Category: Sport

MIL-OSI Economics: From Sydney Harbour to the Oscars: How the Galaxy S25 Series Launched Around the World

Source: Samsung

To introduce the Galaxy S25 series to the world, Samsung Electronics launched a series of bold and immersive marketing campaigns across key markets — each designed to showcase the flagship lineup’s AI-powered next-generation capabilities. From an interactive watercraft experience in Australia and a metro station rebrand in Chile to a laser show in Malaysia and an esports tournament in India, these activations brought the Galaxy S25 experience directly to consumers through dynamic and engaging events.

Samsung Newsroom explores some of the standout campaigns that marked the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series worldwide.

[Australia] Elevating Morning Commutes With the Galaxy Go Fleet

In Australia, Samsung launched the Galaxy Go Fleet — a fleet of custom-branded watercraft that transformed daily commutes across Sydney Harbour and the Brisbane River into an interactive Galaxy S25 experience. Passengers on board had the opportunity to test key Galaxy AI features, including Now Brief and Audio Eraser, and experienced firsthand how the Galaxy S25 series helps them start and navigate their day with ease.

[Peru] Introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1

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A post shared by Samsung Perú (@samsungpe)

Samsung Peru became the first tech company in Peru to rebrand a metro train by introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1, a key transportation route serving over 500,000 passengers daily. In celebration of the Galaxy S25 series launch, passengers received exclusive metro cards and promotional goods — further enriching their unique transportation experience.

[Chile] Transforming Tobalaba Metro Station and Illuminating Santiago’s Night Sky

Samsung Chile made its mark in Santiago with two high-profile activations to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Tobalaba Metro Station, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, was officially renamed “Galaxy AI” — immersing daily commuters in the Galaxy S25 experience.

The celebrations continued with a spectacular drone light show where over 300 drones illuminated Santiago’s night sky with stunning visual arrangements alluding to Galaxy AI and the Galaxy S25 series. The synchronized performance mesmerized spectators, turning the city skyline into a dazzling tribute to Samsung’s latest mobile innovations.

[United States] Bringing Stunt Action to the Oscars With Galaxy AI

In the U.S., Samsung celebrated the Galaxy S25 Ultra during the 2025 Oscars with two high-energy ads featuring stunt performers — developed in collaboration with Disney Advertising, ArtClass Content, Empire Stunts, Kimmelot, Maximum Effort, More Media and Really Original. The campaign highlighted the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s advanced AI-powered video-editing capabilities such as Audio Eraser, a feature that removes unwanted background noise. By demonstrating how Galaxy AI enhances both professional filmmaking and everyday content creation, the initiative put stunt professionals in the spotlight — recognizing their contributions to the industry while showcasing Samsung’s state-of-the-art mobile technology.

[United Kingdom] Celebrating Everyday Moments With a Personal Touch

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A post shared by Samsung UK (@samsunguk)

Samsung U.K. embraced a more personal approach by highlighting how the Galaxy S25 Ultra enhances daily life. Through engaging social media content created in collaboration with Anaïs Gallagher and Molly Moorish-Gallagher, Samsung demonstrated the Auto Trim feature, which allows users to effortlessly edit their favorite video clips and even generate highlight reels. Additionally, the campaign illustrated how the Galaxy S25 Ultra, through the Now Brief feature, integrates itself into users’ bedtime routines by providing personalized updates and content — thereby helping them wind down more easily after a busy evening.

[Malaysia] Lighting Up Kuala Lumpur With Fireworks and Laser Beams

Samsung Malaysia celebrated the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series with spectacular fireworks and a laser show over the Merdeka 118 tower. In addition, Samsung hosted the Edit & Win contest — inviting participants to creatively edit a fireworks image using Galaxy AI’s many tools for a chance to win a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

[Brazil] Capturing São Paulo From the Sky With the Galaxy S25 Ultra

In Brazil, Samsung launched a unique experience at Sampa Sky, São Paulo’s highest observation deck accessible to the public. Suspended 150 meters above ground level, visitors had the opportunity to capture breathtaking views of the city skyline with unparalleled clarity and detail using the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP main camera and AI-enhanced 100x space zoom. The campaign also showcased Galaxy AI’s advanced editing tools, demonstrating how users can seamlessly refine and enhance their shots.

[Italy] Pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Limit in the Dolomites

Samsung Italy hosted the Galaxy Wintercamp in the Dolomites where nine athletes and creators spent three days pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to its limits in extreme alpine conditions. Participants used Now Brief to optimize their planning and employed the device’s 200MP camera and AI-enhanced photography tools to capture breathtaking ski descents, tricks and ice performances.

[India] Taking Center Stage at the #PlayGalaxy Cup

In India, Samsung hosted the third edition of the #PlayGalaxy Cup — one of the biggest esports events in the country. The tournament saw India’s top gamers compete against one another using the Galaxy S25 Ultra, allowing them to experience the device’s advanced display, next-level processing power and AI-driven gaming enhancements firsthand. Streamed live, the competition demonstrated how the Galaxy S25 series is designed to meet the demands of high-intensity gameplay while delivering a smooth, immersive experience.

[Thailand] Bringing Star Power to the Launch in Bangkok

Samsung Thailand celebrated the Galaxy S25 series launch with the Galaxy S25 | Here AI am Music Fest, a high-energy event featuring celebrities, influencers and fan activities. Attendees enjoyed interactive games with #TeamGalaxy stars and tested the latest Galaxy AI features. The night culminated in a blue carpet walk and an AI-powered concert where Galaxy AI helped curate the show with a blend of music, technology and entertainment.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Strasbourg and Düsseldorf, March 20, 2025

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has reached a major milestone in the development of its banking and insurance model in Europe with the signature of an agreement to acquire 100% of German bank Oldenburgische Landesbank (OLB) via its subsidiary TARGO Deutschland GmbH (TARGOBANK).

This transaction, on a scale not seen since the acquisition of Citibank in Germany in 2008 (renamed TARGOBANK), demonstrates the solidity and ambitions of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. Already present in Germany, the mutual banking group is strengthening its foothold in Europe’s largest economy.

This move accelerates TARGOBANK’s path to becoming a universal bancassurance player in Germany, following the model of its parent company. The consolidated group will become the tenth largest bank in Germany in terms of assets, with a comprehensive offering in corporate financing serving Mittelstand companies and in retail banking.

The estimated impact of the transaction is -115 basis points on Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s CET1. This transaction is subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities, in particular the European Central Bank (ECB) and the competition authorities.

Germany, the mutual banking group’s second-largest domestic market

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale aims to become a leading bancassurer in Europe. While it was the fifth largest banking group and tenth largest insurer in France in 2024, the group already generated 20% of its revenues internationally.

Germany is the group’s second-largest domestic market, where it operates through several of its subsidiaries, in particular TARGOBANK, ACM Deutschland, and CIC. Thanks to its financial solidity, operating performance and technological edge, the group has major advantages to enable it to succeed in this consolidating market.

OLB, a leading bank in Germany

Founded in Lower Saxony, one of Germany’s largest states, where it has a strong foothold, OLB is a universal bank with operations throughout Germany. Thanks to an effective strategy of sustained growth over the past ten years, it serves one million customers. With more than €30 billion in assets, it is one of the leading financial institutions in Germany.

OLB is active in two buoyant markets. It offers strong expertise in private banking and wealth management, providing a full range of banking and insurance services to individuals and professionals. It also stands out for its expertise in corporate financing (corporate, commercial real estate) and business acquisitions (LBO and acquisition finance).

Togetherness Performance Solidarity: a successfully launched plan in its second year

After the first year of the Togetherness, Performance, Solidarity strategic plan which closed with very high 2024 results for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, 2025 marks a major turning point for the mutual banking group.

TARGOBANK’s acquisition of OLB will enable it to significantly amplify its transformation as a universal bancassurer in Germany, complementing the launch of ACM Deutschland’s commercial activities in the second half of 2025. In addition to offering rapid growth prospects for its retail mortgage lending business, TARGOBANK will be able to strengthen its position in the SME and mid-cap markets (Mittelstand companies), in wealth management and specialized financing, with the potential for synergies in revenue and cost efficiency for the medium term.

With this transaction, TARGOBANK becomes the tenth largest bank in Germany. The consolidated group serves 4.8 million customers with total balance sheet of €79 billion.

“The acquisition of OLB, marks a major milestone for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, fully aligned with its strategic plan Togetherness Performance Solidarity. We have the ambition to expand our activities in Europe, and specifically in Germany, largest European economy. With our subsidiaries TARGOBANK, which will integrate OLB, and ACM Deutschland, we are committed to become a bancassurer across the Rhine” said Daniel Baal, Chairman of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale:

“Our group’s history shows that it has the ability to successfully complete external growth transactions, in particular those of CIC, and, more recently, TARGOBANK and Cofidis. This strategic investment reflects our determination to become a leading bancassurer in Europe by integrating the resources and values of OLB into TARGOBANK. We are building for the long run.” added Éric Petitgand, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

“This acquisition marks a decisive step in Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s development in Germany. The respective and complementary expertise of TARGOBANK and OLB’s employees will enable us to significantly speed up our transformation as a universal bancassurer in the strategic German market. There is significant business and customer growth potential among individuals, professionals and businesses,” adds Isabelle Chevelard, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of TARGOBANK and Head of the German market for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

Stefan Barth, CEO of OLB, welcomes the transaction: “Over the past few years, OLB has pursued a dynamic growth strategy with remarkable results. We are proud to join Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, with which we share common values, to build together a stronger banking group.”

Acquisition by Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale,
via TARGO Deutschland GmbH,of Oldenburgische Landesbank AG (OLB)

The Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale and TARGOBANK teams, in accordance with the applicable competition laws, will work closely with the OLB teams to facilitate completion of the transaction in the interest of customers, members, elected representatives and employees.

This project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and in particular the approval of the competent regulatory and competition authorities. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.

About OLB

OLB is a universal bank that operates nationwide in Germany, and has over 150 years of experience in Lower Saxony. Under the OLB and Bankhaus Neelmeyer brands, the bank advises more than a million customers, in the retail, business, corporate and diversified lending segments. OLB has a network of 80 branches and nearly 1,700 employees.

Thanks to a solid acquisition strategy over the last ten years (private banking operator Bankhaus Neelmeyer in 2017; Bremer Kreditbank, formerly KBC Bank Deutschland, in 2018; Wüstenrot Bank AG Pfandbriefbank in 2019 and more recently Degussa Bank in 2024), OLB has diversified its activities (retail banking, corporate banking serving Mittelstand companies, private banking, project finance, Pfandbrief refinancing, etc.) to become a universal bank.

At December 31, 2024, OLB had net banking income of nearly €750 million, a cost/income ratio of less than 43%, and net income after tax of €270 million. OLB also saw its balance sheet assets surpass the €30 billion threshold, enabling it to become, in early 2025, a major financial institution supervised as such by the European Central Bank.

Press contacts
Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale: Aziz Ridouan – +33 (0)6 01 10 31 69 – aziz.ridouan@creditmutuel.fr
Corporate Communication Department: +33 (0)3 88 14 84 00 – com-alliancefederale@creditmutuel.fr
TARGOBANK: pressestelle@TARGOBANK.de
OLB: presse@olb.de

About Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale

One of France’s leading bancassurers with 77,000 employees serving 31 million customers, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has 4,200 branches which offer a diversified range of services to private individuals, local professionals and companies of all sizes.

As the first French banking group to adopt the status of a mission-driven company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale is made up of the following Crédit Mutuel federations: Centre Est Europe (Strasbourg), Sud-Est (Lyon), Ile-de-France (Paris), Savoie-Mont Blanc (Annecy), Midi-Atlantique (Toulouse), Loire-Atlantique et Centre-Ouest (Nantes), Centre (Orléans), Normandie (Caen), Dauphiné-Vivarais (Valence), Méditerranéen (Marseille), Anjou (Angers), Massif Central (Clermont-Ferrand), Antilles-Guyane (Fort-de-France) and Nord Europe (Lille).

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale also includes Caisse Fédérale de Crédit Mutuel, Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel (BFCM) and all its subsidiaries, in particular CIC, Euro-Information, Assurances du Crédit Mutuel (ACM), TARGOBANK, Cofidis, Beobank in Belgium, Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel (BECM), Banque Transatlantique, Banque de Luxembourg and Homiris.

Find out more at creditmutuelalliancefederale.fr

About TARGOBANK

TARGOBANK has almost 100 years of experience in the German banking market. It serves 3.8 million private, business and corporate customers.

TARGOBANK offers simple and attractive banking products with high quality service so as to build a long term relationship with its customers. With a network of 340 branches spread in more than 250 cities in Germany aswell as a service accessible online and by telephone around the clock, TARGOBANK combines the benefits of a digital bank as well as local support whether in the local branch or at the customer’s home.

TARGOBANK is headquartered in Düsseldorf. It employs 7,400 people throughout Germany, including 2,000 working for its customer center in Germany. There are also administrative buildings in Mainz (Factoring), Düsseldorf (Leasing & Investment Finance) and Frankfurt (Corporate & Institutional Banking).

As a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, one of the strongest banks in Europe, TARGOBANK is a reliable partner for its customers.

Further information: www.TARGOBANK.de

Strasbourg and Düsseldorf, March 20, 2025

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has reached a major milestone in the development of its banking and insurance model in Europe with the signature of an agreement to acquire 100% of German bank Oldenburgische Landesbank (OLB) via its subsidiary TARGO Deutschland GmbH (TARGOBANK).

This transaction, on a scale not seen since the acquisition of Citibank in Germany in 2008 (renamed TARGOBANK), demonstrates the solidity and ambitions of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. Already present in Germany, the mutual banking group is strengthening its foothold in Europe’s largest economy.

This move accelerates TARGOBANK’s path to becoming a universal bancassurance player in Germany, following the model of its parent company. The consolidated group will become the tenth largest bank in Germany in terms of assets, with a comprehensive offering in corporate financing serving Mittelstand companies and in retail banking.

The estimated impact of the transaction is -115 basis points on Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s CET1. This transaction is subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities, in particular the European Central Bank (ECB) and the competition authorities.

Germany, the mutual banking group’s second-largest domestic market

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale aims to become a leading bancassurer in Europe. While it was the fifth largest banking group and tenth largest insurer in France in 2024, the group already generated 20% of its revenues internationally.

Germany is the group’s second-largest domestic market, where it operates through several of its subsidiaries, in particular TARGOBANK, ACM Deutschland, and CIC. Thanks to its financial solidity, operating performance and technological edge, the group has major advantages to enable it to succeed in this consolidating market.

OLB, a leading bank in Germany

Founded in Lower Saxony, one of Germany’s largest states, where it has a strong foothold, OLB is a universal bank with operations throughout Germany. Thanks to an effective strategy of sustained growth over the past ten years, it serves one million customers. With more than €30 billion in assets, it is one of the leading financial institutions in Germany.

OLB is active in two buoyant markets. It offers strong expertise in private banking and wealth management, providing a full range of banking and insurance services to individuals and professionals. It also stands out for its expertise in corporate financing (corporate, commercial real estate) and business acquisitions (LBO and acquisition finance).

Togetherness Performance Solidarity: a successfully launched plan in its second year

After the first year of the Togetherness, Performance, Solidarity strategic plan which closed with very high 2024 results for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, 2025 marks a major turning point for the mutual banking group.

TARGOBANK’s acquisition of OLB will enable it to significantly amplify its transformation as a universal bancassurer in Germany, complementing the launch of ACM Deutschland’s commercial activities in the second half of 2025. In addition to offering rapid growth prospects for its retail mortgage lending business, TARGOBANK will be able to strengthen its position in the SME and mid-cap markets (Mittelstand companies), in wealth management and specialized financing, with the potential for synergies in revenue and cost efficiency for the medium term.

With this transaction, TARGOBANK becomes the tenth largest bank in Germany. The consolidated group serves 4.8 million customers with total balance sheet of €79 billion.

“The acquisition of OLB, marks a major milestone for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, fully aligned with its strategic plan Togetherness Performance Solidarity. We have the ambition to expand our activities in Europe, and specifically in Germany, largest European economy. With our subsidiaries TARGOBANK, which will integrate OLB, and ACM Deutschland, we are committed to become a bancassurer across the Rhine” said Daniel Baal, Chairman of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale:

“Our group’s history shows that it has the ability to successfully complete external growth transactions, in particular those of CIC, and, more recently, TARGOBANK and Cofidis. This strategic investment reflects our determination to become a leading bancassurer in Europe by integrating the resources and values of OLB into TARGOBANK. We are building for the long run.” added Éric Petitgand, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

“This acquisition marks a decisive step in Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s development in Germany. The respective and complementary expertise of TARGOBANK and OLB’s employees will enable us to significantly speed up our transformation as a universal bancassurer in the strategic German market. There is significant business and customer growth potential among individuals, professionals and businesses,” adds Isabelle Chevelard, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of TARGOBANK and Head of the German market for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

Stefan Barth, CEO of OLB, welcomes the transaction: “Over the past few years, OLB has pursued a dynamic growth strategy with remarkable results. We are proud to join Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, with which we share common values, to build together a stronger banking group.”

Acquisition by Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale,
via TARGO Deutschland GmbH,of Oldenburgische Landesbank AG (OLB)

The Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale and TARGOBANK teams, in accordance with the applicable competition laws, will work closely with the OLB teams to facilitate completion of the transaction in the interest of customers, members, elected representatives and employees.

This project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and in particular the approval of the competent regulatory and competition authorities. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.

About OLB

OLB is a universal bank that operates nationwide in Germany, and has over 150 years of experience in Lower Saxony. Under the OLB and Bankhaus Neelmeyer brands, the bank advises more than a million customers, in the retail, business, corporate and diversified lending segments. OLB has a network of 80 branches and nearly 1,700 employees.

Thanks to a solid acquisition strategy over the last ten years (private banking operator Bankhaus Neelmeyer in 2017; Bremer Kreditbank, formerly KBC Bank Deutschland, in 2018; Wüstenrot Bank AG Pfandbriefbank in 2019 and more recently Degussa Bank in 2024), OLB has diversified its activities (retail banking, corporate banking serving Mittelstand companies, private banking, project finance, Pfandbrief refinancing, etc.) to become a universal bank.

At December 31, 2024, OLB had net banking income of nearly €750 million, a cost/income ratio of less than 43%, and net income after tax of €270 million. OLB also saw its balance sheet assets surpass the €30 billion threshold, enabling it to become, in early 2025, a major financial institution supervised as such by the European Central Bank.

Press contacts
Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale: Aziz Ridouan – +33 (0)6 01 10 31 69 – aziz.ridouan@creditmutuel.fr
Corporate Communication Department: +33 (0)3 88 14 84 00 – com-alliancefederale@creditmutuel.fr
TARGOBANK: pressestelle@TARGOBANK.de
OLB: presse@olb.de

About Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale

One of France’s leading bancassurers with 77,000 employees serving 31 million customers, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has 4,200 branches which offer a diversified range of services to private individuals, local professionals and companies of all sizes.

As the first French banking group to adopt the status of a mission-driven company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale is made up of the following Crédit Mutuel federations: Centre Est Europe (Strasbourg), Sud-Est (Lyon), Ile-de-France (Paris), Savoie-Mont Blanc (Annecy), Midi-Atlantique (Toulouse), Loire-Atlantique et Centre-Ouest (Nantes), Centre (Orléans), Normandie (Caen), Dauphiné-Vivarais (Valence), Méditerranéen (Marseille), Anjou (Angers), Massif Central (Clermont-Ferrand), Antilles-Guyane (Fort-de-France) and Nord Europe (Lille).

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale also includes Caisse Fédérale de Crédit Mutuel, Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel (BFCM) and all its subsidiaries, in particular CIC, Euro-Information, Assurances du Crédit Mutuel (ACM), TARGOBANK, Cofidis, Beobank in Belgium, Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel (BECM), Banque Transatlantique, Banque de Luxembourg and Homiris.

Find out more at creditmutuelalliancefederale.fr

About TARGOBANK

TARGOBANK has almost 100 years of experience in the German banking market. It serves 3.8 million private, business and corporate customers.

TARGOBANK offers simple and attractive banking products with high quality service so as to build a long term relationship with its customers. With a network of 340 branches spread in more than 250 cities in Germany aswell as a service accessible online and by telephone around the clock, TARGOBANK combines the benefits of a digital bank as well as local support whether in the local branch or at the customer’s home.

TARGOBANK is headquartered in Düsseldorf. It employs 7,400 people throughout Germany, including 2,000 working for its customer center in Germany. There are also administrative buildings in Mainz (Factoring), Düsseldorf (Leasing & Investment Finance) and Frankfurt (Corporate & Institutional Banking).

As a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, one of the strongest banks in Europe, TARGOBANK is a reliable partner for its customers.

Further information: www.TARGOBANK.de

Attachments
- Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer
- Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer
The MIL Network –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: $800,000 to make shooting in NSW safer
Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: $800,000 to make shooting in NSW safer

Published: 20 March 2025

Released by: Minister for Sport

Shooting organisations across NSW have shared in almost $800,000 in funding after grants were awarded under the NSW Government’s Safe Shooting Program.
The Safe Shooting Program supports shooting clubs, shooting ranges and shooting organisations to improve storage, security and safety, as well as purchase new equipment such as electronic targets.

The Program invests in projects which incorporate inclusive design, improve safety, environmental sustainability and increase use of existing shooting facilities in NSW.

Another key objective of the Program is to increase participation in shooting by removing barriers for women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Grants of $10,000 – $50,000 were awarded to 25 projects that aim to improve the safety and quality of shooting facilities in NSW.

Some of the projects to receive funding include:
- $49,287 to Gilgandra Rifle Club for safety repairs and upgrades to prevent projectiles injuring people or damaging property after they pass through targets
- $49,575 to Bermagui Field and Game Sporting Clays for new clay target traps
- $37,243 to Cootamundra Rifle Club for a new solar power system for the clubhouse, shed, and toilet block.
For further information including the list of grant recipients, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Safe Shooting Program supports shooting clubs to provide safe, inclusive and accessible facilities.

“Projects announced today will increase the use of shooting facilities across NSW and encourage participation by people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

“This funding will play a significant role in supporting the next generation of Olympians and ensure Australia’s success at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”
MIL OSI News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES OTT to stream DFB-Pokal semi-finals & grand finale live in India, delivering world-class football action to fans

Source: Government of India (2)

WAVES OTT to stream DFB-Pokal semi-finals & grand finale live in India, delivering world-class football action to fans

WAVES OTT launches exclusive contest for Indian fans: win a trip to Germany for the DFB-Pokal final

India-Germany football partnership strengthens: DFB-Prasar Bharati agreement paves the way for 20 young Indian footballers to train in Germany

Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

Football fans in India have exciting news as WAVES OTT, in partnership with DFB-Pokal, will stream the semi-final matches live on April 2nd and 3rd, followed by the grand finale on May 24th, 2025. To strengthen football ties between India and Germany, Prasar Bharati and DFB have signed an important agreement to bring more football content to India and launch an Under-17 talent search tournament, where 20 young Indian players will get a chance to train in Germany.

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati stated, “This collaboration with DFB not only brings top-tier football action to Indian audiences but also opens doors for our young footballers to gain international exposure. By integrating high-quality content with grassroots development, we are fostering a stronger football culture in India and providing our youth with unprecedented global opportunities.”

Dr. Holger Blask, Managing Director of the DFB GmbH & Co. KG, added: “We are extremely proud and excited about this groundbreaking cooperation with Prasar Bharati. Their unparalleled free to air reach through WAVES and DD Sports sets the cornerstone of DFB’s strategy to democratize the DFB-Pokal. With its truly aspirational character and many David vs Goliath moments the DFB-Pokal fits perfectly to the Indian football fans.”

In a landmark move to strengthen Indo-German football ties, a letter of exchange was signed between DFB and Prasar Bharati, enhancing India’s access to world-class football content. This collaboration will also pave the way for an India-wide Under-17 talent search tournament, where 20 promising young players will be selected for an exclusive training program in Germany, facilitated by DFB and its partner Brand Next.

Adding to the excitement, an exclusive contest is launched, giving two lucky Indian fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Germany for the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin*. Participants must download the WAVES OTT app, watch the DFB-Pokal semi-final matches and answer simple questions. The winners will be announced during the last semi-final match and will have the chance to witness the thrilling finale live in Germany.

As part of its commitment to football education and outreach, WAVES OTT will also feature a DFB-Pokal tutorial series, providing users with historical insights, archival footage, and expert analysis to deepen their understanding of Germany’s prestigious knockout tournament.
About DFB-Pokal

DFB-Pokal (Deutscher Football-Bund Pokal) is Germany’s premier domestic football cup competition, organized by the German Football Association (DFB).

*****

Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2112974) Visitor Counter : 40

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates NDTL Annual Conference-2025 on “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”

Source: Government of India

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates NDTL Annual Conference-2025 on “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”

India Committed to Promoting Clean and Fair Competition in Sports, Says Dr. Mandaviya at NDTL Conference

NDTL Conference Explores Cutting-Edge Technologies in Doping Detection and Prevention

Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 4:43PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) Annual Conference-2025 on the theme “Anti-Doping Science: Innovations and Challenges”, bringing together key stakeholders from the sports and scientific communities in New Delhi today. The conference was attended by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Shri Kunal, Joint Secretary (Sports), and Prof. (Dr.) P. L. Sahu, Director, NDTL.

Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to promoting clean and fair competition in sports. He emphasized the importance of early education on doping, advocating for its inclusion in school curricula and the launch of awareness campaigns in rural areas. He also stressed the need for greater involvement of sports federations and organizations to ensure that all athletes are well-informed about anti-doping regulations. Furthermore, he highlighted the crucial role of cutting-edge research and technological advancements in anti-doping science, underscoring their significance in protecting athletes’ careers and preserving the credibility of national and international sporting events.

The event provided a vital platform for scientists, coaches, physical education professionals, sports federations, and students to engage in insightful discussions on the latest advancements and challenges in anti-doping science. The conference highlighted the crucial role of scientific innovation in doping detection, addressed the constantly evolving nature of prohibited substances, and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to uphold the integrity of sports.

Inaugurated the Annual NDTL Conference on “Anti-Doping Science: Innovation and Challenges” in New Delhi.

Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, India is committed to strengthening anti-doping measures through cutting-edge research, innovation and collaboration. A… pic.twitter.com/OrKjPTjmDI

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 19, 2025

Subject experts engaged in in-depth discussions on several critical topics, including innovations in anti-doping science, where they explored groundbreaking advancements in detection methods and testing technologies. They also addressed the challenges in doping prevention, focusing on strategies to combat emerging threats, including the rise of undetectable substances. Additionally, the discussions emphasized the role of stakeholders in promoting clean sports, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts among federations, scientists, and educators to enhance awareness, strengthen enforcement, and uphold the integrity of sports.

The conference also included interactive sessions, expert panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to enhance anti-doping measures in India. The active participation of young scholars and students showcased a growing commitment to ethical sporting practices and underscored the importance of such initiatives.

The NDTL Annual Conference-2025 reaffirmed India’s commitment to upholding global anti-doping standards and represented a significant step toward fostering a doping-free sports culture. In his closing remarks, the Director of NDTL expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, panelists, and participants for their invaluable contributions. He emphasized the crucial role of such knowledge-sharing initiatives in driving awareness, advancing scientific research, and shaping policies to effectively combat doping in sports.

*****

Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2112818) Visitor Counter : 54

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BUDDHIST DEVELOPMENT PLAN UNDER PMJVK IN LADAKH AND OTHER HIMALAYAN STATES

Source: Government of India

Sl. No.	Project Name	State/UT	District
1	Construction of Monastic Hostel cum Classrooms, Pemayangste	Sikkim BDP	Gyalshing
2	Construction of Monastic School Hostel cum Classrooms, Enchey monastic school	Sikkim BDP	Gangtok
3	Construction of Monastic Hostel cum Classrooms Khatek Pema Choling Monsastic School Pakyong	Sikkim BDP	Pakyong
4	Construction of Monastic Hostel cum Classrooms, Ngadak Gumpa , Namchi	Sikkim BDP	Namchi
5	Extension of existing Monastic hostel cum classrooms, sicheytamang Gumpa	Sikkim BDP	Gangtok
6	Construction of Community Meditation centre cum Multi- purpose Hall at Karthok Gumpa, Karthok, Pakyong.	Sikkim BDP	Pakyong
7	Construction of Monastic Hostel cum Classrooms at Boomtar Gumpa, Namchi	Sikkim BDP	Namchi
8	Construction of Monastic Hostel cum Classrooms at Sangay Choeling Gumpa,, Teendahharey Bhasmey	Sikkim BDP	Pakyong
9	Construction of Monastic Hostel cum Classrooms at Phuntsok Choeling Gumpa, Lower Sreebadam	Sikkim BDP	Soreng
10	Construction of Gostel cum classroom at Sanga Choling Gumpa, Martam	Sikkim BDP	Gangtok
11	Construction of proposed Dr.BheemRaoAmbedkar (Buddhist) Community, Multi-purpose hall and Library at Ambedkar Colony, 1st/D.L.Road, Dehradun	Uttarakhand BDP	Dehradun
12	Multipurpose Hall For Buddhist Community At Lakhanwala, Vikas Nagar, Dehradun	Uttarakhand BDP	Dehradun
13	Construction Of Proposed Educational And Sports Hall At 40 Buddha Vihar, 2nd D.L Road, Dehradun.	Uttarakhand BDP	Dehradun
14	Construction of the School building, incorporating Science Lab, Computer Lab & main Indoor Stadium etc. for Duzingphotang Ufti, Zansakar. District Kargil, UT of Ladakh.	CIBS BDP	District Kargil, UT of Ladakh.
15	New Academic building for traditional course at Central Institute of Buddhist studies. Leh. UT of Ladakh	CIBS BDP	Leh. UT of Ladakh
16	Infrastructure Development of Nalanda School at Nafra, West Kameng District	Arunachal Pradesh	West Kameng
17	Infrastructure development of Monk Hostel cum prayer Hall at Mechuka Gonpa	Arunachal Pradesh	Mechuka
18	Development of Hostel and Training Facilities at Lhagon Jangchub Choeling Monastery, Tezu	Arunachal Pradesh	Tezu
19	Multipurpose Hall at Nakhu Village, Nafra, West Kameng District	Arunachal Pradesh	West Kameng
20	Infrastructure Development of Thupten Dhonag Wosel Dargeyling at Mandala, Dirang, West Kameng district	Arunachal Pradesh	West Kameng
21	Infrastructure Development at Thardhoe Norbuling at Lumla, Tawang District	Arunachal Pradesh	Tawang
22	Development of Shambala and Shagrila Mythical Religious site and development of Community Centre Gompa at Hoongla Village, Tawang Disctrict	Arunachal Pradesh	Tawang
23	Development of Meditation Hall & Public Facilities at Urgan Sangha ChhoelingGonpa, Holocbari, Jia,Lower Dibang Valley.	Arunachal Pradesh	Lower Dibang Valley
24	Extension of Nyomsa Monastery at Jang, Tawang Disctrict	Arunachal Pradesh	Tawang
25	C/o Monk Quarter cum Meditation Hall & Library for Pemaziling Monastery at Muchukha Shi Yoma, Arunchal Pradesh	Arunachal Pradesh	Shi Yoma
26	Construction of Sports Climbing Wall at Mountaineering Sub Centre Jispa	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
27	Purchasing Equipment of Sports, Mountaineering Rescue for Mountaineering Sub Centre Jispa	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
28	Providing Winter Water Supply scheme for habitation of GP Gondhla	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
29	Construction of Hostel Block (Boys & Girls at Mountaineering Sub Centre Jispa (Separate blocks)	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
30	Solarization of Schools (60 Schools)	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
31	Construction of community centre/one stop centre building at village Yournath (Guskiyar)	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
32	Construction of Tourist Information centre cum stay facility and two trekker huts at Tingret in Miyar valley, Sub-Division Udaipur Distt. LahaulSpiti.	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
33	Nature Interpretation Centre cum Nature Park at Sissu Sub-Division Keylong Distt. LahaulSpiti.	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
34	Installation of Off-Grid Solar Power Plants at Mountaineering Sub Centre Jispa	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
35	Installation of Off-Grid Solar Power Plants at Health Institution of CMO Keylong	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
36	100 KW capacity solar power plant with Battery Energy Storage System at Kaza	Himachal Pradesh (BDP)	L & S
37	Examination cum training Center (200 eater Capacity)	Ladakh	Kargil
38	Const. of Training cum Examination center(200 seater capacity) at ITI Leh	Ladakh	Ladakh
39	Construction of 2 storey building for souvenir Shop at Leh-Mana	CIBS BDP	Leh. UT of Ladakh
40	Development of Infrastructure at Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS), Arunachal Pradesh	CIHCS	Arunachal Pradesh
41	Centre for Advanced studies in Buddhist Studies at the University of Delhi (MoU)	DU	New Delhi
42	3 storey for Department of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery (Traditional Ayurveda) with attached College	CIBS BDP	Leh. UT of Ladakh

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee of Augusta National Golf Club Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Stealing Masters Golf Tournament Merchandise and Memorabilia

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CHICAGO — A former employee of the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia was sentenced today to a year in federal prison for stealing millions of dollars’ worth of Masters golf tournament merchandise and memorabilia and selling it to online brokers.

RICHARD BRENDAN GLOBENSKY, 40, of Evans, Ga., pleaded guilty last year in U.S. District Court in Chicago to a federal charge of transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman today ordered Globensky to pay $3,448,842 in restitution to Augusta National.

The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Art Crime Team.

Globensky admitted in a plea agreement that he stole the merchandise and memorabilia from 2009 to 2022 while he was employed by the club as a warehouse assistant. The merchandise included Masters shirts, hats, flags, watches, and other goods, while the memorabilia included historically significant items, such as the Green Jackets awarded to tournament winners Arnold Palmer, Gene Sarazen, and Ben Hogan. Globensky sold the merchandise to an online broker in Florida for a total of approximately $5.3 million. He sold the historically significant memorabilia to the same broker, as well as to the broker’s associate, for nearly $300,000. The brokers later re-sold the stolen merchandise and memorabilia, often at significant markups from the amounts paid to Globensky. At least one of the stolen items was purchased by a collector in Chicago.

During the last six years of the crime, Globensky spent more than $370,000 to purchase five vehicles and a motorboat, as well as more than $160,000 for Walt Disney-themed vacations and related activities. Globensky also spent nearly $600,000 on construction of a custom-built residence in Georgia and approximately $32,000 at luxury retailer Louis Vuitton.

“The funds Globensky obtained enabled him and his spouse to live a lifestyle far beyond their means,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The manner in which he spent the proceeds suggests greed was his primary motivation for committing the offense.”

MIL Security OSI –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Straight Talk and NASCAR Return for the Straight Talk Wireless 400™ with Groundbreaking NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels
Source: Verizon

Headline: Straight Talk and NASCAR Return for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 with Groundbreaking NASCAR Pit Crew Member Brehanna Daniels

MIAMI – Straight Talk Wireless, a leading prepaid brand covered by Verizon’s 5G network and sold at Walmart, is bringing the excitement back to the Homestead-Miami Speedway as the Straight Talk Wireless 400 NASCAR Cup Series race makes its highly anticipated return on Sunday, March 23. As the Entitlement Sponsor of the race and an Official Wireless partner of NASCAR, Straight Talk is delivering an unforgettable experience with exclusive access for fans both on and off the track.

As part of this year’s “Real Unlimited Fan Experience,” Straight Talk Wireless partnered with Brehanna Daniels, the first ever Black female NASCAR Tire Changer and Cup Series pit crew member, in a social media campaign to bring a lucky fan (and three friends) closer to the action. Through the #WintoWaveSweepstakes, Brehanna explained how fans could enter for a chance to win a VIP experience at the Straight Talk Wireless 400 —including:
- Serving as the Honorary Starter and waving the Green Flag to kick off the race.
- Circling the speedway at top speed and joining the drivers during the Drivers Meeting.
- Walking Pit Lane and meeting their favorite drivers face-to-face.
- Watching the race from the rooftop where the spotters work their magic, getting a peek inside the broadcast booth, and enjoying the race from premium seats.
- After the checkered flag drops, the opportunity to be in Victory Lane and celebrate with the winner of the Straight Talk Wireless 400.
“It is an honor to partner with Straight Talk Wireless, a brand that shares my passion for breaking barriers and creating unforgettable experiences,” said Brehanna Daniels. “Throughout my career, I’ve cherished connecting with the NASCAR community and building relationships through the sport. This partnership allows us to create unique opportunities for fans to engage with NASCAR and make lasting memories together.”

“At Straight Talk Wireless, we believe in delivering real, unlimited experiences —just like our customers expect from their wireless service, said Nancy Clark, President of Verizon Value. As an official partner of NASCAR, we’re committed to making the sport more accessible to fans. Partnering with Brehanna Daniels makes this even more special –she’s a trailblazer, and together, we’re excited to offer our NASCAR-loving audience a unique chance to get closer to the action and create unforgettable memories.”

More Ways to Experience The Excitement

In addition to the #WinToWaveSweepstakes, fans can get in on the action early at the NASCAR® on Tour event presented by Straight Talk Wireless at Walmart. This high-energy tailgate will set the stage for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 with an unforgettable pre-race celebration at the Walmart store located at 13600 SW 288th St, in Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, March 21, from 3-7 pm.

Fans can expect all the excitement of our in-store events —plus delicious food trucks, a live DJ, and special NASCAR driver appearances. Live music will cap off the night, taking the celebration to the next level, and making it the ultimate way to kick off race weekend.

The “NASCAR on Tour” series, held exclusively in Walmart parking lots, brings fans closer to the sport across key markets, including Pennsylvania, Miami, Nashville, Charlotte, Atlanta, South Carolina, Wilkesboro and Augusta. For more information, visit www.straighttalkracingtour.com

Tune in on Sunday, March 23rd on FOX Sports 1 at 3 pm ET to catch all of the exciting action of the Straight Talk Wireless 400. Don’t miss out on this incredible event—tickets are still available for purchase by phone at 1-866-409-7223 or online at www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com.

For more information on Straight Talk Wireless, visit www.straighttalk.com.

About Straight Talk Wireless

Straight Talk Wireless provides quality no-contract wireless solutions to value-conscious consumers and is available exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com, and Straighttalk.com.

Straight Talk is part of the Verizon Value portfolio of prepaid brands, which includes Total Wireless, Visible, Tracfone, Simple Mobile, SafeLink, Walmart Family Mobile, and Verizon Prepaid.
MIL OSI Economics –
March 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Figs, meat – and not too much sex. A good diet in ancient times was more than what you ate

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

The Feast of Acheloüs by Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder, ca. 1615 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the modern world, we know good nutrition is essential for our health.

Doctors in ancient Greece and Rome knew this too – in fact diet advice was a mainstay of medical practice and health routines. There were extensive and intricate discussions of how to regulate food and drink to stay healthy.

Some of their ideas – such as eating fish and vegetables as a healthy way to lose weight – make sense today. But others may raise eyebrows, such a fig-only diet for Olympic athletes.

So, what did diet and nutrition look like in ancient times? And is there anything we can learn today?

An expansive diet

In modern times, diet refers to food and drink. In ancient times, however, the idea of diet was more expansive.

Our word “diet” comes from the ancient Greek word diaita. This could refer to what we eat and drink, but it could also refer to our lifestyle as a whole – including exercise, sleep, sex and other activities.

When prescribing a diaita, ancient doctors did not just tell patients what to eat and drink. They also advised them on what sorts of other activities they should be doing, like exercising or even going to the theatre.

For instance, in the sixth book of the Epidemics, a medical text written in the late fifth century BC, the author calls for moderation not just in what we eat and drink, but also in exercise, sleep and sex.

Ancient doctors believed balance was important for health.

Extreme dieting

However, not all ancient texts advocate moderation. There are some extreme cases of dieting. For example, the historian Hegesander of Delphi (2nd century BC) wrote:

Anchimolus and Moschus, who were sophistic teachers in Elis, drank nothing but water all their lives and ate nothing but figs, but were no less physically vigorous than anyone else. Their sweat, however, smelled so bad that everyone tried to avoid them in the baths.

Some ancient athletes swore by a fig-only diet.
Wikimedia Commons

In the seventh century BC, athletic trainers also focused on diet as a way to improve their athletes’ physical condition. Trainers such as Iccus of Tarentum introduced strict diets for their athletes to try and gain a competitive edge.

However, their methods were often questionable, according to today’s standards and our knowledge about nutrition.

For example, the Olympic runner Chionis of Laconia apparently also had a strict diet of figs when he was training for his competitions. He won in his event at the Olympics in 668, 664, 660, and 656BC, a remarkable record. Other athletes, such as Eurymenes of Samos (sixth century BC), opted for a diet entirely comprised of meat.

However, there is no evidence to show these restricted diets would have improved athletic performance – and would not be recommended today.

The physician Galen.
Pierre-Roch Vigneron/Wikimedia Commons

An ancient doctor’s perspective

Greek and Roman doctors could not conduct controlled trials as scientists do today.

Nevertheless, they were keen observers of the effects of certain foods on their patients – and saw with their own eyes that a bad diet is not good for us.

For example, the physician Galen of Pergamum (129-216AD) in his work Hygiene attributes his patients’ ill health to poor diet.

He observed

some who are continuously diseased, not due to the intrinsic constitution of the body, but through a bad regimen, or living an idle life, or working too hard, or being in error regarding the qualities, quantities or times of foods, or practicing some exercise that is harmful, or erring in regard to the amount of sleep, or excessive indulgence in sex, or needlessly tormenting themselves with grief and anxiety. Every year I see very many who are sick through such a cause.

Galen thought hard about how certain foods and drinks affect our health and wrote various books on the subject, such as On the Powers of Foods.

This work contains many anecdotes. For instance, one young man drank the juice of the scammony plant, “to cleanse his system” (presumably as a laxative). However

five hours after the dose no evacuation had taken place, and he complained that his stomach felt compressed, his belly was heavy and swollen, consequently he was pale and anxious.

Galen also recognised different diets affect people in different ways:

some people are harmed and some are benefited by the same things and similarly with opposites. […] I know of some who immediately become sick, if they remain three days without exercise, and others who continue indefinitely without exercise and yet are healthy.

Nutrition and balance

Galen’s advice for overweight or obese patients may sound familiar: a “thinning” diet and a lot of fast running. So, exercise, combined with foods that fill you up but don’t make you gain weight.

According to Galen this meant eating vegetables and fish and avoiding wheat, red meat, fruit and wine.

A lot has changed in the world of diet and nutrition. We now have professional dietiticians and empirical methods to measure the nutritional values of foods.

However in their broader definition of “diet”, ancient doctors identified something that remains as true today: the importance of eating well as part of a healthy lifestyle, one that takes care of body and mind and includes exercise, sleep and pleasure.

Konstantine Panegyres 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. Figs, meat – and not too much sex. A good diet in ancient times was more than what you ate – https://theconversation.com/figs-meat-and-not-too-much-sex-a-good-diet-in-ancient-times-was-more-than-what-you-ate-249571

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President Mashatile to lead Human Rights Day commemoration

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at Friday’s 2025 Human Rights Day commemoration event.

The Deputy President will deliver the address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega, located within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

This as Human Rights commemorative events this year are held under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights” .

“This is a call for a renewed and strengthened commitment from all levels of society, to accelerate practical solutions in driving inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical and developmental State,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

South Africa commemorates National Human Rights Day on 21 March to remember the Sharpeville massacre, where apartheid police killed 69 peaceful protesters against the regime in 1960.

The Presidency stated that this is an important day, which also honours 35 people who were killed on 21 March 1985, when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral in Uitenhage and KwaLanga.

The government has chosen Kariega to host the national Human Rights Day commemoration as the State’s initiative to rotate national days, allowing communities across all provinces to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the liberation struggle.

According to the Presidency, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on and evaluate the progress made towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and united nation.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, Premier of the Eastern Cape Province Oscar Mabuyane, Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council, Mayors, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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MIL OSI Africa –

March 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: In 2000, Australia was defined by the Olympics, border politics and reconciliation. So what really has changed?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University

The world had its eyes on Sydney in 2000. A million people lined the harbour to ring in the new millennium (though some said it was actually the final year of the old one) on January 1.

US television reporters called it “the biggest party in Australian history”. Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, whose corporation seemed to represent the coming age, was among those watching on.

Sydney offered not only a world-leading party, but also a litmus test for the much-feared Y2K bug, which threatened to knock planes out of the sky and bring the global economy to a halt. Australia and New Zealand were said to be the “tripwire for the world’s computer systems”.

It was fine in the end, although plenty of work had in fact been undertaken behind the scenes to make Australia’s systems more millennium-proof than they might have been.

This was arguably the defining feature of Australia in the year 2000: a confident display for the world concealing a lot of angst and uncertainty. Australia was the “oldest continent on Earth”, the US broadcasters told their viewers, but it was “much more of an Asian nation”, and much closer to the rest of the world “thanks to technology”.

Those confident claims would probably have surprised many Australians. Theirs was an old country trying to keep up with a new, interconnected world, and also a relatively young one trying to reconcile itself with the ancient cultures that its settler forebears had dispossessed.

A curated Australia

In September, the world’s sporting and political elite, followed by a train of journalists, arrived in Sydney for the 2000 Olympic Games. It had been years in the making, and every level of government was involved. There were no fewer than 47,000 volunteers.

There was something for everyone in the well-curated opening ceremony. The event opened with the crack of a stockman’s whip and a fleet of flag-waving bushmen on horseback. There were highly sanitised displays of European arrival, pastoral settlement and a tribute to an armour-clad colonial Victorian bushranger that must have baffled those viewers watching from abroad who had not seen a Sidney Nolan painting before.

Ancient stories and new cultural sensibilities were on display too. There were stylised performances of the Dreaming, striking First Nations dances and the distinctive sounds of the didgeridoo. A section entitled “Arrivals” recognised the importance of migration in the nation’s story.

A young Aboriginal sprinter, Cathy Freeman, lit the cauldron in what became one of the iconic images of the year. The cauldron’s hydraulics unfortunately got stuck as it ascended, and the flame was mere seconds from snuffing out in what could have been a global embarrassment. But big ambitions incur big risks.

This global performance of Australian-ness was arrestingly simple: that of a nation confident in its own diversity and capable of catering to everyone’s tastes.

Even the musical selections seemed to reconcile the needs of the youth (with performances from a young Vanessa Amorosi and even younger Nikki Webster), and the more mature (represented by John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John).

Australia’s athletes had their best ever showing with 58 medals, including Freeman’s own gold.

Not quite comfortable, not quite relaxed

The Olympics masked as much as they revealed.

In 2000, many white Australians still weren’t sure if theirs was, or should be, a multicultural society.

The reactionary Pauline Hanson was out of parliament for the time being, but her One Nation Party had won 7.5% of the vote in New South Wales in the March 1999 state election, and nearly 23% of the vote in Queensland the year before.

Eight weeks before millennium day, Australians had roundly rejected two referendum proposals, one to become a republic, and for a Constitutional preamble that, among other things, recognised Indigenous Australians as “the nation’s first people”.

But whether Hanson liked it or not, her lifetime had coincided with great demographic and social change.

In 1976, roughly 1.8% of the population said they were born in Asia or the Middle East. In the 2001 census, 1.6% of the population were born in China or Vietnam alone, and many more were the descendants of migrants from these places.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population had more than doubled over the same period, while those identifying as Christian decreased from nearly 79% in 1976 to 56% in 2001.

This increasingly diverse Australia claimed to be on a journey to “reconciliation”. That process had been sorely tested during the nasty debates about land rights and the Stolen Generations.

Corroboree 2000, held on May 27 in Sydney, saw the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and the nation’s political leaders present their visions for the next phase of national healing. The leaders symbolically left their handprints on a “reconciliation canvas”.

The following day, 250,000 Australians walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a moving display of togetherness. John Howard, the prime minister, declined to participate.

But his treasurer, Peter Costello, made a point of showing up for a similar event in Melbourne that December, leading Victorian Liberals and another 200,000 or so Australians.

Their different approaches showed that the past was still a troubling present. Howard rebuffed suggestions of a treaty between Indigenous and settler Australians and maintained his refusal to apologise on behalf of the Commonwealth to the Stolen Generations, though all the states had done so by this time.

The idea of such an apology was not as popular then as it seemed later on. The prime minister was sensitive to the fact that his was “an unpopular view with a lot of people”, but an opinion poll in The Australian newspaper showed a majority of voters were opposed to a national apology.

Two survivors of the Stolen Generations, Peter Gunner and Lorna Cubillo, sued the Commonwealth for damages in 2000, giving their opponents the chance to challenge the legitimacy of their experiences. None of this looked like a nation that was as “comfortable and relaxed” as Howard had hoped it would be under his watch.

Border politics

Australian collective memory often gravitates toward 2001, the year of the Tampa affair and the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

But Australia’s border was already highly politicised in 2000.

In January, a boat arrived from Indonesia carrying 54 Christians fleeing religious conflict. They spent ten weeks at Port Hedland Immigration Detention facility, from which 39 went back to Indonesia and only 15 moved on to Adelaide to build new lives.

Port Hedland and other detention centres made the news for all the wrong reasons. There were riots, hunger strikes and multiple breakouts. Authorities responded with upgraded security perimeters, character checks, and strip searches without warrants.

Frustrated refugees set fire to South Australia’s Woomera facility, which former prime minister Malcolm Fraser publicly condemned as a “hell-hole”.

In an end-of-year reflection for The Age newspaper, Gary Tippet said there had been a “touch of mean-spiritedness” about the handling of it all. Chris Wallace rightly suggests 2000 was a crucial moment in the “march towards an absolute offshore, extraterritorial approach” to refugees in Australia.

In the intervening quarter-century, Australian officials have made mean-spiritedness an art form at the border and on the seas.

First-rate democracy, third-rate economy

Compared to the many legal challenges that came out of the US presidential contest in November 2000, Australia’s elections looked pretty smooth and sensible. The US seemed to have a backward democracy grafted onto its world-leading, information-age economy.

Australia looked the opposite: a first-rate democracy with what looked increasingly like a “branch-office economy”.

Reformers had tried for 20 years to make Australia efficient and competitive, but as one editorial in The Australian Financial Review explained, the country still suffered from its “old economy image”.

The tech boom would soon become the tech wreck.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Certainly, Australia still sold its minerals and farm products to the world in exchange for quality cars and cutting-edge computers.

With global capitalists still enthralled by the global tech boom (though it was soon to become the “tech wreck”), they had little need for the Aussie dollar.

The currency’s value declined through the year to just 50 US cents, and it would fall further in the following months. On its own, this mattered little, but a quarter of negative growth at the end of the year meant, as Paul Kelly later wrote, an “election-year recession” seemed a “real threat”.

In the meantime, the much-debated Goods and Services Tax took effect around midnight on June 30 (a few hours later for businesses trading through the night).

The 10% consumption tax was a big deal. Costello said in his memoir the “prices of three billion products were to change all at the same time”.

The measure was politically brave, but soon became unpopular, helping raise petrol prices and alienate small business owners.

The punters were pretty confident the Howard government was heading for defeat in 2001. They were wrong.

Between the old and new

The pace of social change accelerated from 2000.

In the 2021 census, 2.6% of the population said they were born in India, and a further 3.2% in China and Vietnam. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians had more than doubled over two decades, such that they made up 3.2% of the total population in 2021.

People increasingly related to their economy differently, too. Half of the workforce had been unionised in the 1980s, but coverage fell to roughly a quarter in 2000 and just 12.5% in 2022.

These and other changes make our politics look different from that of 25 years ago. Nailbiter elections are now more common than thumping majorities and attitudes toward the once-feared “minority government” have softened.

For all that, many of the challenges of 2000 are still with us.

Many Australians are less tolerant of overt racism than they once were, but the 2023 Voice referendum and our offshore detention regime remind us that race still matters in this country.

Kevin Rudd apologised to the Stolen Generations in 2008, but Treaty and Truth-Telling are left unresolved.

And for all our talk about human capital and the digital economy, resources make up a much higher share of our total export mix today than in 2000.

A quarter-century on, Australia is still caught between the old and the new.

Dr Joshua Black is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Australia Institute.

– ref. In 2000, Australia was defined by the Olympics, border politics and reconciliation. So what really has changed? – https://theconversation.com/in-2000-australia-was-defined-by-the-olympics-border-politics-and-reconciliation-so-what-really-has-changed-250791

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh to host Tour De France Grand Départ 2027

Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker welcome announcement.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said:

We are thrilled to welcome the Tour de France Grand Départ to Edinburgh. With our winding cobbled streets and iconic backdrop, the city provides a dramatic, challenging, and undeniably picturesque start to this legendary race. It’s sure to be a sight to remember.

This will be an exhilarating event for the city and a major highlight of 2027. Edinburgh’s residents are renowned for offering a warm and unforgettable welcome to millions of visitors each year, and we look forward to extending that same hospitality to the Tour de France.

Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker, said:

As the world’s largest annual sporting event, the Tour de France will bring elite cyclists from across the globe to Edinburgh, showcasing exactly why our city is celebrated worldwide as a premier events destination. Edinburgh is no stranger to cycling events, and has proudly hosted stages of the Tour of Britian and the UCI Championships in 2023. Beyond the significant benefits to the local economy, the global media coverage will place Edinburgh at the heart of the world’s stage, strengthening our city’s international reputation.

These events not only allow Edinburgh’s residents to see some of the world’s leading cyclists in action but also showcase the very best of the city to travelling tourists and athletes. Cycling in the Capital continues to grow in popularity, so hosting another major event is fantastic news. I’m confident the people of Edinburgh will come out in full support of the riders, and a successful Grand Départ will surely ignite even more passion for the sport.

Published: March 19th 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Achievement awards for children with additional needs

Source: City of Leicester

CHILDREN and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have been recognised for their achievements at a celebration event.

The awards ceremony – which was generously sponsored by local businesses – was held as part of a recent drop-in event called Local Offer Live. It saw children commended for their resilience, bravery and educational achievements.

Among those getting an award was 16-year-old Ruby Tebbutt, a pupil at Tudor Grange Samworth Academy. Ruby received a Positive Contribution to Society award in the 12-25 age group category, for her courage in sharing her personal story of autism with her school.

Jemma Cox from the academy, who nominated Ruby, said: “Ruby completed an exceptional speaking and listening exam in English, where she bravely shared her own experience of being autistic. She highlighted the importance of teachers recognising and respecting the unique challenges faced by autistic students.”

Jemma also nominated 16-year-old Samworth student Cohen Smith for a Shining Star award. As well as overcoming significant barriers to improve his own attendance and behaviour, Cohen has been supporting his friends, meeting one friend in reception every day and walking him to class to ensure he felt welcomed and supported. “This consistent act of kindness has not only helped the student to improve his attendance, it has also boosted his confidence and sense of belonging,” Jemma said.

Hayden Rosario, aged 17, from Nether Hall School, won the Art, Music & Media award in the 12-25 category. Nominator Michael Norton from the school said: “Hayden started to learn the glockenspiel last year and has developed his skills and confidence so much in a short space of time. He played ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’ by Elton John to a crowd of hundreds of people. Who knows where Hayden’s talent and hard work will take him, but all at Nether Hall School are so proud of him.”

Ten-year-old Samuel Davies from St John the Baptist Primary School won the 0-10 Sports Award. Samuel is an all-round sportsperson who was nominated for his wonderful listening skills, teamwork and great resilience, as well as for his achievements in cross-country running. As a child with ADHD and autism, these sporting opportunities provide Samuel with vital opportunities to communicate and connect socially with others.

Hayden Rosario (centre)

Ruby Tebbutt (left)

Samuel Davies (centre)

Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, said: “It was wonderful to see these awards handed out at Local Offer Live. These are young people who have worked so hard and given back so much to their school communities, and it’s great to see them recognised for that.

“Our specialist staff in our disabled children’s service, along with our dedicated education professionals, work in partnership with schools to support children with additional needs. We’re always really proud when the children do amazing things and achieve to their full potential.”

More information about city council and partners’ services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families, can be found at: https://families.leicester.gov.uk/send-local-offer/

ENDS

Top picture shows Cllr Elaine Pantling (centre) with award winner Cohen Smith and nominator Jemma Cox

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: A new sports centre for Montréal-Nord

Source: Government of Canada News

Montréal, Quebec, March 19, 2025 — A further step has been taken towards a new modern aquatic sports complex that will be built in Montréal-Nord on the site of the former Garon arena, thanks to contributions of $88 million from the City of Montreal and $15 million from the federal government.

This announcement was made by Emmanuel Dubourg, Member of Parliament for Bourassa, Caroline Bourgeois, Mayor of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, responsible for Sports and Recreation and for East Montreal on the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal and Christine Black, Borough mayor of Montréal-Nord.

Sports Component

This funding will allow for the construction of the sports section, which will include a double gymnasium, a gymnastics hall, a three-lane walking track, locker rooms, bleachers, and administrative offices for organizations. Adapted to the current and future needs of the community, this modern facility will offer enhanced and diversified recreational and sports programs for citizens of all age groups in the borough of Montréal-Nord. The centre aims to improve access to sports facilities for all, promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles, and strengthen the local social fabric.

The design of the new building follows a rigorous sustainable development approach. The goal is to achieve a LEED Gold v4 certification, ensuring optimal energy efficiency, responsible resource use, and a reduced environmental footprint. Furthermore, the project will integrate the new building standards provided in the BCZ-Design v4 standard, meeting the latest standards for ecological performance and climate resilience. This new sports centre embodies Montréal-Nord’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and the well-being of its entire community, while actively contributing to improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Aquatic Component

Before the confirmation of financial contributions from other levels of government, the City of Montreal had already planned investments estimated at $88M in this project for the construction of the pool. With the desire to move forward quickly, the aquatic component of the sports complex has already been in planning for two years. Once the project’s financial structure is completed and the construction work is finished, the sports and aquatic facilities will be connected.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why the future of women’s rugby in England looks stronger than ever

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christina Philippou, Associate Professor in Accounting and Sport Finance, University of Portsmouth

The women’s rugby side Gloucester-Hartpury have had a pretty good season. On March 16 they won their third Premiership Women’s Rugby Championship in a row, beating Saracens 31-19 in the final.

But the sport as a whole is enjoying an impressive run too. Fellow Premiership side Harlequins broke the world attendance record for a women’s rugby club game at the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) in December 2024, with a crowd of 18,055. And ticket sales for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August (hosted by England) have already broken records.

There has also been a surge in commercial interest. Research I was involved in suggests that rugby is following a trend seen in other women’s sports, including football and basketball, where brands previously not associated with sport are finally joining the party. The skincare brand Clinique is now a key sponsor of Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), for example.

And despite issues with financial sustainability across rugby union clubs generally, some clubs are showing a clear appetite for commercial growth. Leicester Tigers’ women’s side, for example, is currently seeking a “principal partner” to sign up to a “six-figure annual commitment” of investment and sponsorship – in return for naming rights of a planned new stadium.

Broadcasting interest (and income) has increased too. PWR and TNT Sports have a multi-year deal to show live matches, while BBC Sport had live access to four key games this year, starting with Harlequins against Bristol Bears in February and ending with the PWR final. For the national teams, the 2025 Women’s Six Nations tournament will also be shown on the BBC.

Overall then, women’s rugby in England is winning more coverage, higher attendances, and greater involvement from commercial brands just in time for the World Cup. And the effects are already visible for the tournament, with “unprecedented demand” for tickets an early indicator of financial success. A number of matches already have limited availability.

That said, any large sporting event carries risks, and research shows that the aftermath (for sporting involvement) can be disappointing and the effects on the domestic game limited. A proper legacy depends on the support of national governing bodies.

Star power

So women’s rugby still faces barriers. But without wishing to place further weight on her shoulders, the sport has a not-so-secret weapon in the form of a player who has elevated the sport to new levels in a very short space of time.

Ilona Maher, 28, has 3.5 million followers on Tiktok, more than any other rugby player in the world, of any gender. She represented the US rugby sevens national team at the Paris Olympics (they came third) and her appearance on the US dance competition show Dancing With the Stars (where she finished in second place) made her even more famous. Next on her list it playing for her country in this year’s World Cup.

To do so, she needed to bolster her experience in the 15-a-side game – so ended up signing for PWR side Bristol Bears.

This was a commercially shrewd deal for both sides. Maher is getting semi-professional experience, and Bristol Bears have already seen a financial boost. They doubled their attendance record (to 9,240) on Maher’s debut weekend in January 2025, having moved venue to accommodate the surge in ticket sales. The club is also selling more merchandise.

Nor is it just Bristol Bears which have benefited from the Ilona Maher effect. Interest in the league as a whole has increased, both in the UK and abroad, bringing new audiences to the sport just in time for the international competition.

Those audiences can hopefully look forward to an entertaining and exciting World Cup in England this summer. And if the current momentum behind the sport continues, a bright future for women’s rugby.

Christina Philippou 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 the future of women’s rugby in England looks stronger than ever – https://theconversation.com/why-the-future-of-womens-rugby-in-england-looks-stronger-than-ever-247117

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leader tours new Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy

Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

Dundee City Council leader Councillor Mark Flynn visited the site of the new Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy on Wednesday March 19 to see progress on the £100 million development.

As the largest investment in education, sport and community provision in the city, the flagship Community Campus will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and services to the area.

Greenfield Academy will replace the current Braeview Academy and Craigie High School.

Set to open in August 2025, Drumgeith Community Campus will serve as a modern and vibrant central hub for the north and east of the city for both pupils and the community to use.

It will provide specialist pupil support provision, citywide music and performing arts, as well as community, library, leisure, and sports facilities for use by the wider community.

Facilities at the campus will support partnership working with Dundee & Angus College to provide Senior Phase Education curricular experiences for young people with complex additional support needs.

Sport facilities which include floodlit all weather pitches, a fitness suite and a dance studio in addition to gym and games halls.

Councillor Flynn said: “This is a really exciting time for the whole community, and I am pleased to see progress on such an important investment for the future of our city.

“It will host superb facilities for young people and the wider community that will help them to develop skills to take advantage of new opportunities in the years ahead.

“Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy show our ambition to deliver real improvements and make the city a better place for everyone.

“I am delighted that pupils are also getting the chance to look at facilities that will become their learning environment from the start of the next school year.”

Children, Families and Communities Convener Councillor Stewart Hunter said: “Our ambition is for the campus to be the heart of the community with state-of-the-art facilities for everyone to enjoy and it’s great to see the vision coming together.”

Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Convener Steven Rome added: “This £100 million investment in creating the Drumgeith Community Campus in the north east of the city is a significant project to transform educational and community facilities, replacing two outdated school buildings with a secondary placed within a modern and vibrant campus.”

Drumgeith Community Campus is being delivered through Procurement Hub Major Projects 2 Framework.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “As we near completion of the state-of the-art campus and academy, it’s been fantastic to show how we have realised Dundee City Council’s ambitious vision, which will be at the heart of the community for generations to come.

“We have been partner of choice with the Council for several years now and this project represents a shared vision of creating modern, sustainable, high quality buildings that make a difference to the people who use them, as well as the local economy through the construction process and beyond.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Guilbeault announces the extension of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission

Source: Government of Canada News

GATINEAU, March 19, 2025

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission is currently undertaking an independent and forward-looking review of Canada’s sport system.

To allow the Commission to fulfill its mandate of developing concrete recommendations that will bring about meaningful and lasting change for Canadians and Canadian sport, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, today announced the extension of the mandate of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission.

The work of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission will be extended until March 31, 2026. The Governor in Council appointments of Lise Maisonneuve as Commissioner and Ms. Noni Classen and Dr. Andrew Pipe as Special Advisors were also extended.

The extension of the work of the Commission, at the request of the Commission’s independent leadership, will ensure that ample time is allocated for dialogue and for the development of recommendations on safe sport and the sport system in Canada.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: High school sports are losing athletes to private clubs, but schools can keep them by focusing on character development
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mark Rerick, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, University of North Dakota

High school sports programs tend to emphasize character development and good sportsmanship. AP Photo/Mel Evans

Not long ago, high school students who wanted to play football, basketball or another sport had few options other than trying out for their school team. And it was to high school gymnasiums and fields that recruiters flocked to find talent for colleges and even the pros.

That’s changed in recent decades as private clubs have emerged and soared in popularity across the country. Today, kids interested in pretty much any sport often have multiple clubs and leagues to choose from instead of playing on their high school’s varsity squads. Clubs have been especially good at attracting the most talented student-athletes due to their intense and competitive nature.

As a result, parents are increasingly debating something that would have been unthinkable a couple of generations ago: Where should our kids play sports?

As a former K-12 director of athletics – and as a current parent of three youth athletes from elementary to the collegiate level – I know it can be a tough choice. I’ve seen firsthand the pros and cons of playing sports both in high school and clubs.

While clubs may be best for the most talented athletes, I believe schools can’t be beat for the broader focus they can put on character development. Since the vast majority of student-athletes won’t play in organized leagues beyond high school, that’s where I believe the schools’ focus should be.

My own unpublished research shows it’s also a way – along with emphasizing the fun and social aspects of athletics – to get more students who played sports as young kids to continue in high school.

The rise of the private youth sports industry

Although I am an unapologetic advocate for school-based athletics, I recognize the benefits that come along with participation in club or private-league programs.

But prior to the 1980s, private clubs weren’t common. Before high school, kids played on teams organized by their schools, local parks and recreation programs or nonprofit organizations such as the YMCA. After that, the only option for most was high school sports.

The first big step toward highly organized, privatized youth sports programs occurred during what has been referred to as “the Reagan revolution,” according to research I did for my dissertation. President Ronald Reagan’s funding cuts across the government pushed more expenses onto states and cities, which limited the ability of local parks and recreation departments to fully staff youth programs. This left many of them with only enough funds to maintain their facilities.

At the same time, school districts began systematically reducing the number of physical education classes offered in lieu of an increased focus on subjects such as math and science. Those two factors took away the most affordable options for athletic participation for many families.

With the reduction of public offerings, the youth sports programming gap was filled by private clubs and leagues, which placed more emphasis on athleticism, competition and sometimes elite-style training. And it’s become big business for the adults who run these programs.

While good numbers on these leagues are hard to come by, multiple data sources show the privatized youth sports market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. A recent estimate put total spending on youth sports at over US$40 billion as of 2024, compared with the $10 billion estimate of the youth sports economy in 2010.

But despite their growth, one sobering statistic for aspiring elite athletes remains true: Only about 7% of teenagers who play organized sports will advance to the collegiate level or beyond.

Knowing that 93% of high school athletes will end their competitive careers at graduation, I believe it’s important that school administrators place a premium on running athletic programs that focus on building skills they’ll need as adults instead of just winning games.

More and more teenagers are playing on elite club teams, such as Aaliyah Chavez, right, who plays for CyFair Elite.
Mike Caudill for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Why most students play

My own research backs this up.

In my previous role as a director of athletics for public schools in Grand Forks, North Dakota, I routinely surveyed our athletes at the end of their seasons about various aspects of their experience on the team. Among those questions, I asked athletes to tell me the three most important reasons they chose to play that sport for that season and whether they were planning to play on the team again next year.

Unsurprisingly to me, the top three reasons were consistently to have fun, spend time with friends and stay physically active, in that order. You’ll notice winning games or for competition were not among them.

On the flip side, when asked why students chose to drop out the following year, the top reason was their relationship with the coach, while a close second was that they were not having fun. To me, this was evidence that what student-athletes most wanted from their high school programs wasn’t so much sport skills development as personal development and growth.

Other studies back this up. Overtraining and a lack of fun are cited as the main reasons why 70% of young athletes who compete on a team stop playing before they even reach high school.

Focus on the fun – not the competition

Here are five things school administrators can do to help turn things around and make their sports programs more attractive to students considering clubs, as well as those who are pondering giving up on sports altogether.
1. Develop an athletic program that teaches character traits and life skills that are usable for 100% of participants, not just the 7% who go on to play in college.
2. Make sure programs emphasize fun, social growth and physical fitness, rather than just the competition.
3. Encourage coaches to spend individual time throughout the season with each student-athlete to discuss the athlete’s goals, role and progress.
4. Survey student-athletes about their experience at the end of each season and tweak the program accordingly.
5. Include student-athlete assessments about how much they enjoy playing for the coach as a part of the coach’s postseason evaluation.
High school sports may not be for everybody, but I believe many more students would choose to participate if the focus were on building character and having fun with friends, not winning trophies.

Mark Rerick is affiliated with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

– ref. High school sports are losing athletes to private clubs, but schools can keep them by focusing on character development – https://theconversation.com/high-school-sports-are-losing-athletes-to-private-clubs-but-schools-can-keep-them-by-focusing-on-character-development-236367
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: See Myself in Books Festival to help Manchester children feel represented in books and boost reading for pleasure

Source: City of Manchester

Author Maisie Chan with school children

Thousands of children across Manchester will discover books with characters they can relate to during the first See Myself in Books Festival, in a bid to boost reading for pleasure across the city.

The festival, which is delivered by Read Manchester – a partnership between Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust – runs for the next fortnight until 30 March and sees 15 diverse authors taking part. Highlights include a flagship event for schools at The Stoller Hall and a family fun day at the National Football Museum.

The See Myself in Books Festival builds on the success of two book collections specially curated for the city’s primary schools, which include 25 books focused on ethnic diversity and a further 25 books focused on neurodiversity. Copies of these books have been distributed to over 50 local primary schools so far and families can also borrow them at their local library.

The fortnight-long festival sees events across the city in schools, libraries and other community venues, including in-person events with diverse authors, with children and families encouraged to join in and also seek out some of the books to read themselves from the two collections.

Over 350 local primary school pupils joined in the festival’s kick-off event for schools yesterday (Tuesday 18 March) at The Stoller Hall. The event focused on ethnic diversity in books, with bestselling authors including Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola, Maisie Chan and Bobby Joseph. Each pupil who attended the event was given a copy of one of the authors’ books to take home.

Read Manchester will also be taking over the National Football Museum this Saturday 22 March, with a See Myself in Books family fun day to celebrate diversity in children’s literature and football. Author Priscilla Mante will read from her book, Jaz Santos vs The World (Puffin) and answer questions from families. There will also be craft activities and a book hunt for children of all ages. The event runs from 10 am – 3 pm and is free to attend for all Manchester families. Author reading sessions take place at 11 am and 2 pm.

Children across Manchester are also invited to design a See Myself in Books bookmark, which celebrates ethnically diverse or neuro-diverse characters in books. Three winning designs will be turned into official Manchester Libraries bookmarks, which will be shared across the city. Pick up an entry form at local libraries or find out more at readmanchester.org.uk

The See Myself in Books Festival comes as Manchester works towards becoming a UNICEF recognised Child Friendly City – a place where children’s rights are understood and respected, and that adopts a whole city approach towards making Manchester the best possible place for a child to grow up in.

Councillor Julie Reid, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People said: “We’re determined to make sure that every child and young person here in our wonderfully diverse city reaps the benefit of being a regular reader – both for the knowledge and wider understanding it gives them of the world around them, but also for the sheer joy of reading for pleasure.

“What the research shows us however is that children and young people are far more likely to read books if they see people like themselves in them and can identify with them.

“That’s why we’re on a mission to make sure that all our children whatever their background and circumstance, can see themselves reflected in the books they pick up – starting with the books in their own school library.

“We want all children and young people in Manchester to feel included and empowered by the books they read which is what makes our first See Myself in Books Festival so important. We’d love to see families and children across the city get involved – and of course, get reading!”

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows why events that celebrate reading and encourage reading for pleasure are so worthwhile. Last year, the charity revealed that when children and young people read in their free time at least once a month, it helps them to relax (56.6%) and feel happy (41%), learn new things (50.9%), understand the views of others (32.8%), learn about other cultures (32.4%) and be confident (26.0%) [1]. But too many children are missing out on these benefits because they don’t see themselves in the books they read:

· Over half (53.1%) of children aged 8-11 said they find it difficult to find books with characters or people like them

· Yet 1 in 3 children and young people aged 8-18 say that being given books or having books that represent them would make them want to read more

With children’s reading for enjoyment levels at a record low – just 1 in 3 (34.3%) children and young people aged 8-18 in the North West enjoying it in their free time – it’s more important than ever to inspire children to pick up a book.

Jill Connolly, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust said: “When children and young people enjoy reading in their free time, it helps their learning, wellbeing and confidence. By opening up a world of stories that children from diverse backgrounds can relate to, the See Myself in Books Festival helps more children feel these life-changing benefits.”

Find out more information about events and activities taking place during the See Myself in Books Festival

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Arena celebrates its 10th anniversary!

Source: City of Derby

Derby Arena is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The landmark building opened in 2015, with the aim of inspiring the next generation and put sport, health and physical activity at the heart of the city.

Since opening, the Arena has offered citizens the opportunity to be more physically active and improve their health and wellbeing. It’s not just a fitness facility – it’s a national cycling hub, a stage for top performers and a venue for major sporting events, as well as conferences and tradeshows.

In the past decade, Derby Arena has had over a 4 million visits and, in the last five years, has held over 300 events. These have included shows by top comedians Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican, national hockey and international handball finals, and University of Derby graduations.

It was also an important part of the city’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a huge vaccination centre which saw more than 100,000 people vaccinated.

The Arena was constructed on behalf of Derby City Council by Bowmer + Kirkland – the same company that completed the new Becketwell Live performance venue.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure said:

For a decade, Derby Arena has thrived, becoming a leading hub for fitness, wellbeing, sport, and entertainment. Looking ahead, this ambitious facility will no doubt continue to enhance Derby’s appeal as a great place to live, work, and visit.

As a centre for fitness and wellbeing, the Arena is continuing to inspire people to change their lives through physical activity.

Fitness member Dave Martin said:

I can now lift, press, push, and pull weights that I couldn’t have imagined handling before. Initially, even lifting the bar was a struggle. All of this progress is thanks to the dedicated personal training team. The PTs both challenge and support you at your desired level. At 56 years old, I’ve learned that with the right team and motivation, anything is possible.

The Arena is one of only five cycling velodromes in the country and boasts four world champions coaches.

Derby’s track cyclists have shone in national and world competitions, achieving huge medal success in both the 2024 National Masters Track Championship and the 2024 UCI Masters Track World Championships.

Track cycling at Derby Arena

Cyclist John Baugh is a regular at the velodome. He said:

Since our first visit to the Arena three years ago, my son and I have shared many happy hours riding the velodrome. This venue is unique, in our experience. Where else could a father and son share an interest and passion for cycling, ride with multiple world champions, under the guidance and supervision of the finest coaches in the UK?

The atmosphere on Track League evenings is superb – there’s a sense of camaraderie that is a joy to be a part of. I can’t thank the team at Derby Arena enough for their kindness and encouragement.

The facility has attracted top-flight cyclists with the Great Britain Cycling Team track squads relocating to Derby Arena in 2022 while their usual home, the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, was renovated. Team GB’s track cyclists won one gold, three silver and four bronze medals at the Paris Olympics

The Arena hosted the British University and College Sport (BUCS) cycling championships for the first time. Joe O’Loughlin, event organiser for the BUCS Track Championships, said:

The first BUCS Track Championships in Derby was a huge success and we received amazing feedback, with members experiences overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to making next year even bigger and better and continuing to provide a platform where student riders can display their immense talent.

The Arena is an important sporting centre for Derbyshire’s young people, as home to Derbyshire Institute of Sport. DIS provides bespoke support services to individual athletes, sports teams and club members to enable them to achieve success.

Managing director Chloe Maudsley said:

We are proud to be hosted at the iconic Derby Arena, where we can deliver exceptional sports science, accessible to all the young athletes of Derbyshire. Together, we are showcasing that Derby can compete with the best in the world.

The cast of Cinderella outside the Arena

Beyond sport, Derby Arena has become a key entertainment venue, and has hosted Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s much-loved pantomimes since it opened. Last year’s Cinderella was Derby’s highest grossing panto ever, enjoyed by almost 40,000 people with sparkling reviews from audiences. The award-winning team will be back this year with Dick Whittington.

Further exciting shows coming up this year include comedy from Jimmy Carr and Al Murray, the mind-blowing family show Jurassic Earth and music from world-renowned acts celebrating the sounds of Taylor Swift, Tina Turner and Elvis, to name a few.

The Arena team will be celebrating the landmark 10th anniversary throughout the year with a host of events and activities, including Les Mills fitness launches, our popular family Fun-Fest, Cycle-Fest and other local, regional and national events.

Look out for the upcoming National Track Series Cycle Championships, the England Boxing National Amateur Championship Finals in April and, in September, the UK’s first full DEKA FIT competition – billed as ‘the ultimate fitness test’.

For more information visit the Derby Arena website and follow us on Facebook.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global Interest in Nickel Mining Booming as Demand Skyrockets Around the World

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to a report from Grand View Research, the global nickel mining market size was estimated at USD 50.40 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030. Growth in end-use industries such as construction, consumer durables, and machinery & equipment are propelling the growth of the stainless steel industry. Nickel is one of the key raw materials of stainless steel. Hence, development in the stainless steel industry is contributing to the growth of the market. According to the Nickel Institute, over two-thirds of the world’s nickel is utilized in the production of stainless steel. It acts as an alloying agent, enhancing essential properties such as formability, ductility, and weldability while also increasing corrosion resistance for specific applications. The report said: “The nickel mining industry is highly competitive and to gain an edge, major players are acquiring their competitors.   The batteries segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.2% in terms of revenue, over the forecast period (2030). Nickel batteries offer a cost-effective solution for achieving higher energy density and storage capabilities.” Active Companies in the markets today include: First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN), Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE), Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), Glencore plc (OTCPK: GLNCY) (OTCPK: GLCNF), Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (OTCQB: QIMCF) (CSE: QIMC).

Grand View Research continued: “Based on region, Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of over 57.0% in 2022. The growth in various industries, such as battery manufacturing, automotive & defense, and petrochemicals, is increasing the demand for nickel, which is positively influencing its mining activity. The Russia-Ukraine war has benefitted the Philippines’ nickel industry, as Russia’s output has been declining in the past few years coupled with the aversion it is receiving in trade.   Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% in terms of revenue over the forecast period (2030). The EU has recognized the importance of nickel in the energy transition and has added it to the list of critical minerals. To ensure a diversified supply chain, the EU has set benchmarks for the extraction of at least 10% of the annual consumption of nickel within the boundary of Europe. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the mining activity in the region.   North America is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period (2030). The increasing demand for nickel-based products in aerospace and defense industries has raised its significance as a critical mineral.   In addition, the growing emphasis on accomplishing a domestic supply chain for the EV battery segment is anticipated to boost production in the region.”

First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (OTCQB: FANCF) (TSX-V: FAN) AND COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES LAUNCH RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP TO EXPLORE GEOLOGIC HYDROGEN POTENTIAL IN NEWFOUNDLAND OPHIOLITES – First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (FSE: P21) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines to explore geologic hydrogen as an energy source. This collaboration will focus on two significant ophiolite complexes in Newfoundland, Canada: the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex (Atlantis Project, 103 km²) and the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex (Atlantic Nickel Project, 71 km²). Both projects are 100% owned by First Atlantic and encompass extensive ultramafic rock formations, characterized by awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, which are key indicators of geologic hydrogen.

First Atlantic Nickel is primarily focused on exploring awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization. Additionally, it is partnering with Colorado School of Mines to conduct secondary research on geological hydrogen produced during serpentinization. This collaborative research will leverage data collected by First Atlantic during its ongoing exploration for awaruite nickel deposits. Notably, awaruite serves as an indicator mineral of geologic hydrogen within serpentinized peridotites found in ophiolites. Colorado School of Mines will carry out this hydrogen research component, enhancing the overall exploration program while leveraging First Atlantic’s extensive geological assets and expertise.

Geologic Hydrogen: Ophiolites and Peridotite

Ophiolites—sections of oceanic crust and upper mantle thrust onto continental crust—are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic hydrogen, often referred to as “white hydrogen” or “gold hydrogen.” These formations are dominated by ultramafic rocks, notably peridotite, which consists primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals rich in nickel, chromium, magnesium, and iron. When peridotite interacts with water, it triggers serpentinization—a hydrothermal reaction in which iron oxidizes and water is reduced, releasing molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). This natural process can be represented by the equation:

3FeO (in olivine) + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) + H₂ – During serpentinization, awaruite (Ni₃Fe) forms as a secondary mineral when liberated nickel (Ni2+) and iron (Fe2+) from the olivine, pyroxene, and chromite minerals react with the abundant hydrogen (H2) present. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

3(Ni²⁺) + (Fe²⁺) + 4(H₂) → (Ni₃Fe) + 8(H⁺) – The formation of awaruite could not happen without the presence of hydrogen. This process occurs readily in ophiolitic peridotites at depth, where water saturated rocks in oxygen-poor, reducing conditions produce this exothermic reaction, generating heat that sustains further reactions. According to the Geological Survey of Finland, “In Europe and in regions outside the crystal shield, only ophiolites are often referred to as a source of geological hydrogen.” Within these ophiolite settings, serpentinized peridotites are the most promising targets, with peridotites producing significantly more hydrogen than other rocks, up to 4 kg per cubic meter. Ophiolites represent large potential sources of geologic hydrogen, with some of the most significant global geologic hydrogen discoveries occurring in ophiolites.

“Geologic hydrogen systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems. In our group, we have the unique combination of expertise from both the mining industry and oil and gas industry to advance geologic hydrogen exploration and stimulated hydrogen monitoring” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from Colorado School of Mines. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for First Atlantic Nickel at:   https://www.fanickel.com/archive

In other market news of interest:

Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE) noted the Company leads the production of nickel metal that is considered one of the most versatile. Hard but also malleable, it is corrosion resistant and retains its properties even when subjected to extreme temperatures. It is part of everyday life: it is used in the production of batteries and items ranging from coins to cars.

Highlights: The ore obtained from our mines contains more than just nickel. Therefore, by extracting and processing it, we also produce cobalt, copper and precious metals. Where we operate: Brazil, Canada and Indonesia.

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) recently announced senior leadership changes as part of the company’s efforts to simplify its organizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and be positioned for stronger long-term competitiveness.   The company’s Oil, Products & Gas organization will be consolidated into two segments: Upstream and Downstream, Midstream & Chemicals. Mark Nelson will continue to lead this organization as vice chairman and executive vice president, Oil, Products & Gas.

The Upstream organizational model will drive value through greater standardization across Shale & Tight, Base Assets & Emerging Countries, Offshore, Eurasia and Australia.

Ceibo, a clean copper extraction technology company, and Glencore plc‘s (OTCPK: GLNCY) (OTCPK: GLCNF) Lomas Bayas Mining Company have recently entered into a partnership to deploy Ceibo’s proprietary leaching technologies that enable a more effective extraction of copper from low-grade sulfides at one of Chile’s leading mines. Lomas Bayas has validated Ceibo’s technology and is moving toward scaling up to assess this as an alternative to extend the life of their mining operations. This partnership follows two years of testing by Glencore, an important contributor to Chile’s position as the world’s largest copper producer.

Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, Ceibo’s technology will scale up with on-site testing through the Lomas Lab, a Glencore world-scale test site, and the company’s research and development branch. This agreement opens a significant commercial avenue for Ceibo, demonstrating its unique approach with a major mining company and affirming the value that Ceibo’s advanced leaching technologies bring to copper assets globally.

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (OTCQB: QIMCF) (CSE: QIMC) recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Black Tree Energy Group Sàrl (BTEG), a Swiss-based energy infrastructure and project development firm. This partnership reinforces QIMC’s strategic expansion into the U.S., a key market for accelerating the commercialization of natural hydrogen. Together, QIMC and BTEG will drive large-scale hydrogen projects by integrating technical expertise with financial strategy, project development, and execution capabilities.

With strong support for clean natural hydrogen initiatives, the United States presents a substantial opportunity for natural hydrogen development. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), QIMC intends to capitalize on its established expertise in natural renewable hydrogen—encompassing geological and geophysical analyses, project evaluation, and hydrogen fieldwork and drilling—to identify high-potential U.S. sites and accelerate the path to commercial production.

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DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated thirty four hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by First Atlantic Nickel Corp. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Godiva Festival tickets to go on sale this month

Source: City of Coventry

Tickets for Coventry’s Godiva Festival are to go on sale on Monday 31 March – and prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.

The announcement means music lovers and families can enjoy an amazing three days of music and fun at affordable prices and ensures the Festival remains one of the best value-for-money events across the region.

The 26th Festival will be held at the War Memorial Park over three days in the summer from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025.

Tickets will be on sale from 9am on Monday 31 March and can be purchased via the Godiva Festival website.

Details of the eagerly awaited line-up will be announced soon, along with everything festival-goers need to plan a fantastic weekend in the city.

As usual, there will be a diverse line-up of musical acts and attractions, with food stalls, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect summer outing for the whole family.

Coventry City Council, organisers of the annual event, have always kept ticket prices as low as possible to ensure Godiva remains a fun family event that is open and accessible to everyone.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to hold ticket prices at the same level as in 2024 and keep our Godiva Festival an event that everyone can enjoy.

“Every year we see thousands of people from the city and beyond enjoy an amazing three days of top music acts, local talent and family fun, and I’m already looking forward to this year and another incredible line-up.

“Also this year we have extra security measures and new entry conditions designed to help people feel at ease and able to enjoy everything that is on offer.

“The prices really do offer great value for money and I would advise everyone to book quickly and make sure they don’t miss out.”

Early Bird prices mean tickets to this year’s festival can be bought for as little as £26 for a Standard Weekend Ticket and £79 for a Family Weekend Ticket which covers two adults and two children/teens.

News of the ticket price freeze comes with the announcement of increased security measures and a change of entry conditions.

This year, the minimum age for teenagers attending without an accompanying adult will rise from 16 to 18 years, and there must also be one responsible adult aged 21 or over for every two accompanied minors instead of the previous number of four.

A new ‘Teen Ticket’ category has been introduced for those aged from 13-17 at a lower rate than an adult 18+ ticket, and a child’s ticket for those aged five to 12 years, which is at a lower cost than last year.

Family ticket prices will allow for any combination of teens and children at no extra cost and a new single parent family ticket is being introduced. In all cases, under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or above.

There will also be increased security around the perimeter of the Festival site, and those seen not wearing a wristband will be asked to leave.

Last year’s super concession rate ticket for validated Go CV+ members to purchase will also remain this year. The Go CV+ Super Concession Weekend Ticket will be available for just £15.50 in the Early Bird category before gradually increasing once Early Bird tickets have sold out. Go CV+ Super Concession Day Tickets cost £6.50 for a Friday ticket, £7 for Saturday and just £4 to attend on Sunday when bought at Early Bird prices. Go CV+ members can buy a maximum of four tickets per person at super concession prices.

Those eligible for Go CV+ must live in Coventry and either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit, a carer registered with Carers Trust Heart of England, a Coventry City Council foster carer, a student with an NUS card, a young person aged 16 – 19 years old in fulltime education or a resident with asylum seeker status.

Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The introduction of the Go CV+ offer last year really helped many residents and families who might otherwise struggle with finances to attend and enjoy the amazing atmosphere of Godiva.

“In line with our city’s beliefs of equality and giving a little extra help to those who need it, we are again offering some support to ensure people such as carers, students, those on benefit and those newly arrived in our city can enjoy the weekend at a price they can afford.

“Please make sure your Go CV+ accounts are validated and you’re ready to take advantage of this great offer when tickets go on sale.”

To find out more about Go CV+ and to register, visit the Go CV website. Go CV+ accounts must be validated in order to access these ticket prices.

Full admission terms and conditions can be found on the Godiva Festival website.

View the full pricing structure on the Godiva Festival Tickets page.

To keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements, head to the Godiva Festival website, sign up for the Godiva Festival newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Godiva Festival is brought to you by Coventry City Council.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Mashatile to lead official World TB Day and National End TB campaign

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event on Monday, 24 March 2025.

World TB Day is commemorated annually on the 24th of March to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and highlight efforts to eliminate the disease.

The day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB.

During the event on Monday, the Deputy President will also launch the National End TB Campaign at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe Township, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the Presidency, South Africa is one of the countries most affected by TB and remains the leading cause of death in the country, claiming approximately 56 000 lives each year, with 54% of these deaths among people living with HIV.

This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is “Yes! You and I Can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver”.

“This is a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies and encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB.“

The Deputy President’s Office said the significance of this year’s commemoration will be marked by the launch of the National End TB campaign designed to substantially reduce TB incidence and mortality in South Africa by 2035.

This campaign will be carried out in phases, beginning with a focus on case finding and linking patients to care in the year 2025/26.

The campaign aims to diagnose 250 000 new TB cases by 2025/26 through targeted testing of five million people.

This will be accomplished by implementing Accelerated Targeted Universal TB Testing (TUTT) to reach individuals living with HIV and household contacts with confirmed TB cases.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thamsanqa Ntuli, SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku, Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum Mpumi Zikalala, and SANAC CEO Dr Thembi Xulu.

They will also be joined by representatives from development partners inclusive of the United Nations agencies, United States government agencies, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby’s free children’s holiday programme returns for Easter 2025

Source: City of Derby

Children in Derby will once again have access to an exciting schedule of activities over the Easter break, as the Derby Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) returns with a new booking system.

Derby City Council is once again partnering with Community Action Derby to provide free holiday club places during the school holidays, after the Department for Education announced the programme would be extended for another year.

The scheme is designed for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, offering them the chance to learn new skills, stay active, and enjoy time socialising with friends in a fun and engaging environment.

Participants will receive a healthy meal daily and have opportunities to learn about nutritious food through family food experiences and cookery sessions. This initiative aims to support families while encouraging healthier lifestyles.

If your child is in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and would like to book a place, you will need a unique voucher code. A new, user-friendly booking system has been introduced ahead of the Easter programme, which will see voucher codes sent directly to parents by email or text.

Registered families will receive an email or text from ‘Holiday Activities’ this week with their child’s voucher code and a link to the booking system. The new voucher codes will replace any that have been issued previously.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

Derby’s Holiday Activities and Food programme returns this Easter, providing free fun, nutritious meals, and experiences for thousands of children. Bookings are now easier with our new system so make sure you have you new voucher code to secure your child’s place. The HAF programme is always really popular, so spaces will fill up fast!

There are 39 clubs running during the holiday, offering a range of activities in all wards across the city, including seven special educational needs and disability (SEND) specialists. The holiday clubs will offer the chance to try new and enriching activities including animal handling, climbing, music and performing arts as well as sports like football, cricket, judo, dodgeball, archery and wheelchair basketball!

This Easter, providers include Derbyshire Institute of Sport, who will be offering a new specialist SEND club at Derby Arena, offering gym sessions, inspirational talks from an elite athlete and the chance to try out new sports like Padel.

New providers include Roll With Us CIC, who will be introducing young people to Dungeons and Dragons, one of the world’s favourite Table Top Role Playing Games. Not only is it a lot of fun, it develops life and wellbeing skills such as communication, adaptation and perseverance.

Visit the HAF website page for more information about the scheme and information regarding your booking code.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Women’s Military History Week

Source: US State of California 2

Mar 18, 2025

Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as Women’s Military History Week.

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION

From the Revolutionary War to today, women have played vital roles in our nation’s defense, answering the call to serve and demonstrating courage and dedication in every branch of the military – even before they could officially serve. Women’s Military History Week honors these women, recognizing their resilience, sacrifice, and leadership.

World War II marked a turning point with the creation of the Women’s Army Corps and the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-woman unit that ensured frontline troops received their mail. These forerunners helped pave the way for the full integration of women into all military roles, including combat positions.

Breaking down barriers has always made our military – and our country – stronger. This week, we celebrate all the women who have chosen to serve this country, no matter the cost to themselves, and we honor the history they’ve made in doing so.

From U.S. Army Sergeant Sagen Maddalena, silver medal winner in the 2024 Summer Olympics, to Captain Sage Fox, the first transgender soldier to openly serve, to our own CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin, California is home to countless women who have selflessly and bravely put their lives on the line – all of them history makers in their own way.

Each of these servicemembers, whether they’re active-duty or a veteran, those with us today and those who have passed on, deserve recognition and respect. At a moment when important parts and people of military history are being removed, we take this moment to acknowledge women’s military history. Our military is strong because of its many parts – because it draws on the strengths of our people, coming together in unity and in defense of our country.

Women’s Military History Week is a time to recognize these achievements and reaffirm our commitment to a military where all servicemembers have equal opportunities and recognition. Their stories inspire us and remind us of the strength that diversity brings to our U.S. Armed Forces.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim March 17-23, 2025, as “Women’s Military History Week.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 16^th day of March 2025.

GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California

ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State

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MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Facilities to Local People by South Eastern Coalfields Limited

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 2:59PM by PIB Delhi

The facilities provided by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) under CSR through various CSR activities are related to different themes viz. Healthcare, Education, Water Supply, Rural Development, etc., primarily for development of local populace residing within 25 KMs from SECL project sites/ mines/ Area HQ/ Company HQ and also for people residing in the operating state of SECL i.e. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, SECL also provides a wide range facilities to the local populace by providing safe & free drinking water, better roads, organising periodical medical check-up camps/eye camps in affected and nearby villages, free OPD facilities in the dispensary / hospitals of the Company and vocational training to landless people displaced by the project.

Further, SECL also provides facilities at the various R&R sites such as buildings for primary schools, shopping centres, buildings for community centres, buildings for health centres, wells, hand pumps, approach roads, Electric poles and electric wires and playgrounds as per the Act/Policy.

Further, SECL has a range of welfare initiatives in place for its employees/workers. These initiatives focus on improving the well-being, safety, and quality of life for human capital. The key welfare measures by SECL to its workers are:

1. Health and Medical Facilities

Healthcare Centres: SECL runs a number of health centres and dispensaries across its mining areas, providing primary and emergency medical care to employees and their families. The central Hospitals at Area provide emergency medical services and inpatient treatment to employees and their families.
Free Medical Services: Employees and their dependents are offered free medical treatment, including in-house medical care and the provisions of treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Medical Camps: Periodic health check-up camps are organized to monitor the health status of workers, especially in areas like respiratory health, which is critical for mining personnel

2. Housing and Accommodation

Residential Quarters: SECL provides residential facilities to its employees, especially in mining regions where housing is a critical concern. These quarters are maintained and offer basic amenities.
Family Welfare: Efforts are made to ensure that the families of employees have access to amenities like clean drinking water, electricity and sanitation.

3. Education and Skill Development

Schools for Children: SECL runs schools in its mining areas, providing education to the children of employees.
Scholarships and reimbursement of Tuition Fee: Scholarships are provided to the children of employees who excel in their academic pursuits. There are provisions of reimbursement of tuition fee of the dependents of employee for engineering and medical education au government institutes.
Skill Development Programs: SECL organizes various training and development programs to upskill its employees, improving their employability and career growth opportunities.

4. Retirement Benefits

Pension and Gratuity: SECL offers comprehensive retirement benefits, including Coal Mines Pension Scheme, Gratuity, and Coal Mines Provident Fund (CMPF) to its employees.
Post-Retirement Welfare: SECL has welfare schemes in place for retired employees, offering post-retirement medical benefits and other postretirement support services.

5. Financial Assistance and Loans

Housing Loans/ Car Loan: SECL provides employees with low-interest loans to construct or purchase houses and/or car.

6. Cultural and Recreational Activities

Sports and Recreation: SECL encourages employees to participate in sports and cultural activities. The company organizes sports events, cultural festivals, and competitions for both employees and their families.
Clubs and Societies: Employees and their families can engage themselves in social and recreational clubs within the company, helping foster a healthy work-life balance.

7. Women’s Welfare

SECL ensures equal opportunities for women in its workforce, with policies in place to prevent discrimination and promote gender equality.

Women employees are also provided with maternity leave, childcare facilities, creche at workplace and other benefits to balance work and family responsibilities.

Further, the facilities provided to Contractors’ Workers in SECL are as follows:

First Aid facility in Mines Premises.
Medical OPD and indoor facility in company hospital are being provided to contractor workers on producing I/Card.
Drinking Water and sanitary facilities.
Personal Protection/ Safety Equipment as per terms of contract
Ambulance facility.
Canteen and Creche facility.
Group Personal Accident Insurance as per terms of contract.
Corporate salary package with Eight Nationalized Banks viz SBI, PNB, BOB, UCO Bank, BOI, Indian bank, UBI. The aforesaid Banks are also providing personal accidental insurance coverage of Rs. 40 Lakhs in case of death or for permanent total disability and other facilities as per MoU signed between Coal India Ltd and different banks.
Social Security as per statute, including ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of contractor worker in case of mine accident and even during Covid -19, similar amount was also paid to the next kin of contractor workers of SECL who died due to COVID-19.
The contractor workers are also covered under CMPF/EPF & Employees Compensation ACT. In addition, contractor workers are paid minimum Wages (Central) engaged in non- mining activities and in case of contractor workers engaged in mining activities are being paid wages as per High Power Committee of CIL. (HPC Wages are midway between wages prescribed by Central Government under the Minimum Wages Act 1948 for the workers employed in the scheduled employment for non- coal mines and the wages payable to the lowest category of regular workers i.e Cat-I of NCWA-XI for CIL and SCCL.)
Education facility to the children of Contractor workers in project school of SECL is also being provided.

Various development works done in the concerned districts of Chhattisgarh by SECL during last five years (year-wise) and the current year i.e. 2024-25, under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) head (Sector-wise) is detailed hereunder:

(Rs. in Crore)

Financial Year	Healthcare	Education	Water Supply	Environmental Sustainability	Rural Development	Others	Total
2019-20	18.50	0.91	0.69	5.62	1.94	56.99	84.65
2020-21	26.44	4.74	0.24	0.11	2.24	4.56	38.33
2021-22	45.55	15.32	0.00	4.36	5.14	9.45	79.82
2022-23	35.72	12.77	0.00	0.42	2.48	7.89	59.28
2023-24	32.07	7.25	0.00	0.24	6.54	6.97	53.07
2024-25(Current)	13.40	5.12	0.00	1.09	4.25	1.49	25.35
Total	171.68	46.11	0.93	11.84	22.59	87.35	340.50

District wise CSR expenditure of SECL in Chhattisgarh State is detailed below:

(Rs. in Crore)

Name of District in Chhattisgarh	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25	Grand Total
Name of District in Chhattisgarh	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25	Grand Total
Balrampur	0.42			0.11		0.92	1.45
Balrampur-Ramanujganj			3.52				3.52
Bastar			0.21		0.04		0.24
Bilaspur	21.65	11.45	10.32	0.96	1.98	4.18	50.54
Gaurella-Pendra-Marwahi			0.2				0.2
Janjgir-Champa			0.25				0.25
Korba	0.99	4.51	7	5.41	11.74	8.99	38.64
Koriya	0.12	0.01	0.32	0.06	3.69		4.2
Raigarh	0.36	1.36	7.25	5.96	1.67	3.86	20.47
Raipur	0.02	0.27	0.31	2.83	6.31	0.69	10.42
Surajpur	1.15	1.11	0.89	0.73	0.66		4.53
Surguja		2.93	1.6	0.18	0.6	0.59	5.91
Other districts of Chhattisgarh	58.49	12.88	10.88	25.52	9.29	2.13	119.19
Administrative Expenditure in CG	0.49	3.33	2.33	2.73	3.02		11.9
Grand Total	83.69	37.86	45.07	44.49	39	21.35	271.46

Overall, SECL’s CSR expenditure reflects a strategic shift towards targeted investments, adapting to evolving community needs while maintaining a strong focus on improving health, education, environmental sustainability, rural development projects etc.

The details of the development works done under other heads in various districts of Chhattisgarh during each of the last five years and the current year is as under:

Providing filtered Mine water in various villages.
Construction of Community/ Multipurpose Hall.
Modification of existing Stadiums.
Construction of Boundary Wall of Schools/Townships, etc.
Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plants
Construction of Approach Road/Village Road, etc.
Construction of Cement concrete road with pavement, culverts, etc.
Strengthening and widening of existing roads.
Re-carpeting of PWD Road.
Construction of Hostels.
Construction of Badminton Court, Tennis Court, etc.
Addition of ICU Unit at Hospital.
Construction/Modernisation of Sport Complex.

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

****

Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2112724) Visitor Counter : 46

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Places for religious activities in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ18: Places for religious activities in Hong Kong
Question:

According to the Hong Kong Fact Sheets issued by the Government in October 2024, more than three million people in Hong Kong adhere to a religion. It is learnt that, from time to time, various religious bodies have a demand for places to conduct religious activities. However, in recent years, some religious bodies have encountered difficulties with the approval processes and procedures when applying for the construction of permanent places for religious activities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of applications received from religious bodies of different religions for the construction of permanent places for religious activities in the past five years; among such applications, the respective numbers of those that have been approved, those that are pending approval and those that have been rejected, as well as the reasons for the rejection of those applications (set out in a table);

(2) whether the Government currently has established approval mechanisms in place, including a dedicated land allocation system for religious purposes and a special land premium system for the conversion of land designated for non-religious uses into places for religious activities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that and whether the Government will consider introducing specific and relevant mechanisms in the future;

(3) whether the Government will provide assistance or financial support to religious bodies for the construction of permanent religious places; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) whether the Government will provide funding schemes to religious bodies for the construction of religious places, expedite the vetting and approval of applications in this regard, and assist religious bodies in carrying out renovation or enhancement works for new or existing religious places, so as to promote tourism activities and enable more members of the public to visit and tour such places; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

In consultation with the Development Bureau (DEVB), I give the consolidated reply to the Hon Benson Luk’s question on behalf of the Government as follows:

Hong Kong is an open and inclusive city in which religious freedom is the fundamental rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents as protected by the Basic Law and other relevant legislation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been maintaining close liaison with religious groups and attends events organised by them with a view to promoting the communications with them and understanding their needs.

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) is responsible for liaising with local religious groups and plays a co-ordinating role in local religious affairs. While adhering to the principle of non-intervention of the freedom of religion and religious groups’ internal affairs, HYAB listens to the views of respective religious groups and, where necessary, renders assistance to them through appropriate channels.
Also, under the current land policy, if religious groups wish to develop religious facilities on Government land, they may apply to the Government by way of private treaty grant (PTG). When processing the relevant land grant applications, the LandsD would consult the relevant bureau(x)/department(s) with regard to the actual circumstances of the case, and seek the HYAB’s policy support. If the HYAB’s policy support can be secured for the project, there will be concessionary premium arrangement for the respective religious facilities. The HYAB does not provide any other financial support to religious groups for acquiring permanent religious facilities at present.

As regards applications from religious groups to develop permanent religious facilities as mentioned in the question, the LandsD received a total of four PTG applications related to religious use in the past five years or so (three of which are solely for religious use, and the other application covers other facilities). So far, two applications have been withdrawn by the applicants while the remaining two are under processing. Separately, in the past five years the LandsD also approved two applications, both of which were received prior to 2021. The relevant information is set out in the table below:

Year(as of March 2025)*The applications approved in a year do not necessarily correspond to the applications received in the same year.

The relevant bureau(x)/department(s) will continue to expedite the processing of the applications. Meanwhile, the HYAB will continue to keep in touch with religious groups to render appropriate and practicable assistance. Regarding promoting tourism activities as mentioned in the question, it is stated in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 promulgated in December 2024 that the Government will focus on diversified development of religious tourism to enrich Hong Kong’s tourism offerings, including engaging with religious groups to explore opening up religious venues as tourist attractions on a limited scale without affecting religious activities. The HYAB will assist in liaison with relevant religious groups to explore the feasible arrangements and actively collaborate with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau’s work.

Besides, to encourage the preservation of graded historic buildings, including religious premises, the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office of the DEVB launched the Financial Assistance for Maintenance Scheme on Built Heritage in 2008 to provide financial assistance to the owners of privately-owned graded historic buildings, as well as tenants, who are non-profit-making organisations, of Government-owned declared monuments and graded historic buildings for them to carry out minor maintenance works by themselves. Private owners of declared monuments may seek technical advice from the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) or apply to the AMO for the AMO to carry out maintenance and repair works for their declared monuments, and the cost of which will be borne by the AMO.
Issued at HKT 16:15

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports Board, DoPT organized 4th Half Marathon; participating 1,072 individuals including 833 males and 239 females”

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 12:02PM by PIB Delhi

The 4th Half Marathon, organized by the Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports Board (CCSCSB) under the auspices of the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in collaboration with the Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI), was held on 16th March 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The event featured three race categories—21 km, 10 km, and 5 km—designed to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyle across all age groups, from 10 to 60 years. A total of 1,072 individuals including 833 males and 239 females participated in the Half Marathon.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Shri Praveen Kumar, a young and accomplished Indian Paralympic athlete, as the Guest of Honour, senior officers of DoPT, along with Shri Manoj Johri, National Chairperson of YHAI, Shri Amod Kanth, IPS (Retd), former DGP and several YHAI officials, and officials of other Departments. Shri Praveen Kumar has brought immense pride to the nation with his exceptional performances in international competitions. He is a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2024), India’s highest sporting honor, and was previously honored with the Arjuna Award (2021) for his outstanding achievements in para-athletics.

The race was flagged off by the Joint Secretary (Welfare) DoPT and Director (Welfare) DoPT along with senior YHAI officials. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the Government officials and all races were completed on time ensuring its overall success. Comprehensive arrangements were made for the participants, including registration and baggage counters, help desk, warm-up and Zumba areas, cool-down zones, refreshments, physiotherapists, medical team, and ambulances stationed both at the stadium and along the marathon route. Finishing participants were awarded medals, while the winners in each category were presented with trophies and prize cheques. A total of 18 winners—9 males and 9 females—received prizes in the three race categories.

Shri Praveen Kumar, the Guest of Honour, was accorded a warm welcome. In his address to the participants, he commended their dedication and enthusiasm, and encouraged them to pursue sports and fitness with passion. His presence was a source of great motivation for the participants, especially the younger generation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks to all participants and organisers for their enthusiastic participation, making the half marathon a huge success.

***

NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2112648) Visitor Counter : 41

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Kai Tak Sports Park

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ4: Kai Tak Sports Park
Question:

It has been reported that at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) Grand Opening Ceremony, some self-proclaimed “insiders” charged a fee of $1,000 per person to lead people without tickets to enter the venue “through the back door”, and they even claimed that there were ways to bring reporters to the scenes of other activities without tickets. Subsequently, at the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 held in the KTSP, the word “curfew” appeared on the screen of the venue before the end of the competition, requesting the audience to leave the venue. Some foreign media reported the incident, and the foreign players in the venue also thought that Hong Kong had imposed a curfew. There are views that the incident has brought Hong Kong’s international image into disrepute. Moreover, it is learnt that a businessman lost his way when leaving the venue but did not receive any assistance from the staff. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of stress tests conducted by different government departments before the opening of the KTSP; the number of staff members involved, as well as the contents, objectives and public expenditure of each stress test;

(2) whether it has examined why the aforesaid incidents of “passage without tickets”, “midnight curfew” and “nobody showing the way” still occurred after public money has been spent on stress tests; and

(3) without incurring substantial public money, of the measures in place to ensure that the aforesaid mistakes will not recur when organising the concerts by the band Coldplay and major competitions such as the National Games in the future?

Reply:

President,

Being the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history, the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) will boost sports development and inject impetus into related industries such as recreation, entertainment and tourism, and mega-event economy. The KTSP provides Hong Kong with the largest and state-of-the-art venues, including a 50 000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, a 10 000-seat Kai Tak Arena and a 5 000-seat Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground.

With its official commissioning on March 1, the KTSP becomes a new hub for hosting major sports and entertainment events, creating favourable conditions for further promoting the mega-event economy. A series of mega events have been scheduled to take place in the KTSP, including the Hong Kong Sevens at the end of this month, followed by concerts of renowned bands and singers in Asia and around the world at the Kai Tak stadium. Competition events of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will also be held in the KTSP towards the end of this year. Mega sports and entertainment events, one after another, will bring to the audience an exciting experience.

My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Paul Tse is as follows:

Since late October last year until February this year, the Government and the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (the Operator) conducted almost 20 test events and stress tests of different nature and scale across the three major venues in a gradual and orderly approach, with a view to evaluating different operation and contingency arrangements of the KTSP to better prepare its official commissioning. Both sport and non-sport test events took place in the three major venues with particular objectives, allowing relevant departments, the Operator and all participating parties to familiarise themselves with the preparatory work of both the hardware and software of the Sports Park, such as entry and exit arrangements, transportation, stage setup and backstage facilities.

In addition, to assess the maximum capacity of the KTSP and better understand the patterns of spectator flow after its full opening, the Government organised five large-scale stress tests involving civil servants, district personalities, youth groups, and stakeholders of the Operator, among which were two stress tests with 63 000 participants each and one with approximately 50 000 participants. The costs associated with these stress tests were covered by the construction cost of the KTSP, recurrent expenditure of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and other participating departments and hence, cannot be quantified separately.

The Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the KTSP after its opening. It has the duty to oversee the security, optimise operational arrangement, as well as maintain close liaison and co-ordination with event organisers to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors. Both the Operator and event organiser attach high importance to security checks and ticket verification. With respect to earlier reports of suspected unauthorised entry to the venue without valid tickets, the Operator has retrieved its records and referred the case to law enforcement agency for follow-up. We note that signage within the precinct and training for front-line staff have been improving during the test events and stress tests over the past months, which will be further enhanced taking into account the needs of different events upon commissioning, so as to provide the most appropriate assistance to visitors.

The World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 concluded recently was the first major sport event staged at the KTSP after its commissioning. It was also the first time that the event organiser hosted the event in Hong Kong. There was obviously room for improvement in terms of internal and external communication, as well as event co-ordination and arrangements between the Operator and the event organiser, with a notable example being the spectators were asked to leave before the match concluded on the first day. As I have said earlier in public, the incident was highly undesirable. Having reviewed the arrangements on the day, the Operator and the event organiser responded immediately and revised the match arrangements afterwards to accommodate the needs of the match and spectators. Subsequent matches were completed smoothly and successfully, with both spectators and players commending the arrangements of the venue.

The CSTB attaches great importance to ensuring a good experience for visitors attending events at the KTSP. Being the party responsible for day-to-day operations, the Operator must put in place a sound response and contingency mechanism for handling emergency matters to ensure effective internal communication of accurate information, allowing the team (including front-line staff) to execute directives accordingly. External communication of official information should also be sufficient and timely to avoid confusion. The CSTB has expressed serious concerns to the Operator’s management of the Sports Park thus far and has directed the Operator to make prompt adjustments to its structure, including improvements to its mechanism in decision-making, communication and crisis management. The CSTB has also requested the Operator to provide further training to its staff on their sensitivity and arrangements for external communication, including assigning a dedicated spokesperson, so as to enhance public knowledge and build their confidence in the operation of the KTSP.

As the KTSP has officially commenced its operation, the Operator must learn from every experience and strive to improve operations, as well as maintain close communication with all stakeholders to ensure an enjoyable experience for visitors. The CSTB will continue to monitor the performance of the Operator and maintain close liaison with both the Operator and relevant stakeholders to realise the opportunities presented by this world-class infrastructure in joint hands, with a view to unleashing the potential of the KTSP to promote the development of sports and mega-event economy.
Issued at HKT 12:50

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Developing Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ10: Developing Hong Kong into fashion design hub in Asia
Question:

As proposed by the Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address, the Hong Kong Fashion Design Week (Fashion Week), branded as Hong Kong Fashion Fest (Fashion Fest), would be held annually starting from 2024. In the 2024 Policy Address, it is proposed to make the new flagship Fashion Week an annual signature event to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. It has been reported that the inaugural Fashion Fest was held in early December last year with resounding success. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the performance of the inaugural Fashion Fest, including the number of participants, the countries or regions from which the participants or attendees of the Fashion Fest came, and the media effectiveness, etc.;

(2) of the plans and measures in place to make the Fashion Fest an annual signature event with more international and spectacular elements (including how to step up overseas publicity on the Fashion Fest in the international fashion arena, the industrial and commercial sectors, ‍etc.), and to reinforce Hong Kong’s positioning as the premier textile and fashion hub in the Asian region; and

(3) as I have learnt that the fashion collections of an overseas brand were well received and successfully sold at the inaugural Fashion Fest, and the brand’s founder cum designer subsequently moved to Hong Kong to develop his/her career and business, whether the Government will consider adopting more proactive policy incentives and initiatives (e.g. reduction of profits tax and business registration fees) to attract brands and designers from the Mainland and regions along the Belt and Road such as Southeast Asia to move to Hong Kong to set up their presence, so as to establish more Asian international brands based in Hong Kong?

Reply:

President,

The Chief Executive has announced in his 2024 Policy Address to make the Hong Kong Fashion Design Week an annual signature event, developing Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has branded the event as Hong Kong Fashion Fest to consolidate different fashion design events and introduce innovative elements and affiliate activities annually, promoting Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands as well as promoting Hong Kong as a prime destination for hosting major cultural and creative events.

In consultation with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), my reply to the question raised by the Hon Sunny Tan is as follows:

(1) The inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest was funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the CSTB, with the core programmes took place from November 20 to December 4, 2024. During the period, the CCIDA carried out online and offline publicity and promotion, and invited local and international media to Hong Kong to experience in person the atmosphere of Hong Kong fashion scene. The inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest gathered around 160 000 participants from the industries and the public across 25 countries or regions. More than 500 media outlets and related representatives attended the events, and the event-related videos on social media garnered over 4.6 million views.

(2) The inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest fully showcased Hong Kong’s potential and advantages as a fashion design hub in Asia, laying the foundation for its future development into an annual signature event.

Preparation work for the Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2025 commenced at the end of last year. The CCIDA will fund and promote potential fashion design projects that align with the objectives of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest through the CreateSmart Initiative (CSI), and actively encourage collaboration within the local fashion industry. We will continue to promote the Hong Kong Fashion Fest to countries in Europe and along the Belt and Road, attracting prestigious fashion brands and industry players to Hong Kong to participate in the event and expand their collaboration opportunities with international fashion organisations and brands. We will also continue to optimise and enrich the content of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, actively introducing different types of fashion design events to further strengthen the international appeal and influence of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, fostering Hong Kong’s role as a prominent textile and fashion hub in Asia.

On publicity, the CCIDA will adopt comprehensive public relations and marketing strategies, such as utilising digital media promotions, inviting local and overseas fashion celebrities to participate in the event, and organising networking activities for industry stakeholders, etc. in order to enhance the international visibility of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest and local fashion design.

(3) The Hong Kong Fashion Fest creates a platform for local and overseas fashion designers and brands, as well as industry leaders and relevant professionals, by providing opportunities for exchanges and showcasing their works. We are pleased to note that a local fashion designer has received multiple inquiries for retail and business collaborations from both local and international sources after showcasing his works at the inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest. The fashion designer subsequently met with the leading figures in French fashion design industry to discuss potential collaborations for entering the French market. In addition, a Southeast Asian fashion designer has successfully increased her brand’s exposure and sold a few thousand high-end fashion pieces through her participation in the international fashion show of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest. Eventually, she decided to continue developing her fashion career and business in Hong Kong. We believe that the Hong Kong Fashion Fest will help attract more international brands and talents from Asia to establish their base in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong offers an ideal business environment for foreign investors, featuring the advantages of low tax rates and a simple tax system, as well as simple and efficient procedures for foreign entrepreneurs to register their companies and apply for work visas. The CCIDA will actively liaise with InvestHK to provide support for local and overseas fashion brands seeking to develop their businesses in Hong Kong, and assist creative talent and enterprises in establishing themselves here.
Issued at HKT 11:25

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 20, 2025

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