I have the best group (I guess everyone says so?!): cool guys with whom I have many common interests. I already felt that ICEF is one big family, where teachers, classmates, senior students help each other.

Studying in English turned out to be easier than I thought. I have been studying the language intensively since early childhood, and the introductory intensive course in English at the beginning of September also helped me a lot.

– Now about your sports career. Why did you start doing sambo and how do your trainings go?

Initially, I was involved in swimming. My dad played water polo all his life, my sister did synchronized swimming, a pool was always present in our life. And when I got interested in action movies with Jackie Chan at the age of 6-7, I became interested in martial arts. But for some reason I formulated that I wanted to do wrestling, and my dad sent me to the sambo section.

In everyday life, when there are no competitions, I train 4-5 times a week on weekdays. During the preparation period for competitions, I start to increase the pace two months in advance. Specifically, before the Youth World Combat Sambo Championship in Larnaca, I trained two to three times a day for a month, including independent training in the form of jogging.

– You train at the famous Sambo-70 club, and where else?

I train in different clubs. This allows me to quickly acquire different techniques, improve in different directions. My main coach is Honored Coach of Russia Nikolay Anatolyevich Elesin, an absolute authority in the world of MMA and combat sambo. I also train at the “Boxing Progress Center” with Ali Piduriyev, and sometimes I go to wrestling days at the “Club of Professor E.L. Gloriozov”, where I work with coach Denis Igorevich Davydov.

– Were there moments when you wanted to quit sambo?

Yes, it happened several times. At some point, a lot of studying piled up, and in sports there were offensive and annoying defeats. I want to note the enormous support of the whole family, which did not let me do this, for which I am incredibly grateful to them all.

– Do you have any idols in sports?

I don’t really like the word “idol”. As I understand it, this word means to elevate someone to the level of a deity. There are people I look up to and who I like in sports. First of all, this is the legend of Russian sports Fedor Emelianenko, a four-time world champion in combat sambo. I really like the style of work on the mat of the famous sambo wrestler Denis Goltsov. I follow all his performances, try to adopt some of his techniques.

– Out of the one and a half months of your student life, you trained two or three times a day, five days a week. How much time was left for studying? How do you manage to combine such different intensive loads?

Of course, it is very difficult to combine sports and studies. I have to integrate training into my study schedule, so my schedule is always flexible – sometimes I will work out in the morning, sometimes more in the evening. Before tests and quizzes I reduce the number of trainings, and when it comes to studying I sometimes resort to the help of my parents, sister and friends.

The life of a student and an athlete are similar in many ways, because it is a huge amount of independent work that you have to do. To do this, you simply need to master time management: you need to distribute your time literally by the hour in advance, so that you can do everything, and save energy somewhere, and have time to recover.

Every week I create a schedule for the entire week to help me productively combine both studying and training.

Now the loads in sports will decrease. But periods of high intensive load in my life are inevitable. I have to sacrifice my personal life – I manage to meet with friends once a month. This year, due to preparation for the World Championship, I unfortunately missed all the selections for student organizations that I would like to join. I hope I will have time next year.

And for the sake of sporting honor, the IIEF is always ready to participate in competitions.

– Have you ever found yourself in situations where circumstances pushed you to use your athletic skills in life?

There are situations in life when you are provoked or you see that other people are provoked. I am sure that a truly strong person is not the one who knows how to fight and use physical force, but the one who knows how to resolve any issue in a conversation, in a dialogue. I believe that an athlete at such a level has no right to use his professional skills in life.

– The student champion will hardly be able to rest on his laurels. What are your immediate plans?

In sports, it is the Moscow Championship, selection for the Russian Championship, if we manage to win, we will go to the World Championship again. I still have 2 years to compete in juniors. It is very serious preparation before competitions in the senior age group, where I will have to compete with seasoned athletes. In terms of studies, it is midterms, exams. I would like to pass everything well and continue studying.

– Georgy, thank you and further victories in everything!

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://isef.hse.ru/nevs/975622782.html

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY’S FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON DEPARTS MANAMA, BAHRAIN

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 18 OCT 2024 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) – INS Tir and ICGS Veera completed their long range training deployment to Manama, Bahrain, on 16 Oct 24. During the port call, Capt Anshul Kishore, Senior Officer, 1TS called on Maj Gen Salman Mubarak Al-Doseri, Royal Command Staff and National Defence College and Cmde Ahmed Ebrahim Buhamood, Commander Flotilla and held discussions on regional maritime security challenges and avenues for future collaboration in training and operations. Senior Officer, 1TS along with CO ICGS Veera also called on Cmde Mark Anderson of Royal Navy, Deputy Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Interactions at US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) focussed on strengthening maritime cooperation and reinforcing strategic partnership between the Indian Navy and other maritime forces in the region. Further, visits were organised onboard 1TS ships for Bahrain Defence Forces, CMF and Naval personnel from other friendly foreign nations, enabling understanding of common operating procedures paving way for collaborative exercises in the future. A delegation from 1TS including sea trainees visited Naval Support Facility, Bahrain gaining insights into Task Force 59, USNAVCENT and CMF operations.

In a spirit of camaraderie and goodwill, Naval personnel from USNAVCENT and Indian Navy participated in a friendly football match. In another event, the Indian Navy band delivered a captivating performance at Manama. A community outreach activity was undertaken at ‘Tree of Life Social Charity Society’. Besides this, an official reception was hosted onboard 1TS for the delegates of Embassy of India, Bahrain Defence Forces and other military & civilian dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora.

The visit concluded with a MPX between INS Tir, ICGS Veera and RBNS Al Farooq. The successful completion of the visit by ships of 1TS reaffirms strong maritime ties between the two Navies.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Board of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Board of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Appointments to Board of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
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The Government today (October 18) announced appointments made by the Chief Executive to the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) for a two-year term from October 23, 2024, to October 22, 2026. The list of appointees is as follows: Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan (Vice-Chairman)Mr Abraham Chan Lok-shung*Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun *Dr Roy Chung Chi-pingMr Andy Hei Kao-chiangMr Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng*Mr Jat Sew-tongMr Leo Kung Lin-cheng*Mr Liu Che-ningMs Yolanda Ng Yuen-tingDr Pang Yiu-kai*Mr Paulo Pong Kin-yeeMr Anthony Wu Ting-yuk*Ms Catherine Yen Kai-shunSecretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism or alternate representativeSecretary for Development or alternate representativeSecretary for Financial Services and the Treasury or alternate representative (*new appointee) A Government spokesman said that the non-official members appointed are experienced in their respective areas of expertise, including arts and culture, tourism, engineering, business and finance, law and community service. They will provide the necessary knowledge and valuable advice in helping the Board to discharge its statutory duties and oversee the development and operation of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). “I would like to thank the outgoing members – Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling, Mr Glenn Fok, Ms Rose Lee Wai-mun, Ms Dee Poon Chu-ying and Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung – for their efforts and contributions. I also welcome the new appointees, and look forward to continuing to work closely with the WKCDA Board”, said the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung. The WKCDA Ordinance (Cap. 601) provides that the Board is the governing and executive body of the WKCDA. It is responsible for the planning, development, operation and maintenance of the arts and cultural facilities and related facilities in the WKCD. The Chairman of the Board is Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen. In addition to the aforementioned members, Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong is also a member of the Board.

Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 18:27

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland signs declaration of accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)

Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

Armasuisse

Bern, 18.10.2024 – After the member states of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) agreed to Switzerland’s application for admission, Chief of Armament Urs Loher signed the MoU and the unilateral declaration of accession by Switzerland on 17 October 2024. Switzerland will thus become the 15th member of the ESSI.

On 10 April 2024, the Federal Council agreed to accession to the ESSI and authorised the DDPS to sign the ESSI Cooperative Procurement Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as well as the additional unilateral declaration of accession by Switzerland. After the Foreign Policy and the Security Policy Committees also agreed to the matter, the DDPS initiated the accession process on 8 July 2024 with the signing of the application for membership by Chief of Armament Urs Loher. The member states of the ESSI agreed unconditionally to Switzerland’s accession in a subsequent consultation. Chief of Armament Urs Loher thereupon signed the MoU and the additional unilateral declaration of accession by Switzerland on 17 October 2024.

MoU as the basis for programme agreements

With its participation in the ESSI, Switzerland is increasing international opportunities for cooperation: ESSI enables better coordination of procurement projects, training and logistical aspects in the area of ground-based air defence (GBAD). The general provisions are defined in the MoU, according to which the member states carry out the projects and programmes for the cooperative procurement of GBAD systems as part of the ESSI and can exchange ideas on the opportunities in other areas of cooperation. As a participant state of the ESSI, Switzerland can now conclude separate programme agreements for individual projects and programmes as part of the MoU. The initial focus is on medium-range ground-based air defence. Attractive opportunities for cooperation will be available in the future in the areas of shorter-range and longer-range air defence.

ESSI is compatible with Swiss neutrality

Signing the declaration of accession to the MoU does not lead to any obligations. Even after signing, Switzerland will decide freely where and to what extent it will participate in the ESSI and which ground-based systems it will procure. As previously, when signing the Memorandum of Understanding in July 2023, in which Switzerland and Austria presented their reservations under neutrality law in an additional declaration, Switzerland also additionally set out its reservations under neutrality law in a public unilateral declaration of accession regarding the signing of the MoU. This refers in particular to the suspension clause of the MoU which enables Switzerland to withdraw from the cooperation due to its neutrality, should a member of the initiative become party to an international armed conflict.

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+41 58 464 62 47

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Armasuisse
http://www.ar.admin.ch/

General Secretariat DDPS
https://www.vbs.admin.ch/

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http://www.vtg.admin.ch

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https://www.sepos.admin.ch/de

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MIL OSI Europe News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Magical evening planned for Norwich Festive Lights Switch-On – November 14

Source: City of Norwich

St Peters Street in front of City Hall will be the place to be to put the twinkle into the build-up to Christmas with the Norwich Festive Lights Switch-on on Thursday 14 November.

This annual festive smorgasbord of fun entertainment includes a large helping of magic and will mark the switching-on of the stunning array of pretty lights which decorate busy shopping streets across the city for the holiday period. It will also come with a sprinkle of a white Christmas for those who like snow!

Provided by Norwich BID with support from the city council, the lighting scheme is 100% LED and powered by 100% renewable energy.

This year’s Festive Lights Switch-On event will run from 5:30pm to 7:05pm, with the lights being switched on at 7pm from the stage in front of City Hall.

Entertainment, hosted by Norwich City Council, will feature song and dance performances from local favourite and Youtube sensation ‘East Anglian Boy’ Leon Mallett and up-and-coming pop starlet Juliet, with panto fun with Triple Threat Theatre.

In addition, there will be a Christmas Disco from our new primary school partners The Catton Grove Allstars, a festive performance from Framtastics Gymnastics, the traditional ‘ho-ho-ho’ from Father Christmas and blessings for the festive season by the Revd Canon Edward Carter from St Peter Mancroft Church.

There will be a special guest to throw the switch on the festive lights – Norfolk comedy legend Owen Evans, from double act The Nimmo Twins, who is appearing in Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal this festive period.

Following the Switch-On, there will be more entertainment on Gentleman’s Walk with a brass band playing seasonal favourites, many Norwich Market stalls remaining open through to 8pm for foodie treats and Christmas shopping opportunities, and a funfair offering thrills from 4.30pm until late.

Council cabinet member for A Prosperous Norwich, Cllr Claire Kidman said: “Our Festive Lights Switch-on, hosted by the council in front of City Hall, is a wonderful and enjoyable annual treat which for many of us marks the start of the countdown to the festive period. We do hope everyone from all communities and all beliefs, and of all ages, will come along and enjoy this joyous gathering of festive goodwill and fun, and experience the community-spirit which makes Norwich so special.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful event gives Derby pensioners crucial information
Source: City of Derby

Our recent Pensioner Advice Event saw a fantastic turnout from pensioners and their families. Held on Friday 4 October, the event was part of the council’s broader initiative to help pensioners manage the challenges of rising living costs this winter.

Pensioners that attended received expert advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including Pension Credit applications, Winter Fuel Payment information, public transportation resources and much more.

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities, and Communities, said:

We know pensioners across Derby are feeling the strain from rising costs, and it was wonderful to meet so many residents of Derby, taking advantage of this event. This is just one of the many initiatives we’ve introduced to ensure that our older residents receive the support they need. Whether it’s help with pension credit or energy savings, we are committed to helping them navigate these challenging times.”

For those who were unable to attend, further information is available on our website or Community Action Derby’s cost of living webpage.

There will be further cost of living support events happening over the coming weeks across the city.

These include:
- Mackworth – Thursday 24 October, 10am-12 noon, St Francis Church, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, DE22 4FN
- New Zealand – Friday 25 October, 10am-12 noon, Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre, Stepping Lane, Derby DE1 1GL
- Chaddesden – Friday 1st November, 10am-12 noon, Age UK Building, Chaddesden Park, Chaddesden, DE21 6LN (There is free parking in the main car park off Maine Drive, Chaddesden)
- Sinfin – Monday 4 November, 10am-12 noon, Sinfin Moor Church, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 3DH
- Osmaston – Monday 10 December, 10am-12 noon, Moorways Sports Village, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY
Earlier this month, we also confirmed that the Council would be receiving a £2.225m grant from the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) following the Governments recent announcement that the Household Support Funding would be extended for a further six months, running from 1^st October 2024 to 31^st March 2025.

A recent audit by the DWP identified how the Council has previously implemented the fund, stating:

Derby City Council exemplifies how a well-coordinated and empathetic approach can make a different in a community. Their strategic use of the Household Support Fund, focussing on both immediate and long-term solutions, services as a model for addressing poverty and deprivation. Through collaboration with community partners and unwavering commitment to improvement, the team are making a positive and lasting impact on the community.”

To learn more and stay up to date with the Household Support Fund, visit our website.

We have recently had a reports of a scam SMS text message received by residents in Derby. The message advised that the resident was eligible for £900 from HSF if they clicked on a link and paid £1 for their bank details for monies to be paid. This is a scam. If you have received this text or have a similar message you are worried is part of a scam, please visit our scam webpage to learn more about how to report it.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Kite’s heritage takes flight with ARU’s StoryLab

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Published: 18 October 2024 at 12:13

Research institute to create a living archive as part of Cambridge heritage project

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is helping Cambridge residents tell the story of the culture of the city’s Kite area through a unique citizen heritage project.

Let’s Go Fly The Kite is a collaboration between ARU’s StoryLab research institute, Together Culture Cambridge and The Cambridge Room, with the support of the Cambridge Science Centre and funding from The National Heritage Fund.

As part of the project, the public are encouraged to take part in story-sharing events on Thursday, 24 October (6-8pm) and Saturday, 16 November (12-5pm).

The neighbourhood, which stretches east from the city centre, from Christ’s Pieces to East Road, was built in the 19th century and gets its name from its shape, with its boundaries resembling a kite. The story-sharing events aim to understand what The Kite means to Cambridge residents in the present day as well as discover the memories passed on by relatives, friends or neighbours.

Let’s Go Fly The Kite has recruited 10 local people to work as oral historians and story editors. ARU’s StoryLab will create an interactive platform and associated living archive of these memories, called the Navigator, and the Cambridge Room has helped recent ARU graduate James Hartley to make a film to share The Kite’s collective story. The Navigator will be unveiled in February, when Together Culture hosts The Festival of The Kite.

ARU’s role in the project is being co-led by Dr Fabrizio Galeazzi and Dr Violeta Tsenova. Dr Galeazzi, Associate Professor in Heritage and Creative Technologies, and Deputy Director of ARU’s StoryLab, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with our partners on this truly special project.

“We want to capture the memories and recollections from as many people as possible – whether it’s that you live or work in The Kite, have family history in the area, or simply enjoy visiting. Once we have heard people’s own stories about this unique neighbourhood, we’re looking forward to the exciting task of bringing the heritage of The Kite to life through this living archive.”

For further information about the story-sharing events on 24 October and 16 November at Together Culture at 5 Fitzroy Street, and to book a place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/story-sharing-tea-party-tickets-983309002697

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents dazzle judges in 5th Anniversary of pan disability competition Dance Westminster | Westminster City Council

Source: City of Westminster

This week, 10 people with disabilities performed in the Dance Westminster final held at Porchester Hall. Westminster City Council, in partnership with award-winning dance company Step Change Studios, is proud to celebrate five years of the inclusive dance competition.

Dance Westminster aims to dismantle barriers to accessible dance and encourage more disabled residents in our communities to be active.

The Strictly-esque initiative provides free dance workshops where participants can learn an exciting new routine. This year, we saw 100 disabled people take part in the workshops.

Auditions then took place to search for the 10 stars who would compete for the various trophies up for grabs at the finale. Judged by our three fabulous celebrity judges (Wayne Sleep OBE, Angela Rippon CBE and Kai Widdrington), finalists showed off their impressive dance moves in front of over 230 audience members.

Ages of the finalists ranged from 13 to 84-years-old and included people who have dementia, autism, varying mobility needs, and sight loss. A variety of dance styles was represented including Latin, Bollywood, Ballroom, Hip Hop and Highlife.

After an incredible showcase of talent, the winner of this year’s Dance Westminster was Guy Lansquiot (57), who has a learning disability. Guy, and professional dance partner Georgia, received a perfect score of 10 from each judge for his energetic Latin style dance to Buckcherry’s “Let’s Get Wild”.

Guy said:

“I wasn’t expect(ing) that. I did my best you know, dancing for the past three or four years at Moberly (Sports Centre). I was a little bit nervous. When all the tens came out from the judges I was surprised, and I didn’t realise they (had) call(ed) out my name for that.”

The Audience Choice was awarded to Jacob Hassan (83), who has dementia and uses a walking frame.

Jacob said:

“It’s infectious. I love dancing. Ever since I was a kid the same thing happened. At home we had gurus that come together, but the best people to learn dancing from are the kids. They have all sort of style.”

Rashmi Becker MBE, Founder of Step Change Studios said:

“The 5th Dance Westminster initiative is a significant milestone. We created this initiative to support disabled people to be active. One in five adults in our community are inactive but disabled people face unnecessary barriers. We wanted to provide an inclusive, fun opportunity for disabled people to access dance and achieve their potential.”

“This was not just a competition. Dance Westminster has provided additional opportunities through a weekly inclusive dance class, and finalists have performed at numerous events including the Paralympic torch lighting ceremony in Stoke Mandeville. It has been rewarding to see people realise their potential, and this year’s dancers have moved people to tears of joy.”

Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector said:

“It’s fantastic to see Dance Westminster commemorating its 5th year of championing accessibility to dance. The event is an amazing opportunity to celebrate the talents of residents with disabilities and to help dismantle the barriers that may exclude them from participating in these activities.”

“It was particularly motivating to see so many community members come along and share their excitement during the finale. We look forward to continuing to promote inclusivity and celebrate the achievements of those in Westminster.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Some people love to scare themselves in an already scary world − here’s the psychology of why

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sarah Kollat, Teaching Professor of Psychology, Penn State

A controlled scary experience can leave you exhilarated and relaxed afterward. gremlin/E+ via Getty Images

Fall for me as a teenager meant football games, homecoming dresses – and haunted houses. My friends organized group trips to the local fairground, where barn sheds were turned into halls of horror, and masked men nipped at our ankles with (chainless) chain saws as we waited in line, anticipating deeper frights to come once we were inside.

I’m not the only one who loves a good scare. Halloween attractions company America Haunts estimates Americans are spending upward of US$500 million annually on haunted house entrance fees simply for the privilege of being frightened. And lots of fright fans don’t limit their horror entertainment to spooky season, gorging horror movies, shows and books all year long.

To some people, this preoccupation with horror can seem tone deaf. School shootings, child abuse, war – the list of real-life horrors is endless. Why seek manufactured fear for entertainment when the world offers real terror in such large quantities?

As a developmental psychologist who writes dark thrillers on the side, I find the intersection of psychology and fear intriguing. To explain what drives this fascination with fear, I point to the theory that emotions evolved as a universal experience in humans because they help us survive. Creating fear in otherwise safe lives can be enjoyable – and is a way for people to practice and prepare for real-life dangers.

Fear can feel good

Controlled fear experiences – where you can click your remote, close the book, or walk out of the haunted house whenever you want – offer the physiological high that fear triggers, without any real risk.

When you perceive yourself under threat, adrenaline surges in your body and the evolutionary fight-or-flight response is activated. Your heart rate increases, you breathe deeper and faster, and your blood pressure goes up. Your body is preparing to defend itself against the danger or get away as fast as possible.

This physical reaction is crucial when facing a real threat. When experiencing controlled fear – like jump scares in a zombie TV show – you get to enjoy this energized sensation, similar to a runner’s high, without any risks. And then, once the threat is dealt with, your body releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which provides sensations of pleasure and relief.

In one study, researchers found that people who visited a high-intensity haunted house as a controlled fear experience displayed less brain activity in response to stimuli and less anxiety post-exposure. This finding suggests that exposing yourself to horror films, scary stories or suspenseful video games can actually calm you afterward. The effect might also explain why my husband and I choose to relax by watching zombie shows after a busy day at work.

Going through something frightening together – like a haunted house attraction – can be a bonding experience.
AP Photo/John Locher

The ties that bind

An essential motivation for human beings is the sense of belonging to a social group. According to the surgeon general, Americans who miss those connections are caught up in an epidemic of loneliness, which leaves people at risk for mental and physical health issues.

Going through intense fear experiences together strengthens the bonds between individuals. Good examples include veterans who served together in combat, survivors of natural disasters, and the “families” created in groups of first responders.

I’m a volunteer firefighter, and the unique connection created through sharing intense threats, such as entering a burning building together, manifests in deep emotional bonds with my colleagues. After a significant fire call, we often note the improved morale and camaraderie of the firehouse. I feel a flood of positive emotions anytime I think of my firefighting partners, even when the events occurred months or years ago.

Controlled fear experiences artificially create similar opportunities for bonding. Exposure to stress triggers not only the fight-or-flight response, but in many situations it also initiates what psychologists call the “tend-and-befriend” system. A perceived threat prompts humans to tend to offspring and create social-emotional bonds for protection and comfort. This system is largely regulated by the so-called “love hormone” oxytocin.

The tend-and-befriend reaction is particularly likely when you experience stress around others with whom you have already established positive social connections. When you encounter stressors within your social network, your oxytocin levels rise to initiate social coping strategies. As a result, when you navigate a recreational fear experience like a haunted house with friends, you are setting the emotional stage to feel bonded with the people beside you.

Sitting in the dark with friends while you watch a scary movie or navigating a haunted corn maze with a date is good for your health, in that it helps you strengthen those social connections.

Consuming lots of horror as entertainment may make some people more resilient in real life.
Edwin Tan/E+ via Getty Images

An ounce of prevention = a pound of cure

Controlled fear experiences can also be a way for you to prepare for the worst. Think of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the films “Contagion” and “Outbreak” trended on streaming platforms as people around the world sheltered at home. By watching threat scenarios play out in controlled ways through media, you can learn about your fears and emotionally prepare for future threats.

For example, researchers at Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab in Denmark demonstrated in one study that people who regularly consumed horror media were more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic than nonhorror fans. The scientists suggest that this resilience might be a result of a kind of training these fans went through – they practiced coping with the fear and anxiety provoked by their preferred form of entertainment. As a result, they were better prepared to manage the real fear triggered by the pandemic.

When I’m not teaching, I’m an avid reader of crime fiction. I also write psychological thrillers under the pen name Sarah K. Stephens. As both a reader and writer, I notice similar themes in the books I am drawn to, all of which tie into my own deep-rooted fears: mothers who fail their children somehow, women manipulated into subservience, lots of misogynist antagonists.

I enjoy writing and reading about my fears – and seeing the bad guys get their just desserts in the end – because it offers a way for me to control the story. Consuming these narratives lets me mentally rehearse how I would handle these kinds of circumstances if any were to manifest in my real life.

Survive and thrive

In the case of controlled fear experiences, scaring yourself is a pivotal technique to help you survive and adapt in a frightening world. By eliciting powerful, positive emotions, strengthening social networks and preparing you for your worst fears, you’re better able to embrace each day to its fullest.

So the next time you’re choosing between an upbeat comedy and a creepy thriller for your movie night, pick the dark side – it’s good for your health.

Sarah Kollat does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Some people love to scare themselves in an already scary world − here’s the psychology of why – https://theconversation.com/some-people-love-to-scare-themselves-in-an-already-scary-world-heres-the-psychology-of-why-240292

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community sport hub officially opens in Portsmouth

Source: City of Portsmouth

Dean Potter, Director of Grant Management at the Football Foundation says:

“It’s great to see the King George V Football Complex officially open today. It’s a brilliant example of how investment from our partners, the Premier League, The FA, Government and Sport England improves grassroots facilities across the country.

“We know that facilities like this one in Portsmouth are vital for local communities and will enable more people in and around the area to have great places to play.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the Council with responsibility for Culture, Regeneration & Economic Development at Portsmouth City Council, said:

“We’ve worked in partnership with the Football Foundation and Hampshire FA to bring this much-needed sports facility to the city, to encourage grassroots football and enable children and adults to play football whatever the weather in a welcoming environment.

“The health and emotional well-being of residents is of paramount importance to us. We are committed to providing sports and leisure facilities across Portsmouth, which are accessible to all and support a wide range of sporting activities. This is why we are so proud of the King George V Football Complex, built to benefit the whole community.”

Neil Cassar, Hampshire FA CEO said:

“Hampshire FA is delighted to be appointed as the operator of the fabulous King George V Football Complex in Cosham. We look forward to building a strong network for the local community and for the grassroots game. We are confident that this fantastic site will unite members from Portsmouth and surrounding areas under one roof whilst welcoming all beyond the local boundaries to consider the site for their own provisions, events and more.

“There is no doubt that King George V Football Complex will provide state of the art football and ancillary facilities, and we welcome the opportunity to use our expertise and experience of operating three other hub sites in the county to promote, develop and progress this exciting new venue. Working with the collective funding partners, we are positive that King George V Football Complex will be a thriving success”

Find out more about the King George V Football Complex on Hampshire FA’s website.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo Gala Dinner

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo Gala Dinner
Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo Gala Dinner
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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo Gala Dinner today (October 18): Kenneth (Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), Wilfred (Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development Fund Advisory Committee, Dr Wilfred Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. It is with great pleasure that we gather here this evening to celebrate the immense success and conclusion of the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX). This inaugural Expo was participated by over 1 400 arts leaders and practitioners from around 60 countries and regions. There were over 100 performances, leadership talks, workshops and networking events of HKPAX, cutting across a variety of art forms. The Expo serves as a testament to the city’s commitment and efforts to cultivating artistic brilliance, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue, and delivering enthralling collaborative and cross-cultural performances for the delight of all public and visitors. It has also consolidated Hong Kong’s status as a global arts hub, further achieving our mission to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. I am sure that you have had a taste of our unique glamour at HKPAX. Together with the 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival to be kicked off tomorrow, the two mega arts events will complement each other and enable Hong Kong to further give play to its role of “bringing in” different cultures while enabling Chinese culture to “go global”. Furthermore, I know some of you will join the tour to Shenzhen and Guangdong. You will be able see for yourself a fast developing cultural landscape with many new infrastructure and collaboration opportunities in the Mainland. It is also our endeavour to develop our arts infrastructure to bring in more local and international arts productions. Besides the stunning West Kowloon Cultural District and other venues that you have spent time during HKPAX, I am excited to share with you the completion of many more new venues, including the Lyric Theatre Complex in West Kowloon, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre and also a new world-class stadium that can house 50 000 audience in Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon. We will be more than delighted to welcome you to Hong Kong again, to experience many more exciting arts and cultural events in these new venues as well as to bring in and stage your incredible productions here. I hope in addition to experiencing our rich and vibrant cultural offerings, in the past five days you have also made new friends, reconnected with familiar faces, as well as explored exciting opportunities for future collaboration, and on this basis, you will continue to join hands in promoting arts and culture. Before I close, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of HKPAX. Your dedication and passion have made HKPAX a remarkable celebration that we all cherish. And now, I would like to say a few words in Cantonese.

Ends/Friday, October 18, 2024Issued at HKT 21:00

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council issues advice in advance of Storm Ashley

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Council issues advice in advance of Storm Ashley

18 October 2024

In anticipation of Storm Ashley, which is expected to bring strong winds and could cause possible disruption on Sunday, Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging the public to take all the necessary precautions to keep safe.

In the interests of health and safety, Council is closing all of its public parks, play parks and grass pitches on Sunday and advising the public to avoid using open spaces and areas where there are trees.

The public are advised that there could also be some disruption to recycling centres across the Council area with Pennyburn, Strathfoyle and Strahan’s Rd Centres remaining closed on Sunday.

Council outdoor sports and leisure facilities and courts will also be closed. All scheduled matches due to take place on Saturday 19^th October on Council pitches will proceed, however all matches scheduled for Sunday 20^th October have been cancelled due to the current weather warning and Council is in the process of contacting clubs and user groups accordingly.

While the Cemeteries will remain open, the public are advised to take extreme care.

All of our Leisure Centres will open as normal with the exception of Brooke Park Leisure Centre which will be closed and users advised to use facilities at Templemore Sports Complex.

Routine inspections will be carried out on all facilities on Monday prior to them reopening.

Householders and businesses across the Council area are encouraged to take the necessary measures to keep them and their property safe.

The following guidance has been provided by the Met Office.

Storm Ashley – What to expect

Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen
Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
Some roads and bridges may close
Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

What steps to take.

Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

Emergency Contact numbers:

Emergency services 999 or 112

Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100

NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

NI Water – 03457 440 088

Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nine imprisoned for operating illegal Lincolnshire waste site
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Nine people have been sentenced for the operation of an illegal waste site in rural Lincolnshire, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.
Aerial view of the site during the raid, showing burning waste and a lorry depositing waste.

The defendants were sentenced today (Friday 18 October) at Nottingham Crown Court to a collective 11 years of imprisonment, including three family members who controlled the illegal waste site at Long Bennington near Newark.

The investigation, named Operation Lord, saw Environment Agency officers spend months building a picture of evidence of the illegal waste site on Fen Lane, Long Bennington.

The findings of the investigation led to 12 people and one company being charged, of which 10 pleaded guilty. Following an eight-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court which concluded on 28 June 2024, the remaining three defendants were found guilty.

Environment Agency officers conducted a raid on the site in April 2020 with Lincolnshire Police. Intelligence revealed lorry-loads of shredded waste were regularly being accepted onto the site the size of a football pitch.

Waste was burned daily and buried. This activity intensified during the first Coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, and so action was taken to bring it to a halt.

Environment Agency officers also seized an excavator and a lorry which were actively depositing more waste at the site when officers arrived. Two arrests were made.

Smoke over the illegal waste site after the burning of waste. Residential properties are in view nearby.

Prosecution brought against those involved

The prosecution was brought against individuals that ran the illegal waste site; burned the waste; drove waste to the site and the landowners. Two waste brokers were also prosecuted.

The Canner family trio of father Paul (53), mother Judith (55) of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, and son Joshua (29) of Laburnum Avenue, Newbold Verdon, ran the illegal waste site.

Paul Canner was sentenced today to 26 months in prison, while Judith and Joshua were each sentenced to 16 months. Seven of the nine defendants were sentenced to immediate imprisonment.

Sentencing the defendants, His Honour Judge Coupland found that the:

offending was deliberate for all nine defendants and the harm caused was of the highest level.

the illegal activity was deliberately concealed physically and with falsified paperwork.

the illegal waste site was close to nearby residents, putting them at harm from toxic fumes.

the repeated nature of the offences over a long period of time, and the financial gain obtained by the operation aggravated the offences for all defendants.

His Honour Judge Coupland said that ‘the custody threshold had been crossed in all cases’.

Site inflicted ‘misery on the local community’

Leigh Edlin, Area Director for Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, said:

This was a serious illegal waste site which was highly organised and involved multiple offenders.

Those involved sought to profit from Covid restrictions at the cost of the environment and by inflicting misery on the local community. The site and its operators had a major impact on legitimate businesses and our regulatory work.

Our enforcement teams will continue to tackle serious illegal waste crime by working with partners such as Lincolnshire Police, fire services and councils, as we did in this case to hold those responsible to account.

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to our 24-hour hotline. Call 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Background

Sentences issued to defendants on 18 October 2024:

Paul Canner, aged 53 of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, pleaded guilty to 1) knowingly causing the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020, and 2) knowingly causing the operation of the illegal waste site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 26 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Judith Canner, aged 55 of Main Road, Bilstone, Nuneaton, pleaded guilty to knowingly causing the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. She was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Joshua Canner, aged 29 of Laburnum Avenue, Newbold Verdon, pleaded guilty to knowingly causing the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Sonial Surpal, aged 52 of Round House Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to depositing waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 13 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Luke Woodward, aged 37 of Willow Road, Nuneaton, pleaded guilty to depositing waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 11 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Marcus Chapman, aged 39 of Egmanton Drive, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to disposing of the waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

Peter Wainwright, aged 32 of Dexter Lane, Hurley, Atherstone, Warwickshire pleaded guilty to disposing of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Nathan Jones, aged 43 of Carnation Road, Shirebrook, Mansfield, pleaded guilty to disposing of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 16 months’ immediate imprisonment.

Daniel Lippitt, aged 55 of Lubbersthorpe Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to depositing waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 9 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

The following defendants, who were the landowners, will be sentenced on 16 December 2024 at Nottingham Crown Court:

James Baggaley, aged 38 of Back Lane, Foston, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of 1) knowingly permitting the deposit of waste at the site between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020, and 2) knowingly permitting the operation of the illegal waste site between 1 October and 14 April 2022.

Marc Greenfield, aged 46 of Fosse Road, Brough, pleaded guilty to knowingly permitting the operation of the illegal waste site between 1 October 2019 and 14 April 2022.

Proceeds of crime proceedings have commenced against all 13 defendants and the following two defendants will be sentenced at the outcome of those proceedings:

Robert Malone, aged 41 of Ribble Prospect, Clitheroe, the sole director of NWR 2004 Limited, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of failing to comply with the waste duty of care between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020.

Fletcher Plant Limited pleaded not guilty but was found guilty in June 2024 after a trial of failing to comply with the waste duty of care between 1 October 2019 and 1 May 2020.

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Published 18 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SCST and AD of AFCD (Inspection and Quarantine) on incident of animal death at HKZBG at media session

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; and the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Inspection and Quarantine), Dr Thomas Sit, on the incident of animal death at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens (HKZBG) this afternoon (October 18):Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Eight monkeys were found dead in the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens on October 13, while two others feeling unwell were being isolated, and one of which passed away on October 14. With concerted efforts from relevant departments, expedited autopsies, pathologic diagnosis and tests, and after discussions among the relevant departments, it is confirmed that the monkeys’ death is due to infection of melioidosis. We are saddened by the passing of the nine monkeys. Under normal circumstances, melioidosis infection is through contact with contaminated soil and surface waters but not person-to-person or animal-to-person. The park had soil digging works in early October. Together with the following possibilities, the monkeys might have had contact with the bacteria.• Staff working at the Mammals Section carried the contaminated soil with the shoes they wore to the cages, or• Infected monkeys with high counts of bacteria in close contact with other monkeys etc. In addition, the incubation period for melioidosis in primates is about a week, and this matched with the period after the soil digging works. The nine monkeys died of melioidosis may be related to the soil digging works in proximity. The LCSD has already taken several precautionary measures after animals were found dead:1) The Mammals Section of the Gardens (HKZBG) has been closed since October 14.2) Thorough disinfection and cleaning have been carried out in the animal cages involved.3) Appropriate protective gear have been provided to staff who work there and staff’s health condition is being closely monitored. At present, their health is normal.4) Staff concerned are all tested negative for the bacteria. We will continue monitoring the mammals in the gardens and remind staff to pay attention to their own condition, and to report immediately if any of them feels unwell.Reporter: Did the monkeys show any symptoms of the disease? Why operators did not realise that prior to their death? Because this is also a disease which can also affect human, is there a need to close the whole facility to prevent visitors from being affected?Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism: Let me tackle the second question first, whether there is a need to close down the whole garden. As I said, we have taken all the cleansing and disinfection measures on the cages. So, with all these measures, we believe that it is now clean and free of the bacteria. We have also cordoned off the whole Mammal Section for the time being, so there will be no sort of contact between normal citizens and the animals. At this stage, I think these measures are sufficient to protect both the citizens as well as the animals in the zoo.Assistant Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (Inspection and Quarantine): As far as I know, according to the vet in charge of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, he said before that the animals have already lost their appetite. They were a bit of inappetence and a bit quieter than normal. The onset of all the clinical signs only took two days, and then there was a sudden death of animals. The vet has already taken all the measures to treat the monkeys. However, these affected monkeys could not make it. And he had to perform post-mortem and isolate other animals to prevent further spread of the disease.(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: PlayVS and Omnic.AI Enter into Game-Changing Partnership to Elevate Esports Performance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BRUNSWICK, Ga., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PlayVS, the leading esports platform in North America, today announced a strategic partnership with Omnic.AI, a self-service platform that helps players game smarter with AI. The collaboration is set to transform how gamers refine their skills and achieve greater success in competitive play.

As a global leader in esports player performance data and analytics, Omnic.AI uses AI and machine learning to gather insights and perform a detailed analysis of gameplay for users. Their flagship platform, Omnic Forge, analyzes gaming footage and provides players with feedback and statistics to improve their performance in titles including Valorant, Fortnite, Rocket League, Overwatch2 and soon Madden. The new partnership will bring this cutting-edge technology to PlayVS’ vast community of gamers at no cost to high school students, helping them gain a competitive edge in their scholastic leagues.

Through Omnic, Forge players can upload five matches at a time and receive two basic insights per match in a free account. They can also match with pro players who share their gaming style and receive detailed match analysis data. Fore Plus players can upload unlimited matches and receive deeper analysis and insights into their gameplay. PlayVS will also assist in the initial training of Omnic Forge AI through esports coaches that will consult on the platform’s insights.

“We’re excited to collaborate with PlayVS to bring our gaming analysis capabilities to a broader audience,” said Shaun Meredith, Omnic.AI Co-founder and CEO. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to help gamers improve their skills, win more games, and have fun.”

PlayVS is committed to making esports more accessible to youth, while also providing students with valuable skill building opportunities in STEM and leadership. Through its partnership with Omnic.AI, PlayVS aims to enhance the player experience by helping them better understand their in-game performance and integrate real-time feedback. This approach not only improves their gameplay, but also equips them with transferable skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and effective communication—skills that are essential both in and out of the game.

“Teaming up with Omnic.AI represents a significant leap forward in how we support and develop young gamers,” said Jon Chapman, PlayVS CEO. “Their innovative technology will help our community refine their skills and stand out among other gamers, empowering them to continue to refine their craft and reach new heights in and out of the world of esports.”

This collaboration between PlayVS and Omnic.AI is set to redefine the future of competitive gaming for youth players. By offering advanced AI analytical tools and skill development resources, PlayVS ensures that students are equipped to excel in esports and gain valuable life skills that will serve them beyond the game. Together, PlayVS and Omnic.AI aim to empower the next generation of players to achieve their full potential.

Students 13 years and older who are interested in using Omnic Forge can sign up here.

About PlayVS

PlayVS (pronounced Play Versus) is North America’s leading scholastic esports platform, on a mission to unlock the many benefits of esports for players everywhere. PlayVS offers a single community in which players, coaches, educators and parents come together to compete, connect and grow through the power of esports. PlayVS is the official high school esports partner to the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics and state and regional organizations in the U.S. and Canada that offer officially sanctioned scholastic esports leagues. To learn more about PlayVS, users can visit https://playvs.com/.

About Omnic.AI

Omnic.AI is an AI platform for gaming designed to help users game smarter. The self-service platform uses computer vision and deep learning techniques to help every-day gamers, pros and content creators replace hours of manual work, anecdotal theory, and intuition with automation and personalized data driven insights. Omnic.AI was founded in 2021 by MIT alumnus and former nuclear engineer Shaun Meredith.

Contact

Press
Omnic.AI
info@omnic.ai

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: 2024 US Open generates estimated $118.23 million in sponsorship revenue, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

2024 US Open generates estimated $118.23 million in sponsorship revenue, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Sport

With a sponsorship deal worth $22 million, JP Morgan’s Chase Bank marked the 43^rd anniversary of its partnership the US Open Tennis Championships for the 2024 edition and eight years as presenting sponsor of the Men’s Singles Championships. The partnership is also the largest sponsorship deal in terms of annual value for this year’s tournament. Emirates Airline’s deal was the second largest, with the partnership dating back to 2012. Overall, the 2204 US Open edition generated an estimated $118.23 million in sponsorship revenue, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’ s latest report, “Post Event Analysis – US Open Tennis Championships 2024,” reveals that there were 30 broadcasters which agreed media rights deals for the 2024 edition of the tournament. In terms of media revenue, the 2024 US Open Championships was reported to generate $75 million annually from the tournaments domestic broadcast deal with ESPN.

Olivia Snooks, Sport Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US Open Tennis Championships has accumulated long-term and high-value partnerships with some of their sponsors, two of these being JP Morgan’s Chase Bank and Emirates Airline. Particularly, Chase Bank’s long association with the tournament shows a great commitment between the two, while also showing the expected commercial value the US Open can generate for sponsors.”

The winners of the 2024 US Open took home large paychecks, which were distributed from a record purse of $75 million for the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the season. Aryna Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in the US Open women’s final on 7 September, taking home $3.6 million in prize money. The men’s singles winner Jannik Sinner took home the same amount.

Snooks continues: “The total prize money for the 2024 US Open was 15% bigger than it was in 2023. More notably, the US Open Singles winners earned $200,000 more than the Wimbledon Championships this year, who each took home just over $3.4 million.”

During the three weeks of the tournament that started with one week of qualifying, 1,048,669 fans came through the gates of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. The attendance for the two weeks of the main draw saw a record high attendance of 832,640, according to the United States Tennis Association. The cheapest ticket for the final day of the US Open was around $315 for a ground pass, and stadium passes for the men’s final were starting at around $450.

Snooks concludes: “The 2024 edition of the tournament was the first to feature a seven-day US Open fan week, which was attended by over 219,000 fans. Understandably, ticket prices fluctuated and became more expensive closer to the date. For example, as the semi-finals approached, the prices for the all-American semi-final were soaring, with prices as high as $56,000 for a seat courtside.”

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/CAMEROON – Interreligious prayer for the health of the President

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Yaoundé (Agenzia Fides) – The mystery surrounding the health of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, who has not appeared in public since the beginning of September, is growing. The Cameroonian Head of State did not attend the UN General Assembly or the Summit of French-speaking countries in Paris. His last appearance at an international gathering was the Summit of Heads of State as part of the China-Africa Forum in Beijing in early September. To counter the spread of news about the President’s alleged state of health, the Cameroonian government has banned the dissemination of such news since October 9. Officially, it is said that the President is in “very good health” and that he is “working and devoting himself to his duties in Geneva”. “He is doing well and will return to Cameroon in the next few days,” says the government spokesman. Meanwhile, an interreligious prayer for the health of the president and for peace in Cameroon was organized on the initiative of the Collective of Former Students of the Catholic Seminaries of Cameroon (CASEMCA) in collaboration with the Catholic Men’s Association (CHA), the “Union Catholique des Hommes Fils de Saint Joseph” and other Christian and Muslim communities and their religious associations. “The ecumenical ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 2 p.m. at the ‘Palais Polyvalent des Sports’ in Yaounde. It will be attended by religious dignitaries, high-ranking public and private figures, and citizens of all faiths,” the press release said. Paul Biya himself attended the minor seminary in Akono. The 91-year-old Cameroonian president is considered the dean of African Heads of State. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/10/2024)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving our public realm to boost economic growth

Source: City of Birmingham

Published: Wednesday, 16th October 2024

Improvements to the city centre public realm continues with the completion of groundworks in Victoria Square and pedestrianised zone in Waterloo Street.

Funding has come from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund via the West Midlands Combined Authority (£4m), as well as money from the city council’s Clean Air Zone revenue (£8.3m) and just under half a million pounds from the city council’s general fund.

The scheme began with the successful restoration of The River water feature prior to the Commonwealth Games and continued with the wider works with the support of residents and businesses within Colmore Row, Waterloo Street and Victoria Square.

The scheme aims to provide greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists and enhanced signage and wayfinding in the city centre.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “This project is really important for economic growth within the area, giving businesses within the pedestrian zone the additional spaces for outdoor hospitality which has become a wonderful asset for the city centre. Prioritising pedestrians is a really important part of our transport strategy and this project creates an attractive, welcoming and safe environment for citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

The is also protected by ‘hostile vehicle mitigation’, providing security for all events held within the civic spaces.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has faced some tough challenges since the pandemic – only this week we have seen the loss of one of the city’s best restaurants – Purnells.

“A more continental-style, alfresco experience, free from passing traffic can help attract more customers to this part of the city and that has to be a good thing for hospitality businesses and the people they employ.”

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We respond to your thoughts on nature

Source: City of Plymouth

We’re reflecting on a fabulous Summer of Nature.

From the end of July to the beginning of September, we delivered over 50 events alongside many different communities and partner organisations and engaged with over 1,000 people.

We ran youth projects; we played Minecraft; we planted trees; we went swimming; we met the Poole Farm animals and all the while, we asked you how you felt about nature in Plymouth.

We had an incredible response and nearly 500 of you gave your views on the places you love and how they should be cared for in the future.

Below, we’ve drawn out some of the key themes and provided a response to your suggestions.

Image by Chris Parkes Photography

You said… you wanted us to plant more trees

Of course we will.

Did you know that in the last three years, we have planted over 17,204 trees across 135 different sites as part of our involvement in the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest? That’s an area equivalent to 85 football pitches! And it is something that we are proud of, with our team winning a national local government award for their efforts on this.

Each year we make sure that we plant the right tree in the right place by careful consideration of the location including talking with local people about the plans. We also know about the challenges a changing climate will bring and the need to diversify the types of trees in the city and so we consider the tree species in this.

We plant whips – young and slender trees, often just a few feet tall at the time of planting, maidens, which are smaller, usually three to five foot tall and standards, large trees that at the time of planting is already six to ten feet tall.

This autumn we’ll be announcing our plans for the tree planting season ahead, with plenty of chances to get involved in planting and caring for trees throughout the year.

You said… we need to educate young people about the benefits of nature

Many people who fed back to our survey suggested that more could be done to educate young people about the natural world and how very important it is to look after it. We absolutely agree – we’d love to do even more outreach with young people!

But did you know that we already run several programmes across the city?

At Poole Farm, we run regular youth clubs focussed on outdoor skills and we run Junior Ranger sessions where young people can earn digital badges for set programmes of work.

We run the Forest Rising programme, a youth forum which allows young people to feed into the delivery of tree planting across the city.

Our Green Communities team is delivering a programme of nature education sessions in primary schools, secondary schools, and with youth groups, too.

Our Climate Connections team regularly provide resource for schools and appoints Young Climate Ambassadors for carbon-conscious volunteers.

Meanwhile, this year our National Marine Park are inviting all key stage two classes across the city to take part in the Sea in our Schools programme.

Do we want to do more? Absolutely, and we will continue to work with partners and funding bodies to explore as many education options as possible, and give young people the chance to gain employment and build careers in looking after and improving nature sites across the city.

You said… that the water quality of the Sound and rivers needs improvement

It’s a hard agree from us – the water quality around Plymouth is not good enough. And although the issue is not of our making, we are determined to support improvements in the Tamar Catchment, in the Sound and along the Plym.

Earlier this year, we held and hosted a Water Quality Select committee, which was supported by partners from the Environment Agency and South West Water.

Representatives from the National Marine Park, University of Plymouth, Tamar Catchment Partnership, Ocean Conservation Trust and a local swimming group were also in attendance to provide insight and answer questions.

Amongst the actions for the Council were an increased drive in education (see above!) as to what communities can do to improve water quality and to lobby government to allow Plymouth to be a pilot for an area of water quality improvement.

South West Water, meanwhile, were tasked with ensuring their existing drainage infrastructure investment plans align with the city aspirations while the Environment Agency were asked to make water quality data from a new pilot monitoring scheme available more quickly.

The partners involved in the select committee will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their commitments and actions to water quality for the next ten years.

You said… you wanted us to take better care of grass in the city.

We hear what you’re saying on grass-cutting and we know that this year, we didn’t quite get it right. The very wet weather at the start of the year meant we couldn’t start on time and then when we did start, the rain continued to fall, and we couldn’t keep on top of the growth.

Full disclosure; 60-40, our policy of cutting most of our grass regularly, but managing the minority for nature, is here to stay. If we want to make a difference to the biodiversity crisis; if we want nature to thrive in our city, then we have to do what we know is right.

But what we can do is manage it differently. One of things that you said to us was that there was too much grass and not enough colour. Fair challenge. Over the winter, we’re going to look to fix that by improving a whole range of sites across the city.

We are also going to look at how the cutting schedules are managed, how we can do more regular cuts on areas we know are prone to quick growth. This year, despite the issues, we doubled the regularity of cuts on roadside verges and playgrounds. This is something we can build on.

You said… that litter can spoil some of our best green and blue spaces

We agree. Littering really is the pits and the only people to blame for litter are the litterers themselves. Litter annoys us too and takes resource away from other services.

We do carry out litter picks where we can, particularly in our larger parks and there are also some amazing local volunteer groups who help out, too, and we do our best to support them to do that. But the fact is, none of these would be needed if people took responsibility for their own waste.

Did you know that there are 1,078 litter bins across the city and that 381 of those are in our parks or green spaces?

You said… we need more dog poo bins in our parks and nature reserves

Whilst we think we have generally got the right balance of bins in our parks right for the level of demand we will always listen to feedback and review provision at specific locations where concerns are raised.

Did you know that dog poo can be put in any public litter bin?

You said… you wanted more opportunities to get involved

Good news in this department… we’ve got more opportunities to get involved than you can shake a stick at!

Green Communities
Regular opportunities to get involved across Central Park, Devonport Park and Keyham.
Find out more: Green Communities webpage

Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Get involved in a full range of volunteering programmes across Plymouth’s varied waterfront.
Find out more: National Marine Park website

BRIC
Sign up a voluntary Community Flood Responder role, and our Adopt a Drain scheme. We provide training and/or equipment for the voluntary activities.
Find out more: BRIC webpage

Community Forest
Regular Community Tree Nursery Volunteering every Thursday at Poole Farm.
Community tree planting days within the city across the winter.
Forest Rising winter programme open for registration now for young people aged 16 – 28 years old.
Find out more: Community Forest website

Plymouth Natural Grid
Regular volunteer opportunities across reserves and greenspaces in the city. Practical conservation work and infrastructure/ access improvement work.
Find out more: PNG LinkedIn

Poole Farm
Weekly volunteering opportunities at the farm
Find out more: Poole Farm Facebook page

Climate Connections
Adults can join the Climate Ambassador volunteers programme. There is also a youth version to join as well.
Find out more: Climate Connections website

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Defence undertakes pathbreaking initiatives under Special Campaign 4.0

Source: Government of India

Department of Defence undertakes pathbreaking initiatives under Special Campaign 4.0

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute establishes Darjeeling’s first-ever Sewage Treatment Plant; Can treat 1,000 litres of waste water per day

Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Defence as part of the Pan-India Swachhata Abhiyan initiative, has successfully covered 2,705 sites out of 3,832 locations, creating positive impacts across the country. As on October 15, 2024, over 20,976 physical files have been reviewed, leading to the weeding out of 5,391 files and freeing up 195k square feet of valuable space. Revenue generation of Rs 21.1 lakh has been achieved through the disposal of scrap materials and obsolete IT equipment.

The sites include those under Military Hospitals, Controller General of Defence Accounts, Border Roads Organisation, Indian Coast Guard National Cadet Corps, Sainik Schools, Canteen Stores Department, Cantonments along with the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

The cantonments have been at the forefront of the campaign and carried out initiatives like mosquito-breeding eradication campaigns and organised waste segregation workshops for local communities in coordination with volunteers. Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs) have been transformed into plantation sites, further enhancing public spaces with dry-leaf composting initiatives in parks.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute established Darjeeling’s first-ever Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) named Swachhata Se Samriddhi which can treat 1,000 litres of wastewater per day, equivalent to 365 kilo litres annually. The treated water is repurposed for toilet flush systems, ensuring sustainable waste management within the institute. Additionally, the Institute has constructed a Rain Water Storage Plant with a capacity of 1.8 lakh litres, significantly reducing reliance on external water sources.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute also exemplifies the ethos of sustainability by transforming damaged mountaineering gear, such as shoes and ropes, into decorative pieces, highlighting the innovative spirit of recycling and environmental stewardship.

*****

SR/MR/KB

(Release ID: 2065273) Visitor Counter : 8

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Western Newfoundland region receives support for tourism-related projects

Source: Government of Canada News

Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $1,075,973 to support projects that will bolster the visitor experience in the region. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing a total of $376,145.

October 16, 2024 · Benoit’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Western Newfoundland’s renowned vibrant autumn colours during this time of the year, combined with spectacular ocean and mountain scenery, numerous hiking and biking trails, and unique cultural and immersive experiences continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing a total of $1,075,973 to support projects that will bolster the visitor experience in the region. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing a total of $376,145.

The City of Corner Brook is receiving non-repayable contributions totalling $400,350 for three projects through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program:

– Hire a consultant to develop an invigorated and consistent branding and marketing strategy for Corner Brook, Lower Humber and Bay of Islands that aligns with the Strategic Areas and Regions (STAR) integrated tourism plan that was developed in 2019 with area stakeholders. (ACOA: $245,475, Province: $82,875).

– Undertake Phase I of trail assessment and design from the STAR report to anchor regional offerings around destination trails and trail-based tourism. Specifically, to develop a design package for Cape Blow Me Down (a 3.8-km trail that ascends 650 metres) and the Man in the Mountain (a 5.5-km trail that covers 358 metres of elevation change) that will establish long-term sustainable and safe trails. (ACOA: $32,500, Province: $12,500)

– Conduct a feasibility study for establishing a farmer’s market in Corner Brook. If the study results in favourable outcomes, the entrepreneurial environment in the city will be further enhanced to allow spaces for those selling their products and grow their businesses. The market would serve as a hub on weekends for residents and visitors to gather, socialize, find healthy, affordable food options and shop locally. (ACOA: $19,500, Province: $7,500)

The City of Corner Brook is an incorporated municipality in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Incorporated in 1955, the City of Corner Brook is located on the western shores of Newfoundland, at the mouth of the Bay of Islands. Corner Brook is known as a popular tourist attraction, with its combination of ocean and mountain scenery, as well as for its outdoor facilities, such as Marble Mountain Ski Resort.

The Town of Humber Arm South is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $258,425 (ACOA: $190,883, Province: $67,542) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to develop a localized area to support and enhance the tourism experience in the Bay of Islands region. These activities include a small building to provide amenities, such as showers, washrooms and visitor information for the surrounding region; landscaping and signage; and the construction of BBQ and firepit areas. A strengthened infrastructure in the community will encourage tourists and those in the surrounding areas to explore the hiking, geology and natural landscapes thus creating a positive economic impact for local businesses.

The Town of Humber Arm South is a relatively small community on the south shore of the Bay of Islands, bordering the Blow Me Down Mountains, with a population of approximately 1,800 people. The town is comprised of four communities that spans 18 kms and is about a 20-minute drive to Corner Brook, which increases the visitor potential in the area. The major economic drivers in the community are the in-shore fishery, fish processing, and tourism, with an increasing number of visitors from the cruise ship market segment.

Corner Brook Stream is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $269,148 (ACOA: $183,432, Province: $85,716) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to implement Phase II of accessibility improvements to a community trail system. These upgrades will include the installation of lighting to increase daily usage of the trails, a redesigned interpretive welcome area, and accessibility upgrades to the west side of the trail. This initiative increases the inclusivity of community infrastructure offerings and will positively impact the linkage between main attractions within the Corner Brook business ecosystem.

The Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation is a not-for-profit organization. In the early 1990s, a group of likeminded individuals from a variety of backgrounds decided to explore the possibility of creating a series of walking trails throughout the city. The Corner Brook Stream Development Corporation was established as a volunteer organization to further refine and implement this strategy.

The West Coast Cycling Association is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $217,792 (ACOA: $162,567, Province: $55,225) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to build a 5.8-km long, multi-use trail in the Rocky Harbour municipal planning area. The trail will be designed for intermediate-level cyclists, including those using e-bikes, while also offering high-value opportunities for hikers, trail runners, and snowshoers. Key activities for the project include contracting, marking and clearing the route, trail building, and installation of signage. Given that the Gros Morne region does not currently have any trails suitable for cycling, this project will address this gap thus providing economic development capacity through a new marketable attraction.

West Coast Cycling Association is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that has been developing mountain bike trails and hosting cycling events on the West Coast of Newfoundland since 2010. The organization strives to bring people together through the shared passion for mountain biking, by building a legacy of inclusive, sustainable trails, and by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle that embraces the outstanding terrain and natural beauty of western Newfoundland. Its plan focuses on building world-class, community-based mountain bike trail networks that highlight the region’s vibrant towns and inspire new and experiences riders to enjoy the region.

Cabox Geopark is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $110,000 (ACOA: $77,550, Province: $32,450) through the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to construct a four-kilometre trail at the east end of the Blow Me Down Mountains above Benoit’s Cove. This initiative will include clearing and grading the trail path and graveling for accessibility, installation of directional signage, rest areas, picnic spots and educational features. The trail will allow tourists a convenient experience of the spectacular views and geological history of the Bay of Islands and surrounding mountains.

Cabox Geopark Inc., incorporated in 2018, is a non-profit organization led by a dedicated volunteer board of directors who represent municipalities, businesses, and the Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee. Cabox Aspiring Global Geopark is in the Bay of Islands region of Western Newfoundland and has been working its way towards UNESCO global geopark status. Its mandate is to develop a world-class tourism product, promoting the region’s natural and cultural heritage while increasing local knowledge, innovative technology and rural economic development. Cabox is the name of the highest peak on the island of Newfoundland.

Western NL DMO is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $91,300 (ACOA: $76,300, Province $15,000) through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program to develop and promote the winter tourism anchor experiences in the western region of Newfoundland and Labrador. New experiences will also be encouraged and integrated with existing products. By bringing skiing, snowmobiling and other outdoor experiences together with cultural and culinary experiences, innovation and inclusion within the ecosystem, the local tourism sector will see a significant boost.

Western NL DMO, also known as Go Western, is an incorporated not-for-profit organization and is the key marketing, market readiness and product development organization in western Newfoundland and Labrador. As the Destination Management Organization for the western region, the organization had excellent relationships with business operators, not-for-profit experience providers and municipalities. Western NL DMO was integral to the development of a Winter Stakeholder Committee consisting of representatives from all sub-sectors of the winter tourism sector.

The Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $60,689 (ACOA: $55,689, Province: $5,000) through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) to support its 2024 Elmastukwek Mawio’mi in Corner Brook. The Mawio’mi, in its third year, consists of two full days of teachings, celebrations, activities, art displays and ceremonies as part of an Indigenous cultural and heritage experience. The Mi’kmaq name for the Bay of Islands is “Elmastukwek” and “Mawio’mi” refers to a gathering of people. The event provides a platform to allow for intergeneration cultural sharing, while also showcasing and sharing Mi’kmaw culture to the community at large.

The Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. The foundation was incorporated in 2014 and exists to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador. Like other First Nations, the Mi’kmaq have a long and rich history that includes unique cultural, social, political and spiritual traditions. The foundation is making every effort to reach out to individuals with limited knowledge of their heritage and provide them with information and experiences that will assist them in the discovery process. They also seek to unite the people who have the experience and knowledge of Mi’kmaw traditions.

CB Nuit Incorporated is receiving a non-repayable contribution totalling $44,414 (ACOA: $32,077, Province: $12,337) through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) to increase the accessibility capacity and inclusivity for the three-day art at night festival in Corner Brook. Activities will include engaging an accessibility expert to understand how to support guests in terms of mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, as well as vision and hearing impairment. The project will involve implementing points of contact for digital and in person artist sites, creation of a low sensory guided walk, and a low sensory space.

CB Nuit was established in 2017 and aims to engage artists in the creation and installation of site specific and participatory contemporary work. By bringing art of all mediums to streets, businesses, and vacant spaces, CB Nuit has the goal to invigorate, beautify, inspire, and economically stimulate the community. Its long-term goal is to become an international destination for artists participating in the festival as well attracting an international audience.

Related products

News release: Supporting culture and tourism growth in western Newfoundland

CB Nuit Inc.

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: XSET and Samsung Galaxy Unite to Empower Women in Gaming

Source: Samsung

XSET, the revolutionary lifestyle gaming organization, and Samsung Galaxy , the internationally recognized industry leader in technology, today announced a dynamic partnership aimed at elevating the gaming experience and empowering women in the industry. The collaboration will debut at New York Comic Con (NYCC) with an immersive activation featuring special appearances by the XSET QUEENS.
This strategic alliance aims to enhance the gaming experience with a particular focus on empowering women in the industry. By combining Samsung’s advanced mobile technology with XSET’s cultural influence, the partnership creates new opportunities for female gamers to showcase their skills and creativity. The collaboration, spotlighting talents like the XSET QUEENS, will encourage broader representation and inspire the next wave of diverse gaming enthusiasts. XSET and Samsung Galaxy are taking concrete steps towards a more inclusive and innovative gaming community.
The partnership will make its IRL debut at New York Comic Con (NYCC), October 17-20 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Samsung Galaxy is creating an immersive onsite experience that offers gaming enthusiasts hands-on interactions with cutting-edge devices. Visitors to the activation can look forward to:
XSET QUEENS Meet and Greet: Special appearance by XSET’s Aliyah Will on Saturday, October 19
PUBG MOBILE Battle Royale: An adrenaline-pumping elimination competition showcasing Galaxy Z Fold6
Lone Survivor Photo-Op: A unique opportunity for fans to capture their NYCC memories using state-of-the-art Samsung technology
Exclusive Giveaways: Chances to win premium Galaxy products, including the revolutionary Galaxy Z Fold6 and the immersive Galaxy Buds3 Pro
XSET QUEENS Meet and Greet: Special appearance by XSET’s Aliyah Will on Saturday, October 19
Olga Suvorova, Vice President, Mobile eXperience Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, commented, “Samsung Galaxy devices are designed to make a difference by breaking down barriers and empowering users to pursue their passions. Partnering with XSET affords us the opportunity to bring our innovations to the next generation of female content creators, including gamers, athletes, musicians, and many others. With its unparalleled gaming experience, and the countless ways the device seamlessly fits into users’ lives, we know Galaxy Z Fold6’s incredible hardware, software, and Galaxy AI innovations will empower these creators to reach new heights.”
“This partnership with Samsung Galaxy represents a pivotal moment for XSET and the gaming industry as a whole,” said Brynanna Goecke, Chief Revenue Officer of XSET. “Together, we’re not just advancing technological innovation; we’re redefining what it means to be a gamer in today’s world. The XSET QUEENS embody the spirit of innovation and diversity that both our brands champion.”

The NYCC activation marks just the beginning of the XSET and Samsung Galaxy partnership. Fans can look forward to a series of unboxing videos featuring XSET QUEENS, showcasing how Galaxy Z Fold 6‘s powerful performance, long-lasting battery, and immersive display will help them take their gaming to the next level. Additional collaborations, content, and events will be announced in the coming months.
For more information about the XSET and Samsung Galaxy partnership, follow @XSET and @SamsungMobileUS on social media platforms.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 23, 2025