Five reasons why you need to watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II

We are a little over a week away from one of ONE Championship’s showcase events of the year –  ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II, and from top to bottom this card is loaded with incredible matchups.
Whether you are a fan of striking, grappling, or a little bit of both there is plenty of entertainment schedules for the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
Here are five reasons why you need to tune in
Tawanchai is a man on a mission
When Tawanchai PK Saenchai met “Smokin” Jo Nattawut last October, in theory it should have been a relatively comfortable night for the featherweight Muay Thai champion. Nattawut was a late replacement for Superbon but produced the performance of a lifetime to push Tawanchai to his limits. That night it may have been Tawanchai who got the decision, but it was Smokin’ Joe who got the plaudits. Now we get to seem them do it once more over five rounds of Muay Thai action – and the champ is looking for a much more conclusive outcome this time around. 
Rodtang returns
After seven months on the sidelines, Rodtang Jitmuangnon is back. One of ONE Championship’s most iconic champions The Iron Man has for a long time been in the sights of Denis Puric. At 39-years-old the Candadian-born Puric may be heading towards the twilight of his career, but finally gets the chance to step inside the circle with the man he has called out on more than one occasion. Puric is arguably in the form of his life in the flyweight Muay Thai division, but we all know what Rodtang is capable of – and sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Kade makes his MMA debut
We all know Kade Ruotolo as a grappling phenom, but now he is going to test his skills under MMA rules for the first time. The American has been untouchable in ONE Championship with six wins, and the honour of becoming the first man to hold the lightweight submission grappling world title in ONE. Blake Cooper is the man with the potentially unenviable task of welcoming Ruotolo to MMA, but he has said he’s comfortable on the ground and backs his own grappling skills should this one go to the ground. Time will tell.
Turkish champ seeks redemption
Turkey’s Zafer Sayik is a 13-time kickboxing national champion with real pedigree across Europe, so when he slipped to a debut defeat at ONE 166: Qatar it was somewhat uncharted territory for him. But, now he’s back and looking to get in the win column in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. His opponent is coming off one of the biggest highlight-reel knockouts we have seen in recent months. Just a week ago, Colombia’s Johan Estupinan was announcing himself to the world via a stunning right head kick, left hook combo that sent Japan’s Kouta Omori reeling. Expect a fiery, fast, and flashy encounter from these two who will not be afraid to swing for the fences.
Musumeci looks to get a loss back
It’s not often Mikey Musumeci features in one of these lists as the fifth element, but that goes to show the calibre of event we are looking forward too. Darth Rigatoni is 6-0 in ONE Championship and has looked practically flawless on his way to dominant display after dominant display. Now however the current flyweight submission grappling world champion is taking on a new challenge in the form of a weight increase – taking the step up to bantamweight for his clash with Gabriel Sousa. It is a debut for the highly decorated Brazilian, but he does come into the bout with one huge advantage – he’s the last man to defeat Musumeci. Will history repeat itself? 
Middle East fight fans can watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II live on BeIN SPORTS  as well as watch.onefc.com on Saturday June 7 from 3am AST.
 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349033/five-reasons-why-you-need-to-watch-one-167-tawanchai-vs-nattawut-ii

Cristiano Ronaldo and Binance launch ‘Forever Worldwide: The Road to Saudi Arabia’ NFT collection

Cristiano Ronaldo and Binance today announce their latest NFT collaboration, unveiling the ‘Forever Worldwide: The Road to Saudi Arabia’ NFT collection.
The new NFTs represent Cristiano Ronaldo’s trajectory from humble beginnings in Madeira to becoming a global football icon, providing fans with innovative experiences and incredible real-life rewards.
The ‘Forever Worldwide: The Road to Saudi Arabia’ NFT collection offers fans new insights into the iconic locations that were pivotal in Ronaldo’s career: from Madeira, Lisbon, Manchester, Madrid, Turin, Saudi and Portugal. To create the collection, artists were carefully selected with personal ties to the iconic locations in Cristiano’s career, to contribute their unique design for each NFT.
“I’m excited that this new NFT collection with Binance offers fans pieces of my journey throughout my football story,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “Each place in ‘Forever Worldwide: The Road to Saudi Arabia’ means a lot to me personally and I can’t wait for fans to see my career’s big moments through this special artwork collection. Working with artists who really capture the feeling from each place makes this experience even more sentimental, and as NFTs, these moments in my journey can live on forever.”
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible journey from humble beginnings to football legend has not only inspired fans around the world but has brought all of us along that incredible ride,” said Sarah Dale, Head of Brand Partnerships at Binance. “To encapsulate this journey, we’ve worked with him to create our most remarkable NFT collection to date with the very best rewards ever offered for sports fans, while giving a platform to incredible talent with personal ties to iconic locations throughout Cristiano’s life. Together, we’re committed to reshaping fan engagement in sports, and this collection does that by opening up new horizons of NFT utility and levels of fan-connections.”
The new NFT collection will launch in two drops during the upcoming football season and will culminate in an auction in June for a limited collection of super super rare (SSR) NFTs .
Drop 1 will kick off on 29 May, with iconic locations Madeira, Lisbon and Manchester. Vibrant artwork from artists Katt Phatt (representing Madeira) and Rodrigo Doin (Lisbon) represents the place where Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey began, offering fans the chance to acquire this critical beginning piece of his footballing history. Drop 1 will also include NFT artwork from Manchester artist, John Sheehan, paying homage to Cristiano Ronaldo’s meteoric rise in Manchester.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)
Drop 2 will launch on 6 June and includes incredible artwork to represent Madrid, Turin and Saudi. Designs by Spanish artist Lisett Ledón will represent his unprecedented success at Madrid, embodying his passion for the Spanish League, and Pasquale Garibaldi (Italy) articulates his time in Turin, celebrating his legacy in Serie A and Italian football. Finally, Saudi artist Shaker Kashgari designs an NFT to mark Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest and most recent chapter in Saudi Arabia.
Later in June, a very special limited collection of 7 super super rare NFTs will become available. This limited collection of NFTs, designed by local artist Mr. Dheo, pay homage to Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwavering dedication to his home country and will be available to buy via an online auction on 14 – 18 June.
Super-fans that have collected all of the NFTs in the Drop 4 collection will also have the chance to win one of the special SSR NFTs by taking part in a quiz from 11 June.
With a price tag of $35 (USD) across all locations except for the limited SSR NFTs, the collection introduces a ‘Collect to Earn’ mechanism for accessing NFT utilities. This means that  collectors can start to earn rewards from the first purchase of a Forever Worldwide NFT, including vintage jerseys, football tickets, signed, printable posters and the chance to submit questions that Cristiano will then answer in a video made especially for those that hold the NFTs.
Given the significance of Portugal to Cristiano Ronaldo, holders of the SSR Portugal NFTs will receive an exclusive experience with Cristiano himself, which includes a trip to Riyadh, a ticket to a football game, followed by a personalized goal celebration moment with Cristiano. To have the chance to access this unique opportunity, collectors can join an auction opening on June 14, where the top four highest bidders will win this super-super rare NFT. Additionally, users who collected all six other NFT locations and who won the SSR Portugal NFT in the quiz,  will also be a part of this experience.
The first drop for the ‘Forever Worldwide: The Road to Saudi Arabia’ NFT collection will be available exclusively on the Binance NFT Marketplace,  or visit Binance’s Forever Zone from May 29, 2024.
 “In Saudi Arabia, I am immersing myself in an exciting new chapter, where we are seeing the league here growing a global following and the fans really embrace this new era of football. The fans support has been incredible and my passion for the game is the same as when I started playing football.”  said Cristiano Ronaldo.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/football/349031/cristiano-ronaldo-and-binance-launch-forever-worldwide-the-road-to-saudi-arabia-nft-collection

ONE 167: Rodtang returns to silence Denis Puric’s repeated call-outs

Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, ONE of ONE Championship’s most dominant fighters returns to the ring next week – and has promised to make opponent Denis Puric ‘know what hell on earth is like’.
For the Canadian-born Puric, this is a dream fight and one he has sought for almost his entire time with ONE Championship – dating back since 2022.
Now the 39-year-old has had his wish granted on the back of some impressive performances that have propelled him to the number two spot in the flyweight Muay Thai rankings. Rodtang is the current king of that division, and while their bout at the Impact Arena, Bangkok, will be held under kickboxing rules, there is no doubt this is an opportunity Puric will relish.
This will be our first sighting of Rodtang in seven months. He’s not been in the ring since suffering an injury. Now the crowd favourite is back – and is the first to acknowledge his opponent is ‘ready’.
“Puric built himself up to call me out,” said Rodtang. “It’s his right to do that. He wants to fight with the best. I just waited for ONE’s matchmakers to approve it because I’m ready to fight anyone. 
“He is very good. He beat Tagir Khalilov and Jacob Smith, so I think he deserves to face me. In his fight with Yodlekpet, I could see this guy is a veteran fighter, and he is more than ready to fight me.”
It is incredible to think Rodtang is still just 26-years-old when his reputation and record reflect that of a much more experienced fighter.
Despite Puric trying to get under his skin, suggesting he would ‘make a fool’ out of his Thai opponent if they stand toe-to-toe, Rodtang has remained calm and gracious ahead of the bout.
“I have known Denis Puric for a long time,” he said. “Since he first joined ONE, he has been calling for me from the beginning. Thank you for always thinking of me. 
“I respect him for his determination because it’s really difficult to run through many opponents to reach me. You have to fight to put yourself into the rankings to challenge me. He tried his best and managed to face me. I have to respect his fighting spirit.”
Despite all the pre-fight niceties, Rodtang’s prediction for the contest was chilling.
““Let’s see how it goes in the ring. I’m glad you think that I’m no match for you. Thank you for calling me out. See you on June 7, when you will know what hell on earth is.”
Middle East fight fans can watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II live on BeIN SPORTS  as well as watch.onefc.com on Saturday June 7 from 3am AST.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349030/one-167-rodtang-returns-to-silence-denis-purics-repeated-call-outs

Explosive bout featuring Turkey’s Zafer Sayik added to ONE 167

Turkey’s Zafer Sayik will look to get back on track in ONE Championship when he returns to the ring on June 7.
Sayik was defeated on debut with the organisation at ONE 166: Qatar – but his shot at redemption is by no means an easy task.
At the Impact Arena in Bangkok, he will take on Johan Estupinan who is coming in hot after a spectacular debut just last week at ONE Friday Fights 64.
The Colombian beat Japan’s Kouta Omori inside the first 30 seconds of their clash with a stunning right high kick, left hook combination – to announce his presence in the Bantamweight Muay Thai division in some style.
Sayik will not be deterred however. Despite that opening-day decision loss his background suggests there is plenty more for him to show the ONE fans.
Having fought since the age of eight, he has amassed an incredible 13 Turkish national kickboxing titles, along with a handful of European crowns. His style is fast and flashy, making this showdown with Estupinan all the more exciting as he looks to gain his first win in the world’s largest martial arts organisation.
Sayik wants to get his first notch in the win column, Estupinan wants to prove his debut wasn’t a flash in the pan – and with their easy-on-the-eye styles, it is easy to see why this bout could be one of the fights of the night.
Elsewhere on the bill we see two of the most dangerous knockout artists on the planet in Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Jo Nattawut meet in a high-stakes rematch – and the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title is on the line.
Also, after nine months away, longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon will be welcomed back to action by Denis Puric, Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo makes his highly anticipated MMA debut, and fellow grappling king Mikey Musumeci looks to lay a ghost from his past to rest as he moves up a weight to take on the last man to defeat him.
This is a night not to be missed.
Middle East fight fans can watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II live on BeIN SPORTS  as well as watch.onefc.com on Saturday June 7 from 3am AST.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349028/explosive-bout-featuring-turkeys-zafer-sayik-added-to-one-167

Thrilling new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph unveiled ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix

Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer has presented the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph in a new dark blue rendition, a modern tribute to the collection’s historic past and racing heritage while also serving as a testament to TAG Heuer’s ongoing innovation in watchmaking.
This new model carries on the spirit of the original Monaco while introducing cutting-edge design and technology.
A Legacy Forged in Speed and Style

In the universe of horology, TAG Heuer has established its enduring and unbreakable legacy, weaving a narrative that intertwines the thrill of motorsport with the finesse of Swiss watchmaking. The TAG Heuer Monaco, an iconic collection amongst the TAG Heuer range, conveys this heritage with a spirit of speed, enduring elegance and relentless precision.
Introduced in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco quickly became one of the most symbolic watches in history. Its bold, square shape, left crown, brushed and polished case and blue dial were unlike anything else on the market then. Quickly becoming synonymous with the brand, it also turned out to be an industry favorite, amassing a following among racing enthusiasts and watch lovers alike.
The TAG Heuer Monaco’s heritage has continuously been linked to motor racing and the history of cinema, notably through its association with actor Steve McQueen. In the 1971 film “Le Mans”, McQueen’s character sported a Monaco, cementing its status as an icon of style and a cornerstone of motor racing culture.
Beyond its cinematic fame, the TAG Heuer Monaco has continually evolved with each iteration building upon the last, refining the precision, durability, and distinctive design that define this iconic model. From its early days measuring the pulsating thrill of racing to its modern incarnations, the TAG Heuer Monaco has been a beacon of innovation, continually adapting with new technologies and materials while remaining true to its racing legacy.
Innovative Design for Precision Timekeeping

The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph reflects the Maison’s commitment to precision engineering and avant-garde aesthetics. Its skeleton dial offers a glimpse of the watch’s sophisticated mechanics, highlighting the automatic Calibre Heuer 02 that powers it, ensuring impeccable timing precision with an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
The watch’s dark blue theme pays tribute to the Principality of Monaco’s racing tradition, with a contemporary twist. The choice of colour is a nod to the Mediteranean coast which hosts one of the world’s most prestigious races. The touches of yellow on the hands and hour markers provide a vibrant contrast, evoking the sparks that fly from racing cars at high-speed.
An Homage to the Future

The brand’s enduring heritage is upheld in this new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph, featuring classic motorsport-inspired aesthetics, while pushing the boundaries with its innovative design and technical prowess.
This model features a robust case in titanium, known for its lightweight and shock-resistant properties, making it perfectly suited to the demands of high-speed motor racing. The case houses a striking skeleton dial that highlights the intricate workings of the Calibre Heuer 02, combining mechanical beauty with functional precision.
This design choice embodies the intricate craftsmanship and complexity synonymous with TAG Heuer, representing a hallmark of the brand’s approach to watch design.
The TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph also pays tribute to the brand’s indelible mark on sports timekeeping. This connection is deeply rooted and has shaped the design, technical features, and spirit of the Monaco collection. From timing the world’s toughest races to being the watch of choice for legendary drivers, the Monaco collection embodies the thrill and excitement of motorsport.
Expanding the collection’s rich racing heritage to the TAG Heuer Connected watches, the TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph and its skeleton dial are now also available as connected watch faces, bridging the excitement of the motorsports universe onto any wrists.
The Ultimate Chronograph

This new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is the latest chapter of the iconic collection. It’s a symbol of the brand’s avant-garde spirit, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary watchmaking. This timepiece is not just a tool for measuring time but a companion for those who live on the edge.
This narrative of relentless innovation, of breaking boundaries and setting new standards, is what defines TAG Heuer and this launch is a celebration of how far the Monaco has come since its inception and a glimpse into the future of this legendary collection.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/motorsport/formula-one/349021/thrilling-new-tag-heuer-monaco-chronograph-unveiled-ahead-of-the-monaco-grand-prix

dentsu Sports International launches in the Middle East and North Africa

dentsu, a global leader in marketing communications, is proud to announce the launch of dentsu Sports International (DSI) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
With a strategic focus on enhancing sports marketing and analytics services, the establishment of DSI in the MENA region marks a significant milestone in its commitment to servicing clients in this growing market.
DSI MENA will be headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with additional offices in the United Arab Emirates.
DSI MENA will encompass core businesses including dentsu Sports International Commercial, MKTG Sports + Entertainment and dentsu Sports Analytics. This integrated approach will enable dentsu to provide end-to-end solutions across multiple services including commercial development, strategic consultancy, rights delivery and data-driven analytics.
In line with this expansion, DSI is pleased to welcome Olaf Borutz as the Vice President of Commercial Development, reporting into dentsu Sports International’s Global Chief Commercial Officer, Echo Li.
With a wealth of experience in the sports industry, Olaf joins DSI from Al Tamimi & Company, a leading commercial law firm in MENA, where Olaf was the Head of Sports & Events, advising clients on a wide range of sports and events related commercial matters and acting for government bodies, rights holders, agencies and players playing in both the Saudi Pro League and Qatar Stars League.  Additionally, his tenure at TEAM Marketing in Switzerland involved negotiating (on behalf of UEFA) major global sponsorship, licensing, and brand agreements for UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.
Olaf will play a pivotal role in driving growth and spearheading initiatives to further strengthen dentsu’s position in MENA.
Charlie Wylie, Managing Director, EMEA, dentsu Sports International, said: “dentsu Sports International will serve as a strategic sports and entertainment arm of dentsu in MENA, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of brands and rights holders. We look forward to forging lasting relationships and driving success in this dynamic and fast-evolving market. It’s great to have Olaf on board, ensuring we have an experienced and trusted industry specialist in MENA engaging with our current and future partners.”
Tarek Daouk, CEO, dentsu MENA, added: “The appetite for sports marketing in the Kingdom is at an all-time high, with Saudi’s ambitions and investment in this space only expected to grow. It’s an exciting time for sports in the region and we are thrilled to launch dentsu’s bespoke sports and entertainment offering – combining our global experience and heritage in sports marketing with local market data and expertise – to connect brands to fans like never before.”
As we launch of dentsu Sports International in MENA, DSI have undertaken a comprehensive study of fandom in the region: Speed of Fans: Saudi Arabia Insights Report.
Utilising our proprietary Decoding 360 Platform, the report casts a light on fan behaviour in the Kingdom, offering valuable insights into their preferences and trends.
The full report will be available upon request, please contact Olaf Borutz (Olaf.Borutz@dentsu.com) for more details.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/regional-article/349015/dentsu-sports-international-launches-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa

ONE Championship determined to help grow martial arts in MENA following Qatar success

With growing interest in combat sports in the Middle East, – the world’s largest martial arts organisation ONE Championship wants to see a new era of local heroes on a global stage – along with increased grassroots participation. 
The world’s biggest promotions have all entered the market bringing events to the region across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and most recently in Qatar. 
And with television and digital consumption levels of martial arts at an all-time high, it is a boom period for the sport, especially in the region. 
When ONE Championship arrived in Qatar in March, it was their first major foray into the Middle East, and one which delivered exceptional results – from the near sell-out audience at the Lusail Sports Arena, through to the global exposure for regional fighters. 
On the night there were a number of regional stars on the card including world renowned Saudi-Yemeni Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner Osamah Almarwai, Iran’s dangerous MMA heavyweight Amir Aliakbari, and Saudi boxing champion Zuhayr Al-Qahtani. 
It was clear ONE wanted a strong regional presence and not simply to present one of their regular fighter lineups, but ‘on location’. 
“We had six fighters from the region of which four were of Arab descent,” explained Hua Fung Teh, Group President at ONE Championship. “These are all guys we have on our roster and they are all high-level fighters. I thought it was just amazing how our team was able to put together a card that brought together the best of what the world had to offer, and also the best of what the region had to offer.” 
The success of ONE 166: Qatar will only add to the already huge popularity ONE has in the region, which has the perfect demographic for promotions like one – passionate, young, digitally enabled, with a hunger to consume content. 
“The Middle East is a very interesting market for us,” said Mr. Teh. “We’ve always been clear and I’ve come on record to say that ONE 166: Qatar is the first step into the Middle East.  
In the GCC alone, I think there are close to 60 million people. In the broader MENA region, we have the likes of Egypt with 100-million-plus people. So you think about all the demographic factors, and they show a very interesting market for us. So the Middle East is great, and we are definitely going to have more on-ground events.” 
But this is not simply about on-ground events. Mr. Teh acknowledges that to grow martial arts fully in the region takes a ground-up approach, allowing talent to be identified, with a clear pathway to make it to professional ranks.  
“I think grassroots has to be part of any kind of long-term strategy in a region,” he explained. “We have a track record of working with local grassroots, federations, and gyms to develop that talent. We even have local leagues organised in specific countries, called Road to ONE. We are all excited about figuring out what the next step is for local talent. We want to have local heroes on a global stage. Local heroes that are globally relevant. Anywhere we go, the local talent is always important. 
“Ultimately, think about this in two ways. You can either build talent, or you can sign. Obviously, we have signed a lot of established talent, but they’re also fighters like Stamp Fairtex that we discovered through grassroots efforts, and whom we developed over time. Grassroots is important in discovering local heroes that countries can rally behind.” 
 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349013/one-championship-determined-to-help-grow-martial-arts-in-mena-following-qatar-success

“Where there’s a ball, there’s a Pepsi” campaign brings football fans closer to the action in Saudi Arabia and beyond

They’ve made some of the most iconic football adverts of recent years – and now Pepsi is further showing their investment in the game, and particularly in Saudi Arabia. 
The brand has recently announced its latest initiative, “Where there’s a ball, there’s a Pepsi,” marking a groundbreaking partnership between football and premier league tournaments. The campaign promises to ignite the passion of fans throughout Saudi Arabia as it further ignites the  thrill of the football amongst its fans. 

These collaborations underscore Pepsi’s unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled excitement and entertainment to football supporters in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “Where there’s a ball, there’s a Pepsi” transcends conventional advertising by offering engaging, interactive experiences that bring fans closer to the game. Through a mix of activations, exclusive content, and immersive experiences, Pepsi is not only engaging with sports enthusiasts but also redefining how brands connect with sports enthusiasts. 
Another standout feature of the campaign is the partnership of Pepsi with Saudia – where the brand has granted two fortunate fans tickets to winners to go to London to watch the finals. In addition to this, fans can also unlock instant rewards, including tickets to UEFA Champions League and Saudi Pro League matches, Gaming Consoles, etc by scanning a code on the Joy app.
At the heart of the campaign lies the ‘Pepsi Goal Challenge,’ a vibrant social media endeavour involving prominent influencers, urging football fans to showcase their skills for a chance to win exciting prizes. On May 23rd, during the finals of the Saudi Pro League, Pepsi will give an immerse experience to fans that aims to deepen the connection between Pepsi and football enthusiasts, fostering memorable moments and lasting engagement.
Pepsi remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering the growth and popularity of football in Saudi Arabia. This campaign serves as a testament to its investment in local sports and its dedication to nurturing a community of passionate and devoted fans. With ‘Where There’s a Ball, There’s a Pepsi,’ Pepsi isn’t just observing the game; it’s revolutionising how it’s experienced.
 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/football/saudi-professional-league/349003/where-theres-a-ball-theres-a-pepsi-campaign-brings-football-fans-closer-to-the-action-in-saudi-arabia-and-beyond

Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League wraps up 2024 season with spectacular finals attended by Julius Erving and Jason Williams

The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League’s 2024 season reached its pinnacle as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) celebrated the league’s successful conclusion with a grand finals event. The event, graced by NBA legends Julius Erving and Jason Williams, marked a significant milestone in the development of youth basketball in the region.
Operated by Sport360, the 2024 Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League commenced in January, engaging over 1,300 young talents aged 11-14 from schools across Abu Dhabi and, for the first time, Al Ain. Since its inception in 2022, the Jr. NBA program has impacted more than 11,000 youth in the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions, underscoring its role in nurturing basketball talent at the grassroots level.

The finals event not only witnessed thrilling matches but also featured Erving and Williams as guest coaches at the inaugural Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League All-Star Game. Additionally, the esteemed NBA veterans presented championship trophies to the winning teams across various categories:
League A Girls: American Community School (Minnesota Timberwolves)
League A Boys: Raha Gardens (Philadelphia 76ers)
League B Girls: Abu Dhabi International Private School MBZ (Dallas Mavericks)
League B Boys: ADQ (Dallas Mavericks)
Al Ain Girls: Liwa International School For Girls (Denver Nuggets)
Al Ain Boys: Our Own English School (Golden State Warriors)
Development League Girls: Belvedere British School (Los Angeles Clippers)
Development League Boys: Raha Khalifa City (New Orleans Pelicans)
Expressing his delight at being part of the event, NBA Legend Julius Erving remarked, “The Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League Finals has highlighted that there is so much potential for the UAE to produce the future stars of the NBA and WNBA.” Similarly, Jason Williams expressed his admiration for the young athletes, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in nurturing talent and inspiring the next generation of basketball players.

Erving, a basketball icon with numerous accolades including 11 NBA All-Star appearances and induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and Williams, a former NBA champion and renowned point guard, lent their expertise and encouragement to the budding talents, making the finals event a memorable experience for all involved.
The Jr. NBA program, designed to instill fundamental skills and core values such as teamwork, respect, determination, and community spirit, has been instrumental in enhancing the youth basketball experience globally. With a reach of 50,000 youth across 28 countries in Europe and the Middle East during the 2022-23 season, the Jr. NBA continues to make significant strides in promoting the sport at the grassroots level.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBA Arabic (@nbaarabic)
Supported by ADQ, Aldar, and DCT Abu Dhabi, the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League is part of a broader collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi. This collaboration encompasses various initiatives, including preseason NBA Global Games, interactive fan events, NBA FIT clinics, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event, aimed at fostering basketball culture and promoting tourism in Abu Dhabi.
For more information on the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, operated by Gulf Sports Media FZ LLC (trading as Sport360), interested individuals can download the OWQLO App and follow the Jr. NBA on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/jr-nba-uae/349007/jr-nba-abu-dhabi-league-wraps-up-2024-season-with-spectacular-finals-attended-by-julius-erving-and-jason-williams

SPIA 2024 winners awarded at gala ceremony in Atlantis, The Palm

The 11th edition of the Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) turned out to be a big hit as close to 400 guests reveled in a celebratory night at Atlantis, The Palm.
The annual awards gala is organised by Sport360X, with the continued support of Dubai Sports Council. Thursday night turned out to be a celebration of the regional sports industry, with multiple winners being honoured across multiple categories.
Victors for as many as 14 categories were picked by an independent panel of judges, comprising industry stalwarts chosen for their expertise in the Middle East sports ecosphere.

Principal partners for the 2024 edition were Inter Emirates Motors. They are the exclusive distributors of MG Motor in the UAE. Award-winning marketing agency Plan B was one of two gold sponsors this year.
Luxury event transportation company – Motus – was the other gold sponsor.
SPIA was also honoured to have Spanish giant Marca as Official Media Partner for this year’s event.
“I have been following SPIA since its inception. It has been fascinating to watch not only the development of the sports industry, but also this awards ceremony,” said Fadi Zouein – Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of Al Jazira F.C.
“For any company or sporting event, recognition is important. It is always a massive boost to see your efforts being rewarded. It is what SPIA does very well and I have been delighted to see their transformation over the years,” he added.

Big winners on the night included DP World Tour, who took home trophies across three separate categories. They clinched ‘Best Sports Event CSR Initiative’ for their work with the Tommy Fleetwood Academy.
Another crowning moment was ‘Best Sponsorship Collaboration’ for the Ryder Cup. DP World Tour also won ‘Best Branded Content’ for the viral collaboration between Lando Norris and Tommy Fleetwood.
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 was the other major winner on Thursday. They clinched golds in ‘Best Sports Event (Budget 3 Million USD and above)’ and ‘Best Use of Social and Digital Media in Sports’ among a total of three awards.
Here are the 2024 Sports Industry Awards winners 🥇🥈🥉Thanks to our sponsors, attendees and entrants 👏𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 @MGMotorAE#SPIA pic.twitter.com/Br96xGoOzg— Sport360° (@Sport360) May 10, 2024
They were also judged as joint winners in ‘Best Sports Marketing Campaign’ category to cap off a memorable evening. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix shared the prestigious award with the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Presented by ADQ.
Meanwhile, Motus One was crowned as the ‘Best Professional Services Team’, while 160OVER90 clinched the award for ‘Best Agency’.
Sport360X’s Managing Director Bassam Nawfal was elated with the response generated by the awards night.
“Sport360X is proud to have hosted another successful edition of SPIA,” he said after the event.

“It is a unique night which celebrates the best of the sports industry in the region and it has been getting bigger with each passing year. The Middle East’s sports industry has been undergoing a massive boom and it is essential to recognise these success stories.
“I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners, on the night. Above all, thanks to all our partners and sponsors without whom this incredible night would not be possible.”
Sport360X has been telling the Middle East’s very best sport stories for more than a decade across video, social, gaming and events. It boasts the narrative and creative skills, in Arabic and English, to produce market-leading content that builds affinity with fans and commercial partners alike.
Access is provided to more than 15m followers on Sport360X’s native social media platforms, plus websites that generate more than 12m monthly page views.
For more information, please visit spiame.com.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/regional-article/348994/spia-2024-winners-awarded-at-gala-ceremony-in-atlantis-the-palm