Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City Council awards £388,000 of grant funding to support local communities

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council has awarded £388,000 of grant funding to 86 community groups and voluntary organisations – helping them to support local people across Oxford.  

    Oxford is the UK’s second most unequal city and the Council’s grants programme provides crucial financial support to organisations working to reduce inequality through the delivery of essential services, strategic projects, and community-led initiatives.  

     The Council has provided this latest funding through the Oxford Community Impact Fund (OCIF) programme, which is a three year fund that first started in 2022. It is already supporting essential services such as advice centres and domestic abuse support, with core funding maintained for these at the current level until March 2028. 

    Decisions have now been announced on two rounds of funding: 

    • Big Ideas Fund: Providing funding of £338,000 per year covering the period of 2025-2028.  
    • Small Grants (2025 Round 1): Providing funding of £50,000 (with £34,000 to follow in round 2), with a maximum of £3000 per organisation ensuring accessibility for smaller community groups.   

    All these grants have been awarded to organisations assessed on their work to reduce inequality and attract external funding to Oxford. 

    Big Ideas Fund 2025-28 

    The Council has awarded funding to 45 organisations across Oxford totalling £338,000 per annum, organisations will receive funding for three years. 

    These organisations are:   

    Ark-T Centre, Arts at the Old Fire Station, Aspire Oxfordshire, Asylum Welcome, Be Free Young Carers, Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground, Cowley Road Works, Cutteslowe Greenhouse Limited, Donnington Doorstep, EMBS Community College Limited, Emmaus Oxford, Fusion Arts, Home-Start, IF Oxford, In-Spire Sounds, Justice in Motion, Leys CDI, Makespace Oxford, Mandala Theatre, Museum of Modern Art, My Life My Choice, MyVision, OVADA, Oxford Community Action, Oxford Contemporary Music, Film Oxford, Oxford Hub, Oxford Mutual Aid, Oxford Pride, Oxford Youth Enterprise, Oxfordshire Chinese Community and Advice Centre, Oxfordshire Play Association, Peeple, Pegasus Theatre, Refugee Resource, Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, Sobell House, Survivor Space, T(ART) Productions, The Oxford Playhouse, The Parasol Project, The Story Museum, WASTE2TASTE, and Yellow Submarine. 

    Small Grants Fund 2025-6 (Round 1) 

    The Council has awarded funding to 41 organisations across Oxford, with funding totaling £50,000 overall. 

    These organisations are:  

    Parents And Children Together, Wild Boor Ideas, Fight Against Blindness (Fab), Rose Hill Community Larder, Oxford Opera Trust Cio, Response Organisation, Wood Farm Youth Centre, Action Deafness, Botley Bridges, Damascus Rose Kitchen, Blackbird Leys Boxing Club, Dovecote Voluntary Parent Committee, East Oxford Stay and Play, Fight Against Blindness, Headway Thames Valley Limited, Body Politic, Littlemore Hub, Syrian Sisters, Music at Oxford, Elmore Community Services, Read Easy Oxford, The Oxford Preservation Trust, Lowland Rescue, Oxford Afrobeats Festival, Iranian Community Network (ICN), Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Oxford Poetry Library, Tandem Collective, Oxford Health Charity (OHC), Oxford Peoples Theatre, MuMo Creative, Oxford Lindy Hoppers, Syrian Community Oxfordshire (SYRCOX), The Oxford Voice, The Porch, Oxfordshire Asian Women’s Voice, WEMPOWERED CIC, Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon, South Oxford Community-Association, The Good Gym, and Wood Farm Youth Centre. 

    It is estimated that for every £1 that the Council invests in local community organisations and groups through grant funding, this investment results in more than £15.92 of additional funding/earned income per organisation – helping to strengthen communities across the city. 

    This year, over half (51%) of applicants were new applicants. 

    You can learn more by visiting our grant funding webpages

    Comment 

    “We’ve streamlined our community grants programme and this year we’ve changed the criteria to provide a tight focus on work to reduce inequality in Oxford. We’re the UK’s second most unequal city and these grants will be spent on tackling this ugly scar on our beautiful city.

    “It is great news that we have been able to support so many community groups and organisations through this latest round of funding – and especially so many new groups. I can’t wait to visit as many of these projects as possible to see for myself the impact these funds will have on local communities and the difference made to people’s lives.” 

    Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More male role models in nurseries to help children thrive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    More male role models in nurseries to help children thrive

    New wave of “Do Something Big” campaign launches to encourage more men to join the early years workforce.

    Children across the country are to benefit from more male role models in nurseries, as the government ramps up efforts to grow and diversify the early years workforce ahead of the September childcare expansion due to save parents up to £7,500 a year.

    This is the latest phase of the “Do Something Big” campaign, which highlights how children thrive when they see both men and women in caring, nurturing roles from the very start of their education. Research shows that this supports healthy development, with findings showing:

    • 9 in 10 parents believe it’s important for children to be cared for by both men and women
    • Many believe this helps children develop mutual respect and more balanced views of gender roles
    • However, just 3% of the early years workforce are currently men

    To help change this, the government is offering £1,000 payments to new early years staff in 38 priority areas, supporting nurseries to recruit in time for the September expansion of 30 funded childcare hours for children from 9 months old.

    This will support the government’s Plan for Change, which has already seen almost half a million benefitting from 15 childcare hours from last September, and tens of thousands of new recruits to the early years workforce in recent months. This drive builds on the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, which is raising the status of the profession and growing a diverse, skilled workforce so every child can start school ready to learn.

    Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, said:

    Children thrive when they’re supported by a diverse mix of role models – and that starts in the early years.

    With big changes coming in September, we’re backing nurseries to recruit the staff they need and encouraging more men to consider this rewarding career.

    Through our Plan for Change, we’re making early years careers more appealing – and reminding dads that if you’ve helped your own child learn and grow, you’ve already got the skills to make a difference to many more.

    From today, new Do Something Big content will be bursting onto screens and social feeds across the nation.

    The adverts show that dads in particular will already have the skills to succeed in early years roles through the play and learning they have done with their own children. They will run across digital display and social media platforms, as well as posters on roadside billboards and the rail network, ensuring the campaign reaches men across the country.

    Greg Lane, Nursery Manager and Creative Lead at Soho Nursery and Pre-School (LEYF) said: 

    Our children don’t choose us based on gender – they choose us because we’re good at what we do. One child recently told me, ‘He’s really good at dinosaurs,’ while another said, ‘She’s great at playing football.’ That’s what matters to them.

    I joined this sector because I wanted to make a difference, and every day I get to do that. I’m proud to be part of a profession that is evolving, and I hope more men take the leap because the children need us, and they’ll welcome us with open arms.

    Mike Abbott, Director of Operations at London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) said:

    At LEYF, we know that what truly matters to children is not whether their teacher is a man or a woman – it’s the quality of the relationship, the skill, and the trust they build.

    We see every day how boys and girls alike flourish in environments where all adults’ model empathy, curiosity, and care. The government’s renewed focus on recruiting more men into Early Years is a crucial step in challenging outdated stereotypes and ensuring children grow up with diverse role models.

    It’s time we make it completely normal for men to sing lullabies, lead story time, or soothe a baby, just as it is for women to play football or lead science activities. Everyone should be seen to do everything.

    The research, commissioned by the Department for Education, also shows that around a quarter of adults believe gender stereotypes (25%), fear of judgement or false accusations (25%) and social pressure to pursue more ‘masculine’ careers (24%) are major reasons why men are deterred from entering the sector. Yet there is strong public support for greater male representation in nurseries.

    Almost half of parents said their child’s nursery has no male staff, and parents highlighted the positive impact of having men in early years roles – from providing children with diverse role models to challenging harmful stereotypes early and showing that caring and teaching are careers for everyone.

    Strengthening the early years workforce and broadening diversity is central to delivering on the government’s promises to working parents to deliver the huge £7,500 cost saving from September, with a full 30 hours of government funded childcare each week during term time. The latest data shows the number of staff delivering entitlements in private, voluntary and independent nurseries has risen by 11,200, alongside an increase of 7,100 childminders.

    Interventions from financial incentives to a renewed recruitment drive will help ensure providers have the staff they need, families get the support they deserve and every child has the chance to thrive.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Burkina Faso: African Development Bank supports youth entrepreneurship in rural areas

    Source: APO – Report:

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of Burkina Faso launched the third phase of the incubator program of the Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas (PADEJ-MR in the French acronym) on July 15, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

    Ms. Franceline Kaboré, representing the country’s Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, and Ms. Mouna Diawara, Head of Operations both attended.

    The PADEJ-MR aims to promote the economic empowerment and resilience of young people in rural areas through entrepreneurship. The project, with a total cost of €13.62 million, mainly financed by a €12.25 million grant from the African Development Bank, has supported the establishment of an incubator mechanism providing practical training in financial education and safeguards, personalized coaching, and local technical support.

    The initiative aims to help young people convert their ideas into viable businesses in promising sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, services, crafts, and new technologies. In the third phase of the incubator program, 65 young people from the four regions covered by the Project are receiving support to help them prepare business plans that are eligible for financing.

    Ms. Franceline Kaboré commended the African Development Bank’s commitment to the PADEJ-MR. She noted that youth entrepreneurship is a national priority enshrined in the strategic vision of the government of Burkina Faso.

    Ms. Mouna Diawara emphasized that “the Project to Support Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas is a concrete and integrated response to the problem of youth unemployment in rural areas. The African Development Bank is ready to continue supporting Burkina Faso in its economic transformation efforts, with a particular focus on opportunities for young people and women.”

    Sévérine Lankouandé, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the incubator, expressed gratitude to the government and to the African Development Bank for the opportunities that the incubator program had already provided. A cohort of young entrepreneurs have already received training that will enable them to launch transformative enteprises.

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Department of Communication and External Relations
    media@afdb.org

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Vivakor Confirms Special Dividend of Adapti, Inc. Record Date Set for August 20, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dallas, TX, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vivakor, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIVK) (“Vivakor” or the “Company”), an integrated provider of energy transportation, storage, reuse, and remediation service, today announced the record date of August 20, 2025 for its previously disclosed plan to issue a special dividend to Vivakor shareholders.

    Vivakor currently holds 206,595 (approximately 13.5% of the outstanding common) shares of Adapti, Inc. (OTCID: ADTI), a company that manages the marketing of products, data and companies through its AdaptAI software platform that leverages advanced AI technology to match products and brands with influencers to attempt to generate superior marketing results.

    Based on Vivakor’s current shares outstanding of approximately 47,297,347 and excluding 20,963,229 shares held by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Financial Officer who waived their right to the dividend, each Vivakor shareholder will be entitled to receive approximately 0.0079 shares of Adapti, Inc. common stock per Vivakor share. Based on the current $3.50 share price of Adapti’s common stock, the special dividend is currently valued at approximately $0.75 million.

    Adapti, Inc., formerly known as Scepter Holdings, Inc., filed its Form 10 Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in September 2024 and has since become a mandatory SEC reporting company. Adapti, Inc. filed its Annual Report on 10K for the period ended March 31, 2025 on July 3, 2025.

    The Ballengee Group, LLC, a Dallas-based baseball sports management agency which represents approximately 200 professional athletes, an entity previously controlled by Vivakor’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Ballengee, was acquired by Adapti, Inc. on July 14, 2025. Additional information regarding this transaction can be found in Adapti, Inc.’s filings with the SEC.

    About Vivakor, Inc.

    Vivakor, Inc. is an integrated provider of sustainable energy transportation, storage, reuse, and remediation services, operating one of the largest fleets of oilfield trucking services in the continental United States. Its corporate mission is to develop, acquire, accumulate, and operate assets, properties, and technologies in the energy sector. Vivakor’s integrated facilities assets provide crude oil and produced water gathering, storage, transportation, reuse, and remediation services under long-term contracts.

    Once operational, Vivakor’s oilfield waste remediation facilities will facilitate the recovery, reuse, and disposal of petroleum byproducts and oilfield waste products.

    For more information, please visit our website: http://vivakor.com

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified but not limited by the use of the words “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue” and variations or similar expressions. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, , the expected transaction and ownership structure, the valuation of the transaction, the likelihood and ability of the parties to successfully and timely consummate planned acquisitions, the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect Vivakor or the expected benefits of the such transaction, our ability to maintain the listing of our securities on The Nasdaq Capital Market, the parties failure to realize the anticipated benefits of pending transactions, disruption and volatility in the global currency, capital, and credit markets, changes in federal, local and foreign governmental regulation, changes in tax laws and liabilities, tariffs, legal, regulatory, political and economic risks, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, and general economic conditions.

    These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in Vivakor’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors may be incorporated herein by reference. Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about Vivakor and the Endeavor Entities or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than Vivakor and the Endeavor Entities, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication. Forecasts and estimates regarding the Endeavor Entities industries and markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable; however, there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part.

    Investors Contact:
    P:949-281-2606
    info@vivakor.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Yuenglings Ice Cream Corp (OTC YCRM) Is Now Frequency Holdings Inc (OTC FRQN) as Strategic Evolution Takes Hold

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Frequency Holdings Inc (OTC: FRQN) today announced it has officially completed its corporate name and symbol change from Yuenglings Ice Cream Corp (OTC: YCRM) following final approval by FINRA. This milestone marks the formal transition into a modern holding company structure with a portfolio that includes cybersecurity-first IT services through ReachOut and upcoming ventures in decentralized identity and artificial intelligence.

    The new name and symbol hit the market this morning.

    Frequency Holdings is building a multi-brand platform modeled after Berkshire Hathaway and Alphabet with each subsidiary operating independently while benefiting from shared strategic leadership. The flagship operating company ReachOut is actively acquiring and scaling cybersecurity-focused MSPs across the US while new brands like TRUSTLESS aim to bring privacy and authentication innovation into new digital verticals.

    “This is more than a name change” said Rick Jordan CEO of Frequency Holdings. “This is about building something bigger than one brand. We are creating a structure that can hold multiple companies each with their own identity and velocity while sharing the same DNA of performance protection and technology that works. The market has asked what we’re building. This is it. A public platform with room for massive upside and real-world relevance.”

    Kevin Harrington, original Shark from ABC’s Shark Tank and longtime board member of the company added, “I joined the board because Rick’s vision was bold, and both the industry and timing are right. ReachOut was just the beginning, and now Frequency is turning the vision into a machine with the team we have in place.”

    David Meltzer, global entrepreneur, Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and the newest addition to the board commented, “Your frequency is your neighborhood, and Frequency Holdings is about raising the signal in every sense. This is a company tuned into innovation, tuned into value, and tuned into service. I’m honored to be part of this next chapter and proud to support the expansion of its platform and purpose.”

    The Company previously operated under the name Yuenglings Ice Cream Corp and traded under the symbol YCRM. The new name and symbol are effective immediately with full updates in place across OTC Markets and all investor communications. Frequency Holdings will continue to execute on its rollup strategy through ReachOut and plans to unveil additional ventures in the coming quarters.

    ABOUT FREQUENCY HOLDINGS INC. (OTC: FRQN)

    Frequency Holdings is a modern holding company focused on high-growth ventures in cybersecurity, AI, digital identity, and IT infrastructure. Through its lead operating brand, ReachOut, Frequency is building the first nationally recognized name in cybersecurity-first IT services for SMBs. Additional holdings, including TRUSTLESS, are structured to contribute long-term equity value via independent growth and strategic alignment.

    ABOUT RICK JORDAN

    Rick Jordan is a resilient entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, and media personality known for leading companies through high-growth transformations. He founded ReachOut Technology and is the architect of Frequency Holdings Inc., a multi-brand technology holding company focused on scaling ventures in cybersecurity, digital identity, and AI. Rick has advised in the White House on national cyber policy, appeared on major networks including Bloomberg and NewsNation, and hosts the globally ranked podcast ALL IN with Rick Jordan, soon to be renamed FREQUENCY. His leadership bridges bold vision with operational precision, in addition to bringing clear signal and communication to the public markets.

    ABOUT KEVIN HARRINGTON

    Kevin Harrington is a globally recognized entrepreneur, original Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, and a pioneer of the infomercial industry. Over his career, he has launched more than 20 companies to over $100 million in sales and helped generate over $15 billion in market value–including his early leadership in Celsius Holdings, Inc. As a board member of Frequency Holdings Inc., Kevin brings deep strategic insight, brand-building expertise, and decades of experience scaling disruptive ventures into household names.

    ABOUT DAVID MELTZER

    David Meltzer is Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and former CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, the inspiration for Jerry Maguire. A globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and business coach, he’s been named Variety’s Sports Humanitarian of the Year and is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. As Executive Producer of Apple TV’s 2 Minute Drill and Office Hours, and Entrepreneur’s top digital show Elevator Pitch, David brings media fluency and business expertise to global audiences. His mission—to empower more than 1 billion people to be happy–drives his work across coaching, content, and leadership.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events, performance, and financial expectations. These statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions, and are subject to risks and uncertainties–many of which are beyond the Company’s control–that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect results include the Company’s need for capital, changes in regulatory environments, market competition, demand for services, and other risks detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by law.

    PR and Investor Relations Contacts

    For press inquiries or to book media interviews, TV appearances, and speaking engagements for CEO Rick Jordan:

    Email: pr@frequencyhold.com — pr@reachoutit.com
    Phone: 312-288-8008

    Rick Jordan on Social Media–
    Instagram: @mrrickjordan
    X: @mrrickjordan

    Kevin Harrington on Social Media–
    Instagram: @realkevinharrington
    X: @harringtonkevin

    David Meltzer on Social Media–
    Instagram: @davidmeltzer
    X: @davidmeltzer

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grab your bike and take part in Leicester’s Cycle to Work Day!

    Source: City of Leicester

    FREE fruit, fix-it workshops and a bike buddy to guide commuters into the city will help mark Leicester’s Cycle to Work Day.

    On Thursday 7 August, commuters from participating workplaces will have a bike buddy leading them from the city’s three Park and Ride sites to Town Hall Square.

    And anyone cycling into work in the city centre can stop off at Town Hall Square between 8 and 10am, where a free fruit breakfast will be available.

    Later on in the day, from 12-2pm at Town Hall Square, Dr Bike can fix any minor mechanical issues for free, and Leicestershire Police will be running free security bike-marking sessions.

    Northside Bikes are also doing free bike maintenance from 10am-2pm on the plaza outside Mattioli Woods’ Welford Road Stadium, as part of Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival.

    And the Betterpoints app, which offers rewards to people who choose active travel, will be running a prize draw for cyclists on Cycle to Work Day. Betterpoints can be redeemed for high street vouchers or donated to your favourite charity.

    The aim is to show people how travelling by bike can be an easy, value-for-money and healthy way to commute to work.

    Assistant city mayor for environment and transport, Cllr Geoff Whittle, said: “Leicester is great to get around by bike, with most places in the city no more than a 30-minute ride away from the city centre. Our Cycle to Work Day provides the perfect opportunity to try out Leicester’s extensive cycle network and experience first-hand the health and wellbeing benefits that a cycle commute can bring.”  

    Cycle to Work Day in Leicester and Leicestershire is being supported by local employers including Hastings Direct, Leicester College, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, and Leicester’s hospitals.

    Find out more about cycling in Leicester at www.leicester.gov.uk/cycling

    More about Leicester’s Cycle to Work Day is at https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/cycletoworkday/

    Ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Pacific tsunami: modern early warning systems prevent the catastrophic death tolls of the past

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Main, Professor of Seismology and Rock Physics, University of Edinburgh

    The earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula on July 30 2025 may have been one of the most severe on record, with a magnitude of 8.8. But innovations in science and technology gave governments vital time to warn and evacuate their people from the resulting tsunami.

    Millions of people escaped to higher ground before the tsunami hit.

    The 2004 Boxing Day 9.3 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Sumatra, which caused approximately 230,000 deaths, some as far away as Somalia on the other side of the Indian Ocean, shows how important these warnings are.

    Early warning systems were not in place for the Indian Ocean in time for the 2004 disaster. But there is now a system in place, with 27 countries participating in the group effort.

    The 2004 tsunami was particularly tragic because tsunami waves travel at a steady speed in the open ocean, about as fast as a jet plane. This means they can take several hours to reach shore across an ocean, with plenty of time for warning.

    An early warning system for the Pacific Ocean, based in Hawaii, was created in 1948 following a deadly tsunami two years before. On April 1 1946, the magnitude 8.6 Aleutian Islands earthquake in the northern Pacific Ocean generated a tsunami that devastated parts of Hawaii hours later, leading to 146 fatalities.

    The death toll was exacerbated by the leading wave being downwards. This happens in around 50% of tsunamis, and exposes the seashore in a similar way to when the tide goes out, but exposing a larger area than normal. People sometimes investigate out of curiosity, bringing them closer to the danger.

    The accuracy and response times of early tsunami warnings have significantly improved since 1948.

    How tsunamis happen

    To understand the work involved in protecting coastal communities, first you need to understand how tsunamis are generated.

    Tsunamis are caused by displacement of mass on the sea floor after an earthquake, landslide or volcanic eruption. This provides an energy source to set off a wave in the deep sea, not just near the surface like in the ocean waves we see whipped up by the wind and storms. Most are small. The Japanese word tsunami translates somewhat innocuously as “harbour wave”.

    Detailed global mapping of the sea floor, pioneered by US geologist Marie Tharpe between 1957 and 1978, helped establish the modern theory of plate tectonics. It also improved the physical models for how the tsunami will travel in the ocean.

    Wave height increases as it approaches the shore, and the topography of the sea floor can result in a complicated pattern of wave interference and concentration of the energy in stream-like patterns. The establishment of sea-floor observatories led to better data for the pressure at the sea floor (related to wave height) and satellite networks now directly monitor wave height globally using radar signals from space.

    One of the factors that has helped scientists predict the range of a tsunami includes the setting up of the worldwide standard station network of seismometers in 1963, which allowed better estimations of earthquake location and magnitude.

    These were superseded by the digital broadband global network of seismometers in 1978, which allowed more detail on the source to be calculated quickly. This includes a better estimate of earthquake size, the source rupture area and orientation in three dimensions.

    It also tells scientists about the slip, which controls the pattern of displacement on the sea floor. This data is used to forecast the time of landing, the amplitude of the wave on the shoreline, and its height in areas where the wave travels further inland.

    The Pacific Ocean warning system now has 46 countries contributing data. It also uses physical and statistical models for estimating tsunami height. The models developed as scientists learnt more about earthquake sources, mapped features on the sea floor and tested model forecasts against outcomes.

    Today’s technology

    The early warning systems we have today are due to a decades-long commitment to global research collaboration and open data. Scientists have also improved their forecast methods. Recently they started using trained AI algorithms which could improve the timeliness and accuracy.

    Pioneered by the US Geological Survey, rapid data sharing is now used routinely to estimate earthquake parameters and make them available to the public soon after the rupture stops. This can be within minutes for an initial estimate then updated over the next few hours as more data comes in.

    However, the forecast wave height is inherently uncertain, variable from place to place, and may turn out to be more or less than expected. Similarly, large earthquakes are rare, making it hard to estimate how likely they are on average, and therefore to design appropriate mitigation measures.

    The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan destroyed or overtopped the eight-metre high protective sea walls that had been put in place based on such hazard estimates. There were over 19,000 fatalities. As a consequence, their height has been increased to 12-15 metres in some areas.

    Early warning systems also rely on rapid communication to the public, including mass alerts communicated by mobile phone, coordination by the relevant authorities across borders, clear advice, and advance evacuation plans and occasional alarm tests or drills. Although tsunami waves slow down to the speed of a car as they approach the shore, it is impossible to outrun one, so it is better to act quickly and calmly.

    The effectiveness of warnings also means accepting a degree of inconvenience in false alarms where the tsunami height is less than that forecast, because this is inevitable with the uncertainties involved. For good reason, authorities issuing alerts will err on the side of caution.

    To give an example, nuclear power plants on Japan’s eastern seaboard were shut down on July 30.

    So far it looks like the Pacific early warning system – combined with effective levels of preparedness and action by service providers and decision makers – has worked well in reducing the number of casualties that might have happened without it.

    There will always be a level of uncertainty we will have to live with. On balance, it is a small price to pay for avoiding a catastrophe.

    Ian Main is professor of Seismology and Rock Physics at the University of Edinburgh. He receives funding from UK Research and Innovation Research Council, a member of the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation Expert panel on external hazards, and acts as an independent reviewer for the Energy Industry-funded SeIsmic hazard and Ground Motion Assessment research program SIGMA3.

    ref. Pacific tsunami: modern early warning systems prevent the catastrophic death tolls of the past – https://theconversation.com/pacific-tsunami-modern-early-warning-systems-prevent-the-catastrophic-death-tolls-of-the-past-262283

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI China: Brazil defeat China to reach Men’s VNL Finals semis

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Host China lost 3-1 to world No. 4 Brazil in the quarterfinal as the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals kicked off on Wednesday.

    Li Yongzhen (L) of China competes during the match between China and Brazil at the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Finals in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, July 30, 2025. (Photo by Suo Xianglu/Xinhua)

    This year’s VNL Finals follow a single-elimination format. China joined the top seven teams from the preliminary round in the fight for the title.

    Brazil, the tournament favorite, finished the preliminary phase with an 11-1 record and had previously swept China 3-0 in the Chicago leg in June.

    China made a strong start, overcoming an early deficit in the first set to win 31-29. Key contributions came from Wen Zihua, Yu Yuantai and Li Yongzhen, with China scoring six blocks – while Brazil did not record any.

    “I’m more than satisfied, I mean I am proud of the team,” said China head coach Vital Heynen. “At the beginning of the VNL, we could not defend, but today we were amazing. I’ve never seen them fighting like today.”

    In the second set, China led 17-14 but then conceded nine consecutive points. Despite calling two timeouts, the team was unable to turn the tables and lost the set 19-25.

    Brazil took control in the third set with a 25-16 win, then sealed the match in the fourth, pulling away late to secure a 25-21 victory. Brazil’s Alan Souza scored a match-high 26 points, while Wen Zihua led China with 15.

    “The only problem is we don’t know how to win,” Heynen admitted. “I see big steps forward, but we have to be very fair that Brazil is many steps in front of us. That is clear, but I go out of the VNL with a very nice feeling. We were fighting and that was the most important. Sport is about giving everything. My guys were giving everything. That’s what I want!”

    Looking ahead to the World Championship in the Philippines starting September 12, Heynen remained optimistic: “We have another seven weeks to get better, and then we’ll see. If we play like this [today] and we lose, I have no problem with anything, because this is the way we have to play.”

    Earlier on Wednesday, Italy defeated Cuba 3-1 to advance to the semifinals. France will face Slovenia and Japan will take on Poland in the remaining quarterfinals on Thursday. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 31, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 31, 2025.

    5 reasons why wind farms are costing more in Australia – and what to do about it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Söderberg, Professor and Director, Centre for Applied Energy Economics and Policy Research, Griffith University Saeed Khan/Getty Building a solar farm in Australia is getting about 8% cheaper each year as panel prices fall and technology improves, according to an official new report. Battery storage costs are

    Sporty spice: how romance fiction is adding a new dynamic to sports fandom
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University Sports fans might love their teams, cheer or curse each game’s result and admire their favourite athletes, but we rarely associate sports with romance. However, that may be slowly changing thanks to the recent spike in the popularity

    Just as NZ began collecting meaningful data on rainbow communities, census changes threaten their visibility
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lori Leigh, Research Fellow in Public Health, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand’s 2023 census was the first to collect data on gender identity and sexual orientation, showing one in 20 adults identify as LGBTQIA+. But just as reports from this more inclusive census are being

    Big tech says AI could boost Australia’s economy by $115 billion a year. Does the evidence stack up?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Uri Gal, Professor in Business Information Systems, University of Sydney Imaginima / Getty Images AI is on the agenda in Canberra. In August, the Productivity Commission will release an interim report on harnessing data and digital technology such as AI “to boost productivity growth, accelerate innovation and

    Progress on Closing the Gap is stagnant or going backwards. Here are 3 things to help fix it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeleine Pugin, Research Fellow, School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University The Productivity Commission’s latest data on Closing the Gap progress represents an unsurprisingly grim overview of the socioeconomic inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Closing the Gap is the plan federal and

    More than 2 in 5 young Australians are lonely, our new report shows. This is what could help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle H. Lim, Associate Professor, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney Oliver Rossi/Getty Images Loneliness is not a word often associated with young people. We tend to think of our youth as a time spent with family, friends and being engaged with school and work

    How migrant business owners turn their identity into an asset, despite some bumps along the way
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shea X. Fan, Associate Professor, Human Resource Management, Deakin University Odua Images/Shutterstock Too often, it’s anti-immigration sentiment dominating headlines in Australia. But a quieter story is going untold. Migrants are not just fitting into Australian society, they’re actively reshaping it through entrepreneurship. Starting a business is difficult

    The Man from Hong Kong at 50: how the first ever Australian–Hong Kong co-production became a cult classic
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gregory Ferris, Senior Lecturer, Media Arts & Production, University of Technology Sydney LMPC via Getty Images A cinematic firecracker of a film exploded onto international screens 50 years ago this week, blending martial arts mayhem, Bond-esque set pieces, casual racism – and a distinctly Australian swagger. From

    Rules for calculating climate risk in financial reporting by NZ businesses need revisiting – new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martien Lubberink, Associate Professor of Accounting and Capital, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Andrew MacDonald/Getty Images The recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on climate action marked a significant step forward in formalising an idea many already accept: climate inaction is not merely

    Climate justice victory at the ICJ – the student journey from USP lectures to The Hague
    By Vahefonua Tupola in Suva The University of the South Pacific (USP) is at the heart of a global legal victory with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivering a historic opinion last week affirming that states have binding legal obligations to protect the environment from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. The case, hailed as a

    Climate justice victory at the ICJ – the student journey from USP lectures to The Hague
    By Vahefonua Tupola in Suva The University of the South Pacific (USP) is at the heart of a global legal victory with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivering a historic opinion last week affirming that states have binding legal obligations to protect the environment from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. The case, hailed as a

    Kamchatka earthquake is among top 10 strongest ever recorded. Here’s what they have in common
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dee Ninis, Earthquake Scientist, Monash University Today at about 11:30am local time, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the country’s far east. Originating at a depth of roughly 20 kilometres, today’s powerful earthquake – among the ten strongest in recorded

    Kamchatka earthquake is among top 10 strongest ever recorded. Here’s what they have in common
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dee Ninis, Earthquake Scientist, Monash University Today at about 11:30am local time, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the country’s far east. Originating at a depth of roughly 20 kilometres, today’s powerful earthquake – among the ten strongest in recorded

    Tsunami warnings are triggering mass evacuations across the Pacific – even though the waves look small. Here’s why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor and Principal Fellow in Urban Risk and Resilience, The University of Melbourne Last night, one of the ten largest earthquakes ever recorded struck Kamchatka, the sparsely populated Russian peninsula facing the Pacific. The magnitude 8.8 quake had its epicentre in the sea just

    NAPLAN is just one test. Here’s what to do if your child’s results were in the bottom bands
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sally Larsen, Senior Lecturer in Education, University of New England Rawpixel/ Getty Images The latest round of NAPLAN results are out, along with a string of news reports about “students falling behind” and “failing”, and experts sounding the “alarm” about school progress. In March, all Australian students

    Inflation slows again — but is it enough for the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stella Huangfu, Associate Professor, School of Economics, University of Sydney Doublelee/Shutterstock Inflation is moving in the right direction, but new figures released today may not be soft enough to trigger a cut in official interest rates in August. The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the June quarter

    With the UK and France moving toward recognising Palestine, will Australia now follow suit?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University One of the smallest and most exclusive clubs in the world belongs to states. The US Department of State puts the number of independent recognised states at 197, while others count 200. The United Nations, meanwhile, has 193

    With the UK and France moving toward recognising Palestine, will Australia follow suit?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University One of the smallest and most exclusive clubs in the world belongs to states. The US Department of State puts the number of independent recognised states at 197, while others count 200. The United Nations, meanwhile, has 193

    An underwater observatory keeping the pulse of the Southern Ocean for nearly 30 years yields fresh results
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Traill, PhD Candidate Southern Ocean biogeochemistry, University of Tasmania Elizabeth Shadwick In a world affected by climate change, the Southern Ocean plays an outsized role. It absorbs up to 40% of the human-caused emissions taken up by the oceans while also being home to some of

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Cantonese Opera Development Fund Advisory Committee

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Cantonese Opera Development Fund Advisory Committee
    Mr Maurice Lee Wai-man (Chairman)
    Dr Lee Siu-yan (Vice-Chairman)
    Mr Au Yick-ho *
    Mr Chan Kin-bun *
    Dr Benjamin Chan Tak-yuen
    Ms Emily Chan Wing-yee *
    Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung
    Mr Kenny Ho Chi-wa
    Mr Lai Yiu-wai
    Ms Lam Yan-yin (Lam Kwan-ling)
    Ms Angel Leung Sum-yee *
    Mr Li Qiuyuan *
    Ms Ng Man-ting
    Mr Wilfred Ng Sau-kei
    Mr Jonathan Ng Yee
    Professor Lui Yu-hon (Chairman of the Cantonese Opera Advisory Committee)
    Representative of the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism
    Representative of the Secretary for Education
    Representative of the Director of Leisure and Cultural ServicesIssued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance Launches DKNX: 2X Leveraged ETF on DraftKings (DKNG)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs, a leader in thematic and leveraged exchange-traded funds, today announced the launch of an innovative ETF: The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long DKNG ETF (Ticker: DKNX). This fund provides investors with amplified 2X daily exposure to the performance of DraftKings Inc. (DKNG), empowering retail investors to capitalize on high-growth opportunities in the sports betting and gaming industry without the need for a margin account.

    DKNX seeks to deliver daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of 200% of the daily performance of DraftKings Inc. Through the use of derivatives, including swaps and options, DKNX aims to achieve precise 2X daily leveraged exposure to the underlying stock.

    “DKNX represents Defiance’s continued commitment to pioneering leveraged ETFs that give investors amplified access to high-growth, innovative companies,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs. “DraftKings’ leadership in digital sports betting and entertainment makes DKNX a timely addition to our lineup, allowing active investors to pursue targeted growth strategies.”

    Why DraftKings Inc. (DKNG)?

    DraftKings Inc. is a leading digital sports entertainment and gaming company, offering sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and online gaming across regulated markets in the U.S. and beyond. As legalized sports betting expands and consumer engagement accelerates, DraftKings continues to innovate with technology-driven platforms, data analytics, and strategic partnerships.

    An investment in DKNX is not an investment in DraftKings Inc.

    The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Security’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Security’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day.

    About Defiance
    Founded in 2018, Defiance is at the forefront of ETF innovation. Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

    IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

    The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. Please read carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk.

    There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.

    DKNG Risks. The Funds invest in swap contracts and options that are based on the share prices of DKNG. This subjects the Funds to the risk that the respective share prices decrease. If the share price of DKNG decreases, the Funds will likely lose value and, as a result, the Funds may suffer significant losses. Therefore, as a result of the Funds’ exposure to the values of DKNG, the Funds may also be subject to the following risks:

    Underlying Securities Trading Risk. The trading prices of DKNG may be highly volatile and could continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors.

    Underlying Securities Performance Risk. DKNG may fail to meet publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause its share price to decline.

    Sports Betting and Gaming Industry Risk (DKNX). The sports betting and gaming industry can be significantly affected by regulatory changes, legal developments, taxation, competitive pressures, and consumer behavior shifts.

    Derivatives Risks. The Funds’ derivative investments carry risks such as an imperfect match between the derivative’s performance and its underlying assets, and the potential for loss of principal, which can exceed the initial investment.

    Swap Agreements. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

    Leverage Risk. As part of the Funds’ principal investment strategy, the Funds will make investments in swap contracts and options. These derivative instruments provide the economic effect of financial leverage by creating additional investment exposure to the Underlying Securities, as well as the potential for greater loss.

    Compounding Risk. The Funds have a single day investment objective, and performance for any other period is the result of compounding daily returns for each trading day. The effects of compounding will likely cause the performance of a Fund to be either greater than or less than the Underlying Security’s performance times the stated multiple in the Fund’s investment objective, before accounting for fees and fund expenses.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Funds’ expenses and reduce performance. Frequent trading may also cause adverse tax consequences for investors in the Funds due to an increase in short-term capital gains.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Funds are non-diversified, they may invest a greater percentage of their assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if they were diversified funds.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk of the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security, may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. Additionally, the Fund will seek to employ its investment strategy as it relates to the underlying issuer regardless of whether there are significant corporate actions such as restructurings, enforcement activity, or acquisitions or periods of adverse market, economic, or other conditions and will not seek to take temporary defensive positions during such periods.

    New Fund Risk. As newly formed funds, they have no operating history, providing a limited basis for investors to assess performance or management.

    Brokerage commissions may be charged on trades.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    David Hanono, info@defianceetfs.com, 833.333.9383

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fb250b6-cfe3-4d2b-9e44-2ad670c59bb4

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The dirty truth about what’s in your socks: bacteria, fungi and whatever lives between your toes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

    Marko Aliaksandr/Shutterstock

    Your feet are microbial hotspots. The area between your toes is packed with sweat glands, and when we wrap our feet in socks and shoes, we trap that moisture in a warm, humid cocoon that’s ideal for microbial growth. In fact, your feet may be home to a miniature rainforest of bacteria and fungi, with anywhere from 100 to 10 million microbial cells per square centimetre of skin surface.

    Not only do feet host a huge variety of microorganisms – up to 1,000 different species per person – but they also have a wider range of fungal species than any other part of the body. That means your feet aren’t just sweaty or smelly – they’re genuinely biodiverse.

    Because your feet are microbe-rich, your socks become prime real estate for these same bacteria and fungi. Studies show that socks harbour both harmless skin residents, like coagulase-negative staphylococci, and potentially dangerous pathogens, including Aspergillus, Staphylococcus, Candida, Histoplasma and Cryptococcus. These microbes thrive in the warm, moist spaces between your toes, feeding on sweat and dead skin cells.

    Their byproducts, such as volatile fatty acids and sulphur compounds, are what give sweaty feet, socks and shoes that notorious odour. It’s not the sweat itself that smells, but the microbial metabolism of that sweat. Perhaps unsurprisingly, smelly feet are so common the NHS has dedicated pages of advice on the issue.

    The sock microbiome isn’t just influenced by your feet – it also reflects your environment. Socks pick up microbes from every surface you walk on, including household floors, gym mats, locker rooms and even your garden. They act as microbial sponges, collecting bacteria and fungi from soil, water, pet hair and dander, and the general dust of everyday life. In one study, socks worn for just 12 hours had the highest bacterial and fungal counts of any clothing item tested.

    And those microbes don’t stay put. Anything living in your socks can transfer to your shoes, your floors, your bedding – and even your skin. In a hospital study, slipper socks worn by patients were found to carry floor microbes, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens, into hospital beds. It’s a reminder that foot hygiene isn’t just a personal issue – it can have broader implications for infection control and public health.

    Super-spreaders

    Socks can also play a key role in spreading fungal infections like Tinea pedis (better known as athlete’s foot), a highly contagious condition that primarily affects the toes but can spread to the heels, hands, or even the groin. The infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which love warm, damp environments – exactly the kind you find in sweaty socks and tight shoes.

    To prevent this, experts recommend avoiding walking barefoot in shared spaces like gyms and pools, not sharing socks, towels, or shoes, and practising good foot hygiene, which includes washing and drying thoroughly between the toes. Topical antifungal treatments are usually effective, but prevention is key.

    It’s also important to note that socks can retain fungal spores even after washing. So if you’ve had athlete’s foot, wearing the same pair again – even if it looks clean – could trigger reinfection.

    The safest approach is to wear fresh socks daily and allow your shoes to dry out completely between wears. Choose breathable fabrics and avoid footwear that traps heat or causes excessive sweating.

    How to wash your socks properly

    Most laundry advice focuses on preserving fabric, colour and shape – but when it comes to socks, hygiene matters more. Studies show that washing at typical domestic temperatures (30–40°C) may not be sufficient to kill bacteria and fungi. In fact, under-cleaned socks can act as infection vectors, especially in households with vulnerable people.

    To properly sanitise your socks:

    • turn them inside out before washing to expose the inner surface where most microbes accumulate

    • use an enzyme-based detergent, which helps break down sweat and skin debris

    • wash at 60°C when possible, as the higher temperature helps detach and kill microbes

    • steam iron your socks if you need to wash at lower temperatures – heat from ironing can destroy residual spores.

    Cotton socks tend to tolerate higher temperatures better than synthetic blends, making them a better option for those prone to fungal infections. Drying socks in direct sunlight can also help: UV light has known antimicrobial effects.

    The forensic power of sock microbiomes

    Your socks might say more about you than you realise. In a US murder investigation, forensic scientists used soil bacteria found on a suspect’s socks to link them to the burial site of a victim.

    The microbial profile of the socks closely matched that of the crime scene – suggesting the socks had picked up and preserved location-specific soil microbes. This emerging field of forensic microbiology shows how microbial signatures can offer valuable clues in legal contexts.

    It’s a reminder that the ecosystems we carry on our bodies – and in our clothing – are not only complex and revealing but also surprisingly durable. Whether it’s helping to solve crimes or fuelling a fungal outbreak, your socks are far more biologically active than they appear.

    So next time you peel off a sweaty pair at the end of the day, spare a thought for the microscopic universe you’ve been walking around in. And maybe, just maybe, opt for that 60-degree wash.

    Primrose Freestone 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. The dirty truth about what’s in your socks: bacteria, fungi and whatever lives between your toes – https://theconversation.com/the-dirty-truth-about-whats-in-your-socks-bacteria-fungi-and-whatever-lives-between-your-toes-261580

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘Pay us what you owe us:’ What the WNBA’s collective bargaining talks reveal about negotiation psychology

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ryan Clutterbuck, Assistant Professor in Sport Management, Brock University

    WNBA all-star players, led by Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and the Minnesota Lynx’s Naphessa Collier, recently made headlines by wearing “Pay Us What You Owe Us” T-shirts during the pregame warm-up.

    The T-shirts, which are now available for purchase, were a demonstration of players’ frustrations with the WNBA owners and the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiation. The collective agreement sets out the terms and conditions of employment (like salaries and benefits) between the league and its players, and is set to expire Oct. 31, 2025.

    Reportedly, players are asking for increased revenue sharing (the current agreement stipulates WNBA players receive only nine per cent of league revenue, relative to their NBA peers who receive 50 per cent), increased compensation (the average WNBA salary is US$147,745) and other benefits.

    Central to these demands is the perception that, despite a surge in popularity, media attention and viewership, WNBA players are still being underpaid and are undervalued.

    Negotiations for a new collective agreement are ongoing. But as the T-shirts and subsequent public statements from the players and the WNBA show, there is increasing frustration with how the process is unfolding.

    What is ‘owed’ to WNBA players?

    Debate over what is “owed” to WNBA players has intensified recently. ESPN commentator Pat McAfee, for example, has suggested the league should simply increase players’ salaries by US$30,000 per player, saying that contracts like Clark’s are “an embarrassment.”

    But others argue this discussion should go beyond players’ salaries. Syracuse University sport management professor Lindsey Darvin writes:

    “The question isn’t whether the WNBA can afford to pay players what they’re worth; it’s whether the league can afford not to make the investments necessary to realize its full potential.”

    According to Darvin, because the WNBA is an economically inefficient — and arguably exploitative — business, its focus should be on increasing revenue, and not simply on reducing its labour costs. For example, with the goal to satisfy increasing market demands for the WNBA, strategies to increase revenue could include expanding the league to new markets, scheduling more games at the 3 p.m. Eastern time slot and increasing the number of regular season games from 44 to 60 or more.

    In sport management classrooms and negotiation workshops at Brock University, we call this “expanding the pie” — working collaboratively, as opposed to combatively, to grow the game and the business so that both players and owners benefit over the long term. But this is easier said than done.

    Information shapes negotiation outcomes

    While it’s still early in the negotiation process, there are lessons that can be learned from this round of collective bargaining. One of those lessons has to do with making and receiving first offers. In particular, two psychological concepts are at play: information asymmetry and the anchoring effect.

    Information asymmetry occurs when one party holds more relevant knowledge than the other. For example, in a typical job negotiation, the employer knows the number of applicants for the position, how much the company is willing to pay and what compensation trends look like across the sector. The candidate, by contrast, lacks most if not all of this information and thus enters the negotiation at a distinct disadvantage.

    The question is: who should make the first salary offer? The general rule is that when you lack critical information, it’s better to let the other side make the first move.

    In the case of the WNBA’s negotiations, the information asymmetry problem is not so obvious. The owners likely have a certain perspective on what is acceptable in terms of sharing league revenue and improving working conditions. But the players possess their own kind of leverage, regarding their willingness to protest or walk out entirely.

    The league made its initial proposal to the players in early July, but it was not well received.

    The ‘anchoring effect’ can skew negotiations

    Another problem influencing negotiations is the “anchoring effect.” This occurs when an initial offer influences subsequent offers and counteroffers, and ultimately has an impact on the final outcome.

    Garage-sale aficionados may recognize this tendency, as buyers often negotiate with the seller’s sticker price in mind, haggling to earn a 25 or 50 per cent discount on an item without considering whether the item is actually worth the cost. Here, the sticker acts as the anchor.

    While sticker prices and first offers are not inherently malicious, some sale prices and first offers are intended to manipulate buyers and negotiators representing the other side. Savvy negotiators deploy strategic anchors, but even they can sometimes miss.

    In maritime terms, anchor scour occurs when a ship’s anchor fails to catch hold and instead drags across the seabed, destroying ecosystems caught in its path.

    In negotiations, a similar process can unfold. When initial moves and first offers fail to catch hold because they are perceived to be unfair by the other side, it can damage relationships and can make subsequent negotiations even more difficult.

    Now, the WNBA may face the consequences of a poorly received anchor. According to WNBA player representative, Satou Sabally, the WNBA’s initial offer was a “slap in the face”.

    New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart called the players’ meeting with the league on July 17 to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement a “wasted opportunity” while Chicago Sky player Angel Reese called the negotiations “disrespectful.”

    It’s time to right the ship

    Though it’s still early days, we expect negotiations to heat up in the coming weeks as the Halloween deadline to reach a deal approaches.

    There is still time to right the ship, so to speak, but to do so, WNBA players and owners must internalize the potentially disastrous impacts that can come from negotiating over an imagined “fixed pie” instead of expanding it, and dropping anchors that fail to address the other sides’ key interests.

    WNBA players and WNBA team owners now have, in front of them, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform professional women’s sport in North America, through creatively and collaboratively expanding the pie and paying the players what they’re owed.

    Michele K. Donnelly has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

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

    ref. ‘Pay us what you owe us:’ What the WNBA’s collective bargaining talks reveal about negotiation psychology – https://theconversation.com/pay-us-what-you-owe-us-what-the-wnbas-collective-bargaining-talks-reveal-about-negotiation-psychology-261731

    MIL OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin Honors Michael Meyers as July 2025 Constituent of the Month

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    July 30, 2025

    Michael Meyers

    Carlsbad, Calif. – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) recognized Michael Meyers, a Carlsbad native and founder of North County San Diego’s first local goalball team for the blind and visually impaired, as his July 2025 Constituent of the Month. 

    Michael was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease, during high school and turned his disability into a force for local advocacy. While attending a rehabilitation program in Colorado, he discovered goalball, a team sport designed specifically for visually impaired athletes. After returning home to Carlsbad, he learned there were no local teams or programs that offered the sport. Michael worked with family and friends to launch a North County San Diego Goalball team earlier this year to provide this unique sporting opportunity to members of the community.  

    In just a few months, the team has grown to include more than 30 players and has drawn support from national leaders in adaptive sports, including Paralympic silver medalist Joseph Hamilton and former U.S. Men’s National Goalball Team head coach Matt Boyle.  

    Rep. Levin recognized Michael for his inspiring leadership and commitment to accessibility, health, and community inclusion.  

    See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Michael Meyers in the Congressional Record: 

    “Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Michael Meyers as my July 2025 Constituent of the Month.  

    “Michael represents the best in our community. He is resilient, innovative, and committed to making our district more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. Michael saw a lack of recreational opportunities for people with visual impairments in our region and took it upon himself to create a solution. The goalball team he founded in North County San Diego is now helping dozens of visually impaired residents stay active, build confidence, and connect with one another.  

    “Michael’s work ensures that people who are blind or visually impaired have the chance to be part of a team, to challenge themselves, and to not sit on the sidelines. That spirit of inclusion and determination is exactly what makes our district special, and it is why I am honored to recognize Michael as my Constituent of the Month.” 

    ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:  

    Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s?June 2025 Constituent of the Month was Nani Love, a case manager and victim’s advocate at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and his May 2025 Constituent of the Month was Rohen Vargo, the founder of a student-run blood pressure screening clinic.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sporty spice: how romance fiction is adding a new dynamic to sports fandom

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kasey Symons, Lecturer of Communication, Sports Media, Deakin University

    Sports fans might love their teams, cheer or curse each game’s result and admire their favourite athletes, but we rarely associate sports with romance.

    However, that may be slowly changing thanks to the recent spike in the popularity of romance fiction, which has created an unlikely sub-genre.

    A genre on the rise

    Romance fiction sales in Australia are up, with an average growth rate of 49% over three years.

    Dedicated romance bookstores are popping all over the world thanks to the visibility of social media communities such as “BookTok” and “Bookstagram” and the avenues digital and self-publishing are creating.

    Sports romance titles are contributing to the growing romance numbers and are helping to attract new and non-traditional fans to sport.

    Sports bringing the spice

    Sports romance fiction is not a new phenomenon. But it has gained popularity in the past few years, predominantly through ice hockey titles.

    Ice hockey romance has a growing, passionate following. Authors such as Elle Kennedy, Hannah Grace, Tessa Bailey and Emily Rath – all New York Times-bestselling writers – bring a wide-reaching visibility to the sub-genre.

    Kennedy’s Off Campus series is currently being developed as a TV series.

    Formula 1 romance fiction also has a strong following, while football (soccer) is popular too. Meryl Wilsner’s soccer-based romance Cleat Cute is also getting the TV treatment through sporting legends Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird’s production company A Touch More.

    You name the sport and there will be a title for you: golf, chess, lacrosse, tennis, basketball, pickleball, Australian rules football, swimming, ballet, baseball and e-sports, the list goes on.

    Something for everyone

    While a majority of sports romance texts reflect heteronormative relationships and depict some of the more stereotypical, idealised body types and aesthetics often associated with the romance genre and athletic bodies, there are also diverse titles. These explore relationships across genders, sexualities, ethnicities, body shapes and different sports.

    The ability to self-publish and reach an audience through social media allows sports romance authors and the creator community to be responsive and representative.

    Authors are motivated to create narratives that reflect their own experiences and identity or contribute perspectives they feel are missing in the sporting landscape.

    Happily ever after?

    What makes these diverse contributions significant is how the authors present their sporting narratives within the romance genre storytelling structure. This means the majority of texts conform to what romance readers call, the “HEA”: the happily ever after.

    While some narratives will have drama, tension and tragedy, the “happily ever after” framework allows for stories and relationships to end on a happy note.

    In sports romance, there are many authors using this approach to challenge social norms, restrictive sporting environments and advocate for inclusion by presenting narratives where these tensions are resolved and everything works out.

    Examples include K.T. Hoffman’s The Prospects, which features a trans man as the protagonist who makes it onto a Major League Baseball team and finds true love. Esha Patel’s Offtrack presents a Middle Eastern woman as the first woman driver for a Formula 1 team this century — who also finds true love. Australian author Abra Pressler’s Love and Other Scores shares the coming out journey of a professional male tennis player while competing at the Australian Open — after he finds true love. You get it.

    The romance genre allows these fictional stories to play out with the authors placing love and care for diverse communities at their centre, showing us a world where the inclusion for these diverse lived experiences are possible in sport.

    Risks and rewards

    There are opportunities for sports organisations to think more creatively about connecting with fans who may be interested in different elements of sporting culture and fandom.

    That could be through sports romance, new forms of narrative storytelling such as docuseries like Netflix’s Drive to Survive, or intersections with pop culture such as Taylor Swift’s recent impact on NFL fandom.

    What is important is understanding the community and serving that community rather than trying to retrofit diverse fans into preexisting fan engagement strategies.

    Sports should understand fans are not a homogeneous group, and not all diverse fans will respond to and connect with this content.

    There are also risks for sports that try to shoehorn non-traditional fans into their space without fully understanding the community, such as when the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken targeted the sports romance audience in 2023. The initiative went horribly wrong when the organisation misguidedly promoted social media engagement which led to some users crossing the line and allegedly harassing players.

    But there are rewards when it is done right. Australian Ice Hockey League discovered this after developing a genuine connection with author Emily Rath and facilitating welcoming and safe spaces for romance readers at games. The result? A surge in attendances and fan connection.

    The sports romance genre is a space for sport to pay attention to, and with the second annual Sports Romance Convention taking place in Minneapolis next year, its community will continue to grow.

    Kasey Symons has received funding from the Victorian Government, and national and state sport governing bodies, including the Australian Football League and the National Rugby League. She is also one of the co-founders of Siren: A Women in Sport Collective.

    ref. Sporty spice: how romance fiction is adding a new dynamic to sports fandom – https://theconversation.com/sporty-spice-how-romance-fiction-is-adding-a-new-dynamic-to-sports-fandom-261569

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: Thomas Muller set to join MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Bayern Munich veteran Thomas Muller is close to sealing a move to Major League Soccer (MLS).

    According to German and Canadian media reports, only minor details remain before the 35-year-old signs a two-year contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent on August 1.

    The 131-time capped German international is expected to further boost the MLS’ profile alongside Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami. Reports say Muller’s debut for the Whitecaps could come on August 9 against the San Jose Earthquakes.

    Layvin Kurzawa (L) from Paris Saint-Germain competes with Thomas Muller from Bayern Munich during their match of Group B of the 2017-18 season Champions League at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on Sept. 27, 2017. Paris Saint-Germain won by 3-0 at home. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

    The Bavarian forward recently expressed a desire to gain international experience to round out a decorated career that includes two UEFA Champions League titles, 13 Bundesliga championships and six German Cup trophies.

    Muller has called the MLS an intriguing competition, noting that “we see a World Cup played in the United States, Canada and Mexico, in 2026.”

    German ties to the Canadian west coast club may have influenced his decision. Canadian international full-back Alphonso Davies joined Bayern from Vancouver in 2018, while Whitecaps managing director Alexander Schuster previously worked for German sides Mainz 05 and Schalke 04. In 2022, Nick Salihamidzic, son of former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, played for Vancouver.

    “I am looking forward to playing in the MLS and meeting figureheads such as Messi,” said Muller, who leaves Bayern after contributing 250 goals and 276 assists in 756 competitive appearances.

    He follows in the footsteps of fellow Bayern and German greats Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Lothar Matthaeus and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who all played in the MLS after their European careers.

    The Whitecaps have won the Canadian Championship four times, including three in the past three years.

    Muller acknowledged the challenge of adapting to new surroundings, saying, “When you leave a club like Bayern, you meet different circumstances.” He added that he still feels “the desire for football burning in my chest.”

    Turning 36 in September, Muller saw his wish for a one-year contract extension turned down by Bayern as his playing time declined in recent seasons, when he primarily served as a substitute and mentor for younger players. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Barca defender Kounde agrees new contract until 2030

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Although the club has yet to make the news official, FC Barcelona defender Jules Kounde on Wednesday confirmed that he has agreed a new five-year contract.

    Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (R) celebrates his goal with teammate Jules Kounde during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd leg football match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica in Barcelona, Spain, on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

    Speaking from the club’s Asian tour in South Korea, the French international commented that “everything has been finished” in terms of a contract extension until the end of June 2030.

    He added it was “a question of days” before the contract was made official, saying he was “very happy” the negotiations had been “so fast.”

    “Barca and I had the same idea. I am very happy with the team and to be at such an ambitious club and happy we can fight for titles every year,” commented the player who scored a late winner as Barca beat Real Madrid in last season’s Copa del Rey final.

    26-year-old Kounde joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2022 and has scored seven goals in 141 games for Barcelona. Although he was initially signed as a central defender, recent seasons have seen him adapt to play at right-back.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launchpool Features GAIA with over 4.7M Tokens in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the feature of Gaia (GAIA) on its launchpool as well as a listing for spot trading. Gaia is a decentralized computing infrastructure that enables everyone to create, deploy, scale, and monetize their own AI agents. Trading for the GAIA/USDT pair will begin on 30 July 2025, 09:00 (UTC).

    Bitget’s GAIA Launchpool campaign is offering 4,741,300 GAIA in total rewards. Eligible users can participate by locking BGB during the event, which runs from 30 July 2025, 09:00 to 1 August 2025, 09:00 (UTC). In the BGB locking pool, users can lock between 5 and 50,000 BGB, with maximum limits determined by their VIP tier, for a chance to earn a share of 3,858,300 GAIA.

    Alongside the listing, Bitget will launch a CandyBomb campaign with 633,000 GAIA available in rewards. Of this, 211,000 GAIA will be allocated to the GAIA, BTC and BGB trading pool for new users, while 422,000 GAIA will be up for grabs in the GAIA trading pool for existing users. The campaign will run from 30 July 2025, 9:00 till 6 Aug 2025, 9:00 (UTC).

    Bitget will also run an X Giveaway, where 750 qualified users will have the chance to win a share of 125,000 GAIA. The campaign runs from 30 July 2025, 9:00 to 1 August 2025, 9:00 (UTC). To participate, users must follow Bitget and Gaia on X, quote the giveaway post with the hashtag #GAIAxBitgetLaunchpool, tag a friend, sign up, deposit or trade GAIA on Bitget, and complete the form linked in the post.

    In addition, a community campaign will run from 30 July 2025, 9:00 to 6 Aug 2025, 9:00 (UTC), offering another 125,000 GAIA to be shared among 750 qualified users. To join, users need to become members of both the Bitget Discord and BGB Holders Group, sign up, make a net deposit of over 100 USDT, and complete any GAIA/USDT spot trade.

    Gaia is a decentralized AI network that enables users to host, own, and interact with autonomous AI agents in a secure and transparent environment. Built on blockchain technology, Gaia ensures each AI node operates independently while contributing to a broader, interconnected ecosystem. Users can deploy advanced models such as Qwen2 0.5B Instruct and customize them using personal or business data to create tailored AI services.

    By prioritizing data sovereignty and privacy, Gaia introduces a new model for decentralized AI development and monetization. Its user-friendly infrastructure allows individuals to easily install node software, configure models, and participate in domain-based AI collaboration, unlocking new possibilities for innovation in the Web3 space.

    Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem.

    With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of Gaia into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem by embracing decentralized AI innovation, empowering users with greater control over data privacy, and supporting the next generation of AI-driven Web3 applications.

    For more details on Gaia, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

    Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7730d634-b088-4a1c-b437-c1051b2dd570

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: China to send largest-ever delegation to 2025 Chengdu World Games

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 29 — China on Tuesday unveiled a 489-member delegation, including 321 athletes, for the upcoming 2025 Chengdu World Games.

    The team will compete in 152 events across 28 sports, marking China’s largest participation in the history of the Games. This year also marks the first inclusion of para-athletes in the delegation.

    As the highest-level international multi-sport event outside the Olympic Games, the 12th edition of the World Games will be held in Chengdu from August 7 to 17. It will be the first time the event is hosted on the Chinese mainland.

    The 2025 Games will feature 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and 256 events. China will make its debut in 12 sports, including floorball, cheerleading, flying disc, and powerboating.

    At the delegation’s launch ceremony, officials emphasized the mission to “glorify the nation,” calling on athletes to deliver top performances while adhering to principles of “zero appearance of doping” and “zero controversy in sportsmanship.”

    Zhong Qixin, head coach of China’s sport climbing team and a former gold medalist in men’s speed climbing at the eighth World Games, expressed high expectations for the home event.

    “We hope to achieve good results at our home event. We aim to focus on ourselves and showcase our skills to the world. We also hope that international athletes and coaches will perform well and enjoy the food and the competition here,” he said.

    Ai Xinliang, a para archer, called the World Games “a new challenge.”

    “Every match feels like the Olympics to me,” said Ai. “This time, competing on the same arena as able-bodied athletes will allow me to experience different emotions. There will certainly be difficulties, but I am mentally prepared and have trained thoroughly before the event,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China to send largest-ever delegation to Chengdu World Games

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China on Tuesday unveiled a 489-member delegation, including 321 athletes, for the upcoming 2025 Chengdu World Games.

    The team will compete in 152 events across 28 sports, marking China’s largest participation in the history of the Games. This year also marks the first inclusion of para-athletes in the delegation.

    Photo taken on July 26, 2025 shows the World Games 2025 Torch Relay in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Ding Zengnida)

    As the highest-level international multi-sport event outside the Olympic Games, the 12th edition of the World Games will be held in Chengdu from August 7 to 17. It will be the first time the event is hosted on the Chinese mainland.

    The 2025 Games will feature 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and 256 events. China will make its debut in 12 sports, including floorball, cheerleading, flying disc, and powerboating.

    At the delegation’s launch ceremony, officials emphasized the mission to “glorify the nation,” calling on athletes to deliver top performances while adhering to principles of “zero appearance of doping” and “zero controversy in sportsmanship.”

    Zhong Qixin, head coach of China’s sport climbing team and a former gold medalist in men’s speed climbing at the eighth World Games, expressed high expectations for the home event.

    “We hope to achieve good results at our home event. We aim to focus on ourselves and showcase our skills to the world. We also hope that international athletes and coaches will perform well and enjoy the food and the competition here,” he said.

    Ai Xinliang, a para archer, called the World Games “a new challenge.”

    “Every match feels like the Olympics to me,” said Ai. “This time, competing on the same arena as able-bodied athletes will allow me to experience different emotions. There will certainly be difficulties, but I am mentally prepared and have trained thoroughly before the event,” he added. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Moscow, more than 60 educational institutions are being improved

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the city economy complex are carrying out landscaping work on the territories of more than 60 educational institutions. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Landscaping Petr Biryukov.

    “In anticipation of the new academic year, we are carrying out comprehensive activities to improve the territories of over 60 educational institutions, including within the framework of the modernization program “My School”. The main task is to create comfortable and safe spaces for students in accordance with modern standards,” noted Petr Biryukov.

    The projects include repairs and, where necessary, addition of new playgrounds and sports grounds. They are covered with a trauma-safe surface and modern play and sports equipment is installed. In addition, specialists are putting in order football pitches, volleyball, basketball and GTO courts, as well as workout zones.

    Special attention is paid to security issues, so video surveillance systems and lanterns with energy-efficient lamps are installed. They also organize outdoor recreation areas, renovate existing pedestrian paths and lay new ones, arrange street furniture, and carry out additional landscaping.

    The head of the city economy complex emphasized that all work will be completed by September 1.

    Improvement of the territories of educational institutions corresponds to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life.”

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow 2030 Forum invites children to the city economy festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    At the Luzhniki sports complex, children and their parents will be introduced to the work of utility workers and rescuers at the city services festival as part of the forum-festival “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030”. Master classes and other events will be held at Pavilion 1a in the Horseshoe zone and on the alley leading to the Grand Sports Arena.

    Together with the masters and representatives urban economy complex Children will weave talisman bracelets, paint shoppers and T-shirts, make bath bombs and a grass toy from sprouted seeds, and also make soap. At the master classes, they will be told what asphalt is made of and will be offered to design helmets for the capital’s gas workers.

    You can learn about electricity in a playful way in the “Electrical Safety Corner”, and conduct an experiment to determine the quality of water in class Museum of Moscow Municipal EconomyFor young researchers, specialists from PJSC MOEK have prepared a chemical and scientific show, which will take place at the forum-festival site every Sunday in August.

    You can find yourself inside a soap ball at the Mosvodokanal JSC station. And at the Moskollektor JSC site, children will be introduced to the work of the organization’s specialists and offered to clear the area with a small excavator. Mosvodostok State Unitary Enterprise invites you to an outdoor master class with radio-controlled boats.

    The Department of Capital Repairs installed a modern children’s playground with a spiral slide and swings on the festival grounds — such play areas are created in Moscow during the improvement of courtyards and public spaces. At the site of the State Budgetary Institution “Greening”, guests will get acquainted with the work of specialists who take care of the flower beds and flower gardens of the capital, and will make a bright chrysanthemum from felt. In addition, a large inflatable slide will be in operation.

    The capital’s rescuers have prepared a series of interactive activities for young visitors: the children will try on their clothes, help a victim played by a soft toy, and play fire tic-tac-toe.

    Races on models of municipal service vehicles will be held in the karting zone. And at the equipment exhibition, visitors will be able to sit in the cabins of real municipal and rescue service vehicles. The exposition will be open on the central alley near the Big Sports Arena for the entire duration of the forum-festival.

    To cover all the sites, you can join the excursion. The children will go on a journey on a steam locomotive, the carriages of which are designed in the style of special equipment of the city economy.

    “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” is an opportunity to get acquainted with the future on a citywide scale by trying out its technologies that are already being used in the capital today. Children and adults will be able to communicate with robots and artificial intelligence, watch modern unmanned transport in action, play on technologically advanced sports grounds, study new educational, medical and industrial innovations, immerse themselves in VR space and do much more.

    A large-scale forum-festival will be held within the framework of the project “Summer in Moscow”. From August 1 to September 14, dozens of venues will host cultural, sports, educational and other events dedicated to the development of one of the most modern megacities in the world. Information about the venues and a detailed program can be found at official website.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A modern city block will appear in Preobrazhenskoye according to the KRT project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the Preobrazhenskoye district of the Eastern Administrative District, as part of the integrated territorial development project (ITD), it is planned to reorganize an inefficiently used site with an area of 1.33 hectares. The corresponding draft resolution posted on the Moscow Government website. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the Moscow Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “According to the KRT project, almost 28.9 thousand square meters of real estate for various purposes are planned to be built in Preobrazhenskoye, including 18.6 thousand for the implementation of the renovation program. A sports and educational building of the Moscow State University of Sports and Tourism with an area of 6.24 thousand square meters, an ambulance substation with an area of 4.02 thousand square meters for 20 parking spaces and a heating substation will be built nearby. The new development will be skillfully integrated into the surrounding landscape,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The area to be redeveloped is located at the address: Poteshnaya Street, land plot No. 6/2, not far from the Preobrazhenskaya Ploshad station of the Sokolnicheskaya metro line. The area has well-developed infrastructure: a school, shops, a business center, a sports complex and other popular facilities are located nearby.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin spoke aboutthe fifth anniversary of the KRT program in the capital.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 336 KRT projects with a total area of more than 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried outon behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

    Parks and squares will be created in a significant part of KRT projects — Sobyanin

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: Myanmar athletes gearing up for dragon boat debut at Chengdu World Games

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    A cold Monday morning drizzle in the rainy season lingered over Inya Lake as paddles cut through the still water. With ten days remaining until the 2025 Chengdu World Games, Myanmar’s dragon boat team was training relentlessly.

    At the Myanmar Rowing and Canoeing Federation compound in Yangon, the sound of synchronized strokes echoed. Coaches call instructions from the banks while athletes push through drills, focusing on rhythm, power and perfect team coordination.

    Members of Myanmar’s national dragon boat team attend a training session for the Chengdu 2025 World Games, in Yangon, Myanmar, July 28, 2025.(Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua)

    Pyae Sone Aung, 22, rested his paddle after a sprint set. “I am very happy and satisfied as I will compete in the World Games in China. As there are many good teams, we are preparing our best.”

    “I do train my best as my coaches ask,” he said. “I am from Maubin township in Ayeyarwady. I got interested in the sports as my uncle and aunty are national athletes,” he said proudly.

    “As our sport is a team sport, we have to overcome the challenges faced during training with team spirit,” he said. “I want to promote the development of dragon boat racing in Myanmar with medals.”

    “China has a lot of modern infrastructure. There are many things to be learned in China. We are training our best,” Pyae Sone Aung said.

    Nway Ei Phyu, 21, adjusted her grip as her paddle splashed from the last drill. “I am very excited as a new generation athlete. This will be my second time in an international event,” she said, breathing hard.

    “The first time I participated in an international event was in Thailand,” she said. “I have prepared my best. Our biggest competitors are China, Thailand and Indonesia,” she said, adding that it would be her first visit to China.

    Veteran paddler Hla Hla Htwe, 32, has been with the rowing team for over 11 years. She has participated in many international events since joining Myanmar’s national team at 18. “My aunties were also national athletes,” she said.

    “As it’s the first time at the World Games, we must train very hard,” she added. “Our coaches support and encourage us every day. As a team sport, unity is everything. If we are not united, other teams will easily beat us.”

    The World Games will include six different dragon boat racing disciplines, with races covering 200, 500 and 2,000 meters, and crews of either eight or 10 athletes.

    Dragon boat racing has been an invitational sport in the World Games three times, and is to be included fully for the first time at the Chengdu Games.

    Originating in China, dragon boat racing uses unique boats that are decorated with dragon-like features. Paddlers sit facing forwards on both sides, each having one paddle.

    On the bank of Inya Lake, coach U Thein Win, 55, said, “We have competed in two qualifiers for the World Games. We qualified with third place and became one of 12 teams.”

    “We have been training since the qualifiers,” he said. “As it is a world event, there are powerful teams in Southeast Asia and strong crews from Europe,” he continued.

    “The competition is very strong. All teams want their best results. We also want our best results,” he said.

    He wiped his brow, recalling his own career. “It is the highest event so far for the dragon boat athletes. I was a rower from 1989 to 2003 and have been working as a coach since 2006,” he said.

    “In my joint training visit to China, I saw how China’s team train three times a day. We train twice a day,” he said. “We share similar food to China, and their culture feels familiar to us,” he reflected.

    Myanmar’s dragon boat delegation, which includes six male athletes, six female athletes, a team leader, a manager and two coaches, departs for China on August 6. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Not a genius, just hard work’: Yu Zidi nearly medals at 12

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    “A genius?” Yu Zidi echoed when asked if she sees herself as one.

    “No, not really,” she replied. “It’s all the result of hard training.”

    The 12-year-old swimming prodigy came within a heartbeat of a historic medal at the World Aquatics Championships on Monday, finishing fourth in the women’s 200-meter individual medley.

    Making her international debut, Yu clocked a personal best of two minutes 9.21 seconds – just 0.06 seconds behind bronze medalist Mary-Sophie Harvey of Canada, who touched in 2:09.15.

    “My original goal was simply to give my best and try for a podium finish, even though I thought it might be out of reach,” Yu told Chinese television after the race. “But I wanted to give it a shot. I came really close today, so I’ll keep working hard when I get back.”

    A primary school student, Yu showed remarkable composure and progression across all three rounds, improving from 2:11.90 in the heats to 2:10.22 in the semifinals before reaching her personal best in the final.

    “I was really nervous before the race,” she said. “But at the same time, I was excited to compete against some of the world’s top athletes. The result was excellent – it exceeded my expectations.”

    Yu held third place at the halfway mark, but her breaststroke leg cost her crucial time. Despite a strong comeback in the freestyle, the margin proved too tight.

    “My breaststroke still needs a lot of work,” she admitted. “It’s something I’ll definitely focus on improving in training.”

    Asked to reflect on her overall performance, Yu said, “I can’t say I’m totally satisfied, but it’s alright. I need to keep working hard.”

    Yu made headlines earlier this year at China’s national championships, where she swam 2:10.63 – the fastest time ever recorded by a 12-year-old – to take the silver medal.

    She is set to race again in the women’s 200m butterfly on July 30 and the 400m individual medley on August 3.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing to host 2026 World Aquatics Short-Course Swimming Championships

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Beijing has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 World Aquatics Short-Course Swimming Championships following a decision by the World Aquatics Bureau.

    The announcement was made during the World Aquatics General Congress in Singapore, held alongside the ongoing World Aquatics Championships.

    Swimmers start at the men’s 200m individual medley final at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25M) in Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 10, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

    More than 1,000 elite swimmers from over 200 countries and regions are expected to compete in the Chinese capital over six days in late 2026.

    Beijing, known for its extensive experience in hosting major international sporting events, was selected after a competitive bidding process, World Aquatics said.

    “Beijing has demonstrated time and again its capacity to deliver world-class events across all aquatic disciplines,” said World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam. “We are confident that this tradition of excellence will continue in 2026.”

    Beijing has previously hosted 38 World Aquatics events and is also set to stage the full-scale World Aquatics Championships in 2029, which will include open water swimming and high diving in addition to the five core disciplines.

    This will be the third time China has hosted the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m), following Shanghai in 2006 and Hangzhou in 2018.

    Chinese Swimming Association president Zhou Jihong welcomed the decision. “We are thrilled and deeply honored to host this prestigious championship in Beijing, a city with a strong Olympic legacy and enduring passion for aquatic sports,” said Zhou. “This is an important opportunity to showcase the talents of the world’s best swimmers, and we will work tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for athletes, officials, and fans alike.”

    Among those anticipating the event is Chinese Olympic champion and men’s 100m freestyle long-course world record holder Pan Zhanle.

    “I can’t wait to compete in front of a home crowd,” said Pan. “The short-course championships bring a unique intensity and excitement. I hope to make history in Beijing and inspire the next generation of swimmers.”

    With the successful bid, China further strengthens its role as a major contributor to the global aquatics community, having hosted more than 100 World Aquatics events to date, the federation said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The forum “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” will introduce new sports

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From August 1 to September 14, the Luzhniki Olympic Complex will become the main venue for athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts as part of the forum-festival “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030”. The achievements of Russian sports and new technologies will be shown here. Hundreds of exciting events await guests, including master classes by stars with autograph sessions, tournaments, championships, DJ sets and outdoor training. Their organizer is Department of Sports of the City of Moscow.

    For a month and a half, 19 themed venues will be operating in Luzhniki. Among them are a multifunctional space, a gaming arena of the future, a fitness center, an extreme park, and a phygital hockey zone.

    The main stage will be a place not only for concerts, but also for group training with cover bands in Zumba, Fitrock and rope skipping. Famous music artists will perform here on Fridays and weekends.

    Free training sessions will be held daily near the small stage, led by specialists from a network of stretching and fitness studios, as well as famous athletes. Muscovites can expect stretching, barre, Pilates and yoga classes. Some events will require pre-registration. It will open three days before the event at website.

    The multifunctional site will be dedicated to a certain sport each week. The program will open with a three-day festival of childhood. From August 1 to 3, young guests will enjoy an obstacle course, trampolines, a large Jenga, face painting and much more. On August 2, the Southern Sports Center will host a fan meeting and an autograph session with its ambassador, blogger Vlad Glent.

    From August 5 to 10, guests are invited to a week of basketball. The program includes the group stage of the Russian Basketball Combined Cup, open training sessions, and master classes.

    For fans of eSports, there will be themed weeks dedicated to various disciplines. Participants will have the opportunity to play sports not only online, but also offline. In the gaming arena of the future, guests will test themselves on an interactive treadmill that erases the line between the real and digital worlds, and also play phygital billiards. In the extreme park, there will be training in parkour, workout, and stunt scooter under the guidance of experienced professionals.

    The beach area will host amateur beach volleyball and football tournaments.

    The sports ground at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex will operate according to the following schedule: Tuesday through Thursday from 12:00 to 21:00, Friday from 12:00 to 22:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00, Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00.

    The large-scale forum-festival “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” will be held as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project. From August 1 to September 14, cultural, sports, educational and other events dedicated to the development of one of the most modern megacities in the world will take place at dozens of venues. Information about the venues and a detailed program are published on the official website of the forum-festival Moskov 2030.mos.ru.

    City residents are expected at the flagship venues of the forum “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030”The forum “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” will talk about innovations in the social sphere

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. “Summer in Moscow” is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New UK esports collaboration to boost digital and cyber skills

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New UK esports collaboration to boost digital and cyber skills

    The new partnership with International Defence Esports Games will improve Armed Forces digital talent, while an annual summit will focus on education, recruitment and skills, including AI.

    UK military personnel will improve their digital and cyber skills through a new esports collaboration, which will include a focus on AI and drone operation.  

    The Ministry of Defence has appointed the British Esports Federation to deliver a new first-of-its-kind defence and industry esports tournament through UK Strategic Command, soon to be Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.   

    Improving the digital skills of military personnel will help boost the country’s warfighting readiness, with the UK at the cutting edge of defence AI and technology, supporting the government’s Plan for Change. Lessons from Ukraine, including Ukrainian’s producing their own drone simulator games to improve hand-eye coordination, have shown how esports can be used to successfully train drone operators and cyber security specialists.  

    Through the Strategic Defence Review, defence is enhancing its warfighting capability by developing critical cyber skills, and Esports can provide an accessible environment to improve digital literacy and cyber understanding.    

    The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) will help members of the Armed Forces develop cyber, digital and wider military skills. Initially open to service personnel, including reservists, IDEG will expand to eventually include cadets, veterans, civil servants and anyone working in the defence industry.   

    Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: [CLEARED]  

    Esports will help attract, develop, and retain top cyber and digital talent, while fostering this government’s Plan for Change. Our people must now be as adept with code, cybersecurity and a games controller as they are with traditional combat skills.   

    From drone operations to data analysis, modern defence and deterrence needs agile minds that can navigate both physical and digital battlegrounds.   

    The International Defence Esports Games is an exciting initiative that will help foster exactly these skills in a fun, collaborative way, and overcome many traditional boundaries between our international partners.

    The inaugural IDEG finals – where competitions would be held – will be organised in partnership with British Esports and a leading esports production company, and be held in the UK in late 2026.   

    The event is being supported by Defence suppliers, including BAE Systems, as well as several smaller military technology companies.  

    Chester King, President, British Esports said:  

    Military esports has been steadily growing in recent years, and today we’re delighted to announce a first-of-its-kind tournament for military personnel around the world.  

    The UK’s armed forces have recognised video games as a positive activity that can improve personnel welfare and morale, foster digital and cyber skills, and strengthen relations across the armed forces and beyond.    

    We’re happy to announce the International Defence Esports Games and support the future of the military.

    Recently the Royal Navy partnered with British Esports to launch an esports facility aboard UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, featuring gaming gear from the likes of Alienware, NVIDIA and Intel. Those in attendance included members of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Esports Association (SGEA), the national body British Esports, and Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, who has been championing esports across UK Defence.  

    Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command said:  

    Esports and serious games can contribute to our warfighting readiness. As competition and conflict increasingly play out in cyberspace and the digital arena, these games equip our people to think, operate and innovate across both the physical and virtual worlds, developing team coordination and rapid decision-making under pressure.   

    We’ve learned from our Ukrainian partners about how esports can train drone operators and cyber security specialists. People are quickly grasping how esports can change perspectives and enhance skills, as well as reaching across borders with our international allies and partners.     

    For centuries we’ve used ball games like rugby and football to develop teamwork, hone mental and physical fitness and build resilience. Esports perfectly complement these games in preparing us for 21st Century security challenges.  

    To address additional needs for cyber security specialists in Defence, the Ministry of Defence announced the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme, a bespoke entry route for aspiring cyber professionals and those with existing digital skills, which will see new recruit basic training reduced from 10 weeks to around one month, after which recruits will undergo 3 months’ specialist training in the field.

    The news comes just over a year after the MOD recognised esports as an official military sport, ensuring funding and opportunities for personnel to compete. Today’s announcement also represents a deepening relationship between British Esports and the MOD.   

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What sports can you do as part of the Summer in Moscow project?

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Races, SUP festivals, free training and sports events within the project “Summer in Moscow” — in this warm season in the capital, everyone can find something to do to their liking. The festivals “Moscow Sports Day” and “Moscow Sports Night” gathered almost 365 thousand people, over 150 thousand city residents took part in the Big Running Festival, and almost 100 thousand residents of the capital joined the Moscow Training Marathon. The water festival “Two Rivers” interested 260 thousand fans of SUP boarding and other water sports, and almost 80 thousand people took part in the women’s sports festival.

    How to spend the summer actively and what other sporting events have been prepared in the capital – in our article.

    Triathlon, SUP boards and extreme sports

    Until the end of the summer, the city will host festivals, races, training sessions and other active events. Fans of extreme sports will be interested in the “Moscow Extreme Games”, and for fans of SUP surfing, “YauzaFest” will be organized. The “Moscow Sports Night” festival will also be held twice.

    In addition, a large program is being prepared for the Day of Physical Culture. It will be celebrated in the center of the capital and at the Moskvich stadium. And this summer, the Triathlon League competitions will be held

    You can find out more about upcoming sporting events on the festival website “Summer in Moscow” and the portal “Moscow Sport” 

    From racing to chess

    Sports events in Moscow are not only competitions. Active lifestyle enthusiasts attend training sessions and master classes, and fans watch professional athletes perform.

    Thus, the capital hosts events of the projects “Chess Square”, “Summer. Beach. Moscow Sport” and “Street Basketball Tour – Moscow”. You can also visit festival of urban sports and family sports games. Also, the Moscow Sport grounds are open to visitors. There, anyone can train, participate in tournaments, and rent the necessary equipment.

    Free training and GTO

    City residents are also invited to participate in the year-round projects “Sports Weekend” and “My Sports District” of the capital. Department of Sports.

    Within the framework “Sports weekend” Free classes in yoga, fitness, barre, fitrock, stretching and other areas are held for Muscovites. The trainings are held in person at more than 50 venues in the capital, as well as online. More than a million people have already joined the project.

    In the project “My Sports District”Free training sessions in football, volleyball, basketball, running, wushu and other sports are held for Muscovites. In summer, classes are held at sports and festival venues, on the roofs of the district centers “Mesto Vstrechi” and in parks, and in winter – at skating rinks and ski slopes. This year, training sessions are held at more than 120 venues. They have already been visited by over 60 thousand people. Over the entire period of the project, more than 35 thousand training sessions have been held.

    In addition, Muscovites can pass the standards of the All-Russian physical culture and sports complex “Ready for Labor and Defense”. For this purpose, the capital has an annual summer city project “GTO in parks”. With its help, you can pass standards or prepare for a test. More than 25 thousand people have already participated in the project.

    Outdoor training sessions are held at the Summer in Moscow project sitesStaying in shape: how the GTO movement is developing in Moscow

    Moscow is a leader in the development of sports infrastructure and physical education services for residents. Large-scale events and projects are being implemented in the capital that attract city residents to physical education and make an active lifestyle more popular.

    Today, more than six million Muscovites regularly engage in sports. The number of amateur athletes is constantly growing due to improved infrastructure, increased accessibility of training, and improvement of digital services.

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. “Summer in Moscow” is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “City of Ideas” presented an updated thematic page in the form of an interactive map

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “City of Ideas” presented an updated topic page in the form of an interactive map called “City of Ideas – City of Dreams”. It shows how Muscovites’ proposals are transforming the capital. Here, users get acquainted with key areas of city life and learn how to interact with the platform in a game format.

    The theme page became available in October 2024 to celebrate the platform’s 10th anniversary.

    New areas and games

    Now new areas have appeared on the map – “Children’s Leisure” and “Sports”, which were opened this year to collect suggestions from city residents in the “Suggest an Idea” section. In the places where these areas are located on the landing page, users will find games. Thus, everyone has a chance to influence the development of the areas and contribute to the creation of a more comfortable urban environment.

    New educational games have appeared on the page, each of which will help to understand how exactly Muscovites can influence the development of the capital and how their ideas are implemented. For example, in the game “Ideal Couple” the user will have to select for each idea a suitable city sphere within which the initiative can be implemented.

    In the game “My Park” you need to collect combinations of various objects to get objects for the improvement of the virtual public space. For example, by choosing a metal pole and a light bulb, players can make a lantern.

    The main task in the game “City Matches” is to connect identical cells with the image of spheres in rows. The variety of cells-spheres will show the wide range of topics that the platform covers “City of Ideas”.

    The game “Feel like an expert”, in which participants evaluate the feasibility of implementing ideas, has a second level. Thus, players need to study the map and decide whether it is possible to install a parking lot for scooters next to the park, if across the road there is already one parking lot for such transport and another one for bicycles.

    Interaction with new spheres and participation in new games is available to those users who successfully complete the first level games already on the page and reach the second.

    Suggest ideas and earn points

    Thanks to the thematic page “City of Ideas – City of Dreams”, everyone can feel involved in the capital’s changes and offer new ideas that can make Moscow more comfortable, beautiful and modern.

    This can be done either by playing the game “Feel like an expert”, from where it is convenient to go to the form for submitting an idea on the relevant topic, or by clicking on the “City of ideas – city of dreams” logo in the upper left corner of the screen, selecting the area of interest in the “Suggest an idea” section.

    For each successfully completed game on the second level, users will be awarded 100 points of the city loyalty program “A Million Prizes”. They can be used to obtain goods and services presented on the program website or donated to charity.

    To participate in the games, the user must log in to the platform using Mos ID – an account on the mos.ru portal.

    The City of Ideas platform has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than 623 thousand users have joined it. They share suggestions on how to make life in the capital more comfortable. More than 8.8 thousand suggestions have already been implemented. City residents participated in projects dedicated to electronic services, culture, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, transport and other topics. The platform is being developed by the State Institution New Management Technologies andDepartment of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News