[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The Commonwealth Games Federation has invited its 74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to lodge formal expressions of interest to host the centenary Games in 2030 and beyond.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) confirmed today the new collaborative host selection process for the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond is now underway.

With Glasgow 2026 preparations progressing apace, the CGF is continuing the positive momentum by inviting its 74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to lodge formal expressions of interest (EOIs) for 2030 and future editions of the Commonwealth Games.

The CGF’s 2023-2034 ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan, launched in June 2023, and ‘Games Reset’ allows a move away from the organisation’s traditional host bidding process, enabling it to be flexible in offering the opportunity to potential hosts to be innovative and work collaboratively through a co-creation process on proposals for delivering the Games, while ensuring that all CGAs can meaningfully participate.

The new approach will start with an initial co-creation and collaboration phase between the CGF and representatives of potential host countries or territories along with the respective CGA, followed by a CGF-led evaluation process and recommendation of a host, with the final appointment of the host ultimately decided by the CGF General Assembly.

The CGF has identified a set of principles forming the new framework to create a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future, including:

- Host nations will have increased flexibility to shape the Games and ensure legacy benefit for local communities. The CGF, host CGA, and host Government and community will work together to co-create the event and associated legacy benefits and social return on investment.

- Hosting costs will be significantly reduced from historical Commonwealth Games costs to diversify the hosting pipeline and enable more, new countries and territories to host. This will be achieved through continued delivery optimisation and encouraging the use of existing venues for sport and accommodation, unless additional infrastructure is part of existing national development plans that will happen irrespective of a Games.

- The Games will allow for an innovative, inclusive, and exciting sports programme that aims to inspire and positively contribute to the lives of the people of the Commonwealth by showcasing and celebrating its athletes, delivering impactful sporting moments, bringing value and meaningful benefits to hosts, whilst being attractive to athletes and relevant for all CGAs, International Federations and wider stakeholders. The Games will maintain full commitment to providing a level playing field for Para and non-Para sport and supporting the Para athlete development pathway.

CGF President Chris Jenkins said, ‘’We have consulted extensively with Governments, our CGA members and other stakeholders to create a new framework for advancing the relevance of the Commonwealth Games by prioritising the five key pillars of sport, cultural, social, diplomatic and economic impact that underpin the purpose of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and impact of the Games. Building on this framework, we have identified the strong principles that will steer us in the creation of a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future.

“Glasgow 2026 is set to act as a bridge to a bright future for the Commonwealth Games – an exciting first step in the CGF’s journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly co-created, flexible and sustainable model for the future that inspires athletes, delivers tangible legacy benefits, minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact,” said Jenkins.

CGF Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall said, “With Glasgow 2026 fully operational, we start the New Year in a strong position, looking forward with confidence to the long-term future of the Commonwealth Games, and we are delighted to formally open our new collaborative host selection process for the centenary Games in 2030 and beyond.

“In addition to single city proposals, co-hosting within a country and across nations and territories will be actively encouraged to open up more hosting opportunities for more Commonwealth countries previously excluded from the ability to host,” said Hall.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city. 

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement. 

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games. 

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

"There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We're thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland's renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage. “The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we're proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.” 

International brands including Apple, Google, Johnson & Johnson, the IAPP, Microsoft, Meta and TikTok as well as the most high-profile data protection and privacy leaders in the world will be in Jersey from Monday 28^th October, as, for one week, the Island becomes the centre of the world for data protection and privacy at the 46th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Conference.

 The Global Privacy Assembly connects the efforts of more than 130 data protection authorities worldwide every year, to discuss major issues impacting upon privacy and data protection and create the roadmap for the future of international privacy regulation.

Hosted by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner on behalf of the Global Privacy Assembly, the event combines an impressive open session agenda, open to business and public at the Royal Jersey Showground followed by a closed session for members of the Global Privacy Assembly at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, and will see 500 delegates and 70 international data protection and privacy industry leaders explore the conference theme ‘The ‘Power of i’.

“For one week, the Bailiwick of Jersey will be the centre of the world for all those involved in data protection and privacy,” said Clarisse Girot, Acting Head, Division on Data Flows, Governance and Privacy, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Kate Charlet, Global Director of Privacy Safety and Security Policy from one of the event’s gold sponsors, Google, commented: “The privacy landscape continues to evolve and grow more complex every day, so we’re excited to gather at this year’s GPA to learn how global regulators and privacy experts are tackling new challenges and focusing on responsible innovation.”

Aruna Sharma, Global Head of Privacy & Regulatory Affairs from Gala Dinner sponsor TikTok said: “TikTok is delighted to sponsor this year’s GPA conference in Jersey, and to contribute to the important dialogue on how organizations can work together with privacy and data protection regulators to foster the protection of personal information in times of rapid technological innovation."  

The speaker line-up includes European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiorowski, President of the French data protection regulator the ‘CNIL’ (Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés) Marie-Laure Denis, Japanese Privacy Commissioner Yuji ASAI, Chair of South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, Haksoo Ko, Head of the Data Protection Office, International Committee of the Red Cross, Massimo Marelli,  Commissioner, Instituto Nacional de Transparencia Josefina Roman Vergara, Commissioner for Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim and Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE, Chair of 5Rights Foundation.

Keynote speakers, panel discussions and fireside chats throughout the week include:

• The Future of Privacy Regulation
• Innovation and the Impact of AI
• Data Protection and Mental Health
• The concept of ‘harm’ in a Digital Age
• The advantages and challenges of Data Transfer Tools
• The Societal Impact of Privacy Education
• Accessible Privacy: Protecting the disabled, vulnerable and socially marginalised in a digitised world
• Creating trust through Data Trusts
• Trust and Safety for Automobile Innovation
• Data sharing between Government and Third Sector

Smaller side events, many of which are open to all delegates, will take place at venues across the island throughout the week and see world leading organisations such as UNICEF engage in high level discussion with delegates and Data Protection Authorities.

Keynote speakers lined up for the week include Futurist Nikolas Badminton, Bestselling Author and Hall of Fame Speaker Douglas Kruger and the final speaker at the open session is 7/7 survivor, paralympic athlete and inspirational and motivational speaker Martine Wright MBE. As a survivor of the most horrific terrorist atrocity to hit London in the post-war era, Martine’s story is one of pure inspiration. Delegates will hear how the trauma of that life-changing day affected Martine in terms of her privacy. Martine will discuss how she was thrust into the media spotlight, press intrusion, the impact of her disability in terms of access to basic services and how she harnessed the power of the media to tell her story to the world, on her terms.

Paul Vane, Information Commissioner for Jersey, commented: “Hosting the 46^th GPA is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Island and we’ve worked hard to ensure local businesses have the opportunity to network with some of the most influential organisations on earth. To welcome these global sponsors and international visitors to our shores is an incredible opportunity for Jersey.

We are delighted to provide local businesses with the opportunity to hear directly from international experts shaping the future of data protection and privacy, as well as be part of conversations that will influence the future of global data protection regulation. From tech suppliers to caterers, 90% of our resource for the conference is local to the Island and we hope the event brings a welcome boost for tourism in these shoulder months. It is an immense honour to be showcasing Jersey and we’re grateful for the support from the Government of Jersey and sponsors, to make it happen. The importance of hearing the voices of our next generation cannot be underestimated, so we’re also delighted to be welcoming students from Hautlieu School in Jersey for their perspectives on cyber bullying, facial recognition and what privacy means for future generations.”

 The 46th Global Privacy Assembly will take place from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024.

 Registration for virtual attendance remains open until midnight (Jersey time) on Saturday 26^th October 2024. To view the conference programme, speaker line up, find out more and register, visit 46th Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) | Jersey 2024 (gpajersey.com)

[Source: supertri] Cities around the globe are invited to bid for the opportunity to host this groundbreaking annual World Championship event, which seamlessly blends real-life and virtual racing, crowning the official Esports Triathlon World Champions in partnership with World Triathlon.

supertri E is known for its high-octane racing, featuring the world’s best athletes competing in-stadia, safe from any adverse weather conditions. The unique format includes swimming in Olympic pools and bike and run disciplines completed on smart trainers and self-powered curved treadmills, all integrated into a virtual race environment. The event’s broadcast brings these elements together, delivering an immersive and captivating experience for viewers.

“We are thrilled to open the bidding process for cities to host the supertri E World Triathlon Championship,” said Michael Dhulst, CEO of supertri. “Our goal is to inspire and entertain, creating an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans alike. Host cities will benefit from extensive media coverage and the chance to showcase their commitment to innovation and sport.”

supertri E, created in 2020 under the name Arena Games Triathlon, has redefined the sport of triathlon. The innovative format, recognized for its blend of Olympic-level athleticism and cutting-edge virtual technology, featured at the IOC’s Olympic Esports Week and continues to revolutionize the sporting world. 

“supertri E represents the future of triathlon, combining the best of real and virtual racing,” said Marisol Casado, President of World Triathlon. “We are excited to partner with cities that share our vision of promoting health, wellbeing, and the spirit of competition through this innovative format.”

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE HOST CITY BID INFORMATION DOCUMENT HERE

The supertri E World Triathlon Championship has a proven track record of success, attracting thousands of spectators to venues and millions of viewers through TV and streaming. In 2023 alone, the event aired on 15 broadcasters across 135 countries and reached 25.4m households. The digital video views grew 92% between 2022 and 2023 reaching 25m. Previous host cities include London, Rotterdam, Montreal, Munich, and Singapore.

Cities chosen to host supertri E will gain significant media exposure and  become part of the future of the sport. The event is highly adaptable, able to take place both indoors and outdoors, and is delivered as a turnkey solution with supertri E providing all necessary technology and operational support.

The event featured many of the sport’s most celebrated athletes, including:

• Jonny Brownlee - Most decorated Olympian in triathlon history
• Beth Potter - 2023 WTCS World Champion
• Léo Bergere - 2022 WTCS World Champion
• Cassandre Beaugrand - France’s pick for Paris Gold
• Alex Yee - Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist
• Lisa Tertsch - Up-and-coming German powerhouse
• Kate Waugh - 2023 supertri Champion
• Hayden Wilde - 2022 supertri Champion
• Jeanne Lehair - 2023 supertri runner-up
• Matthew Hauser - Commonwealth Games multi-medalist
• Kristian Blummenfelt - Olympic Gold Medalist
• Georgia Taylor-Brown - Olympic multi-medalist, 2021 supertri champion

supertri E offers more than entertainment. In collaboration with the local triathlon federation and triathlon clubs, the event has also provided participation opportunities for the community in the build-up to the main event. By adding  age group racing and corporate challenges to the program, supertri E can engage local enthusiasts and add to the positive impact of the event to the local community. Youth and Junior races as well as Para racing can also be part of the program, offering talent development opportunities and inspiring the next generation of local champions.

As such, the impact of hosting the event is measured across a range of parameters, including economy, image, society, sport, and environment. Key findings of impact reports produced for recent events hosted in Montreal and London in 2022 and 2023 revealed compelling statistics, such as that 65% of spectators came from outside the host economy and 85% of spectators were inspired to engage in more sport and physical activity.

Interested cities must submit their applications before 15th August 2024. The selection and announcement of the Host City will take place in November  2024.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE HOST CITY BID INFORMATION DOCUMENT HERE

[Source: The Sports Consultancy (TSC)] The Clipper Race has announced its search for Host Port Partners and Sponsors for its 2025-26 edition of one of the world’s most well-known global adventures.

The Host Port Partner and sponsor bid process is launched and organised by The Sports Consultancy (TSC), whose CEO Angus Buchanan was previously a professional sailor.

As well as a swathe of experience in sailing, with the America’s Cup, World Sailing, and Oman Sail amongst its previous clientele, TSC is an expert in host procurement and sponsorship rights sales and has undertaken similar projects with the NFL, Volleyball World and Laver Cup in recent months.

The Clipper Race is foremost a thrilling adventure experience for non-professional sailors who are trained to take on the challenge of becoming ocean racers. With the adventure tourism market valued at USD483.3B in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2024 to 2032 (source: Global Data Insights), there is a large and steady rise in adventure-orientated experiences in the travel and tourism industry, this is a fantastic opportunity for ports and brands to align with Clipper Race.

The positioning of remote, extreme adventure contrasts the regularity of everyday people taking on an adventure of a lifetime and, with that, brings opportunity to tell human stories and create authentic, gripping content that will engage communities around the world.

Global Scale

The gargantuan scale of the challenge takes in all six continents in each corner of the globe, with previous ports including Seattle, New York, Cape Town, Bermuda, Punta del Este and Qingdao.

Clipper Race Head of Partnerships, Tom Adams is looking forward to the process: “We have joined forces with The Sports Consultancy as it has a wealth of experience in bringing host cities, brands and rights holders together to deliver meaningful partnerships. This new collaboration has enabled us to refresh our portfolio of opportunities in line with the evolving needs of potential partners. We are confident we have developed an effective platform to engage our partners’ communities and drive growth.”

TSC Director, Fraser Houlder, said: “Clipper Race is unique in that it is a brand synonymous with adventure, but it is also aspirational. With the growth of adventure tourism, this is an opportunity for cities, destination and consumer brands to come into this space.

“We are delighted to be working with the Clipper Race, to speak with potential Host Port Partners and brands, and the team is raring to go!”

Interested parties for either Host Port Partners or Sponsor brands should in the first instance, contact TSC Consultant, Oliver Ng at oliver.ng@thesportsconsultancy.com for more information.

[Source: Extreme E] Following a successful debut event in Scotland last season, Extreme E today announces its return to Dumfries and Galloway for Rounds 3 and 4 of 2024. 
The championship’s latest visit to the popular Scottish location kickstarts the European leg of Season 4, which will take place on 13-14 July.
The announcement of the race return was made today, Thursday 6 June, in the shadow of the Scottish Parliament, by Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E, and Kate Forbes MSP, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy.
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, said: “I am delighted that Extreme E will be returning to Scotland this summer. Last year’s Hydro X Prix brought both social and economic benefits to our communities and regional and national economies, while providing a new and exciting platform to showcase the country’s offer to a global audience.
“Extreme E shares our ambition for sustainability, renewable energy, gender equality and local conservation and I am confident this this year’s event will once again demonstrate that Scotland can provide the perfect stage for major, innovative international events like the X Prix.”
In 2023, the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine site, on Queensberry Estate, played host to two exciting races in Scotland, won by Sir Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing outfit and E.ON Veloce Racing, respectively. 
The restored former coal mine, set to undergo the next phase of its major transformation into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm, is a project which is being developed by Foresight Group's Energy Transition Fund (FEIP). The setting provides a poignant backdrop for the sport, which uses its platform to raise awareness of climate change and global solutions. Exact details of the 2024 course layout will be confirmed ahead of the upcoming Hydro X Prix.
The Hydro X Prix in Scotland represents an exciting return home for Extreme E, creating the opportunity to highlight climate issues and solutions that are not just global, but also right on our doorstep.
Scotland's landscape includes rugged mountains, rolling hills, deep valleys, and stunning coastline. The country is home to numerous lochs, rivers, and forests, including the famous Caledonian Forest, which is one of the few remaining ancient woodlands in Europe. Scotland also has a rich and varied wildlife population, with species such as red deer, golden eagles, otters, and seals found across the country.
However, Scotland's environment is not without its challenges, including issues related to climate change, land use, and biodiversity loss, which are being addressed through a range of conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “Heading back to the UK and Scotland for the next event of the 2024 Extreme E season is an exciting prospect for our championship.
“It was a hugely successful event last year and we cannot wait to return to such a dramatic location for our action-packed racing series, but also one which has sustainability values at its core. Scotland is a strong voice in the adoption of a clean energy future and renewable energy sources, and our Hydro X Prix marks a great opportunity to highlight these important issues that are happening so close to home. 
“We are excited to race once again and get the second half of our championship underway.”
As part of the championship’s commitments to raising awareness of the climate crisis, Extreme E’s legacy initiatives will continue at the Hydro X Prix.
From the impactful re-planting of over a thousand trees, to using innovative technologies being implemented by Official Technology Partner Vodafone Business to monitor water quality and temperatures, Extreme E will continue to focus on a long-term transformation of the River Nith area that will protect the salmon stocks so important to local industries.
Anna Fergusson, Estate Director at Queensberry Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Extreme E team back to Queensberry Estate for races in their 2024 season. The news of their return is exciting for Buccleuch and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area. The 2023 races at Glenmuckloch were thrilling and Extreme E’s engagement with local young people and their environmental project on the River Nith have left a lasting legacy. For this year’s Hydro X Prix, Buccleuch will work with the Extreme E team to reach more of the community and help them leave their positive mark on the local area.

[Source: Phygital International] Following a hugely competitive bidding process, featuring expressions of interest from nine prospective bidders, the UAE was declared as the official host and destination of the Games of the Future 2025 during the inaugural World Phygital Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.
The United Arab Emirates proved itself a natural destination of choice during the bidding process to host the Games of the Future 2025 by clearly showcasing its credibility as a global hub with first-rate infrastructure and extensive experience in organising and delivering world-leading international events. This vast experience, combined with a strong commitment throughout all stages of the bidding process from the highest levels of the nation's leadership, lead to a unanimous decision by Phygital International's expert bidding coordinators to award the honour of hosting the Games of the Future 2025 to the UAE.
The Games of the Future 2025 is the pinnacle event in phygital sport. It is an international tournament that brings together the next generation of dynamic sporting heroes from all over the world: thousands of well-balanced athletes who demonstrate superior skills across both physical and digital competition. Over 300 international teams are expected to participate in the multi-sport event which will feature a number challenges over wide range of disciplines including phygital football, phygital hockey, phygital skateboarding, phygital MMA and many more.
Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, commented: "We are delighted to announce the UAE as the host of the Games of the Future 2025. The global popularity of phygital sports grows by the day, and we're expecting a sell-out tournament again next year. We're thrilled to pass the phygital flame over to UAE whose top notch winning bid, and clear long-term commitment to developing a healthy, active population, has me in no doubt that the event will be a huge success. Bring on Games of the Future 2025!"
His Excellency Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General, General Authority of Sport, UAE: "Bringing the Games of the Future 2025 to the United Arab Emirates represents an exciting moment in redefining international sports for the modern world. We are proud to be hosting this innovative and unique tournament that merges cutting-edge technology, popular video gaming, and traditional sport. We're confident that hosting the 2025 Games will not only cement us as leaders in the sporting world, but also incentivise our national digital community towards an active lifestyle and help us reach our national sporting goal of 75% active population by 2031."
The Games of the Future places no restrictions on its participants and welcomes everyone, regardless of their age, gender and nationality. Phygital International expects Games of the Future 2025 in the UAE to welcome thousands of world-class athletes and esports persons from as many as 100 countries, as part of national and multinational teams. It's so popular in fact, that the host nation bid process for Games of the Future 2026 and 2027 is already underway from countries globally.

[Source: FIBA] The FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2024 season grand finale will be held in Hong Kong for the first time ever on November 23-24. The world's best 3x3 men's teams will battle it out for the World Tour title.

A regular host of major basketball events, the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final in Hong Kong will culminate an action-packed World Tour season and showcase the world's best 3x3 players. The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final is the ultimate World Tour stop as it features the best teams, and serves as the last stop of the season. The top 11 teams in the season standings will automatically qualify for the Hong Kong Final. Meanwhile, the 12th-ranked team, the host team (Hong Kong), and the team with the most combined Challenger and World Tour wins (excluding those already qualified) will battle for the remaining spot in a play-in event.

"The 13th edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final in Hong Kong is a testament to the city's growing importance in the 3x3 community and its ability to host world-class sporting events," said Alex Sanchez, Managing Director of FIBA 3x3. "After the success of our World Tour events here in the past two years and the recent FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament, it was a natural step to bring our biggest pro tour event to this vibrant city."

Mr. Kenny Wong, CEO of the Organizing Committee for the World Tour Final, highlighted the city's readiness and enthusiasm for hosting the event. "Hong Kong is thrilled to welcome the world's best 3x3 teams and their fans to our city. With its iconic backdrop and passionate basketball community, we are set to provide a spectacular setting for the pinnacle of the 3x3 season."

This year's World Tour features 17 stops around the globe, with Ub Huishan NE (SRB) aiming to defend their title as the two-time reigning champions. As teams prepare for the intense competition, all eyes will be on Hong Kong, where the world of 3x3 will converge for an unforgettable finale.

Updated 2024 season:

Utsunomiya Opener (April 27-28)
Marseille (May 31 – June 1)
Ulaanbaatar (June 8-9)
Chengdu (June 22-23)
Edmonton (July 6-7)
Almaty (July 13-14)
Lausanne (August 16-17)
Debrecen (August 31 – September 1)
Shanghai (September 21-22)
Wuxi (October 6-7)
Amsterdam (October 12-13)
Macau (October 19-20)
Abu Dhabi (October 26-27)
Manama (November 1-2)
Neom (November 7-9)
Shenzhen (November 16-17)
Hong Kong Final (November 23-24)
 

For a list of World Tour qualifiers, please click here

The annual Host City Conference & Exhibition, the largest international meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, will take place at the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow on 3-4 December, and include presentation of the inaugural Host City Awards, celebrating the best event hosting achievements, at an evening reception on 3 December.

The move to a larger capacity venue and launch of the Host City Awards reflects the event’s growth, following a decade of increasingly successful events.

Host City 2024 will bring together hundreds of major event owners, organisers and hosts from all over the world for two days of insightful discussion and debate across plenary sessions, presentations and keynote addresses. The 11th Host City will also feature a hosted buyer programme for the growing community of international event owners and organising committees.

Participants in Host City include International Federation leaders and IOC Members alongside the owners and organisers of major congresses and entertainment events.

Host City 2024 takes place with the support of Global Presenting Partners and Hosts: Glasgow Life, EventScotland and the Scottish Event Campus.

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow has a reputation for world-class cultural, sports and business occasions so we’ll look forward to welcoming delegates to the city once again for the Host City Conference and Exhibition in December. 

“The breadth of expertise and wealth of knowledge that is shared at Host City is invaluable for continuing to push the boundaries of successful event organisation.

“We look forward to adding our own distinctive host voice to the proceedings, sharing our experience of delivering engaging and diverse events like the World Athletics Indoor Championships held here in March, and hearing how others create a genuine legacy for local communities.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to continue its partnership with Host City having been a long-standing supporter since its inception. Fostering the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the conference continues to provide a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and also celebration with the introduction of this year’s inaugural Host City Awards.

“The opportunity to attract and bring together key global partners and stakeholders to discuss a range of immediate and emerging trends within our sector is incredibly valuable. We are delighted to see the event’s ambition to grow in scope and scale, and look forward to welcoming both new and returning speakers and delegates from across the sport, culture and business events landscape to Glasgow, and indeed Scotland later this year.”   

Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, Scottish Event Campus said: “We are delighted to support Host City.  This event plays an important role in positioning Glasgow and Scotland as the natural location for major events and conferences, are we are delighted to be providing a platform for growth for the event.”

Host City 2024 is also supported by Glasgow Convention Bureau.

The full agenda for Host City 2024 and details for the inaugural Host City Awards will be announced soon.  

For more information visit www.hostcity.com or email ben.avison@hostcity.com

Commercial Opportunities: adam.soroka@cavendishgroup.co.uk

[Source: West Midlands Growth Company] Birmingham and the West Midlands’ sporting offer and major events hosting expertise will be thrust back into the global spotlight from 7-11 April when it welcomes the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit at ICC Birmingham.

Nearly two years on from hosting the biggest-ever Commonwealth Games, the West Midlands will roll out the red carpet for more than 1,500 international delegates from 120 sporting federations to showcase why it is at the heart of sport in the UK.

From basketball, bobsleigh and bodybuilding to tennis, triathlon and taekwondo, presidents and CEOs from global sporting organisations will visit Birmingham and the West Midlands for SportAccord’s conference programme, which includes specialist streams CityAccord, HealthAccord, LawAccord and MediaAccord. The summit will also feature panel events, evening networking sessions and a keynote speech during the event’s opening ceremony from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, ahead of the year’s biggest sporting celebration, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit offers a huge opportunity for the West Midlands’ people, venues and suppliers to come together and put on a great show for international sports leaders, continuing the positive buzz and legacy of the Commonwealth Games.

“Our region has world-class sporting infrastructure, unrivalled connectivity and a passion and knowledge for hosting major events. We will be showing visiting officials and senior delegates why the West Midlands deserves to sit at sport’s top table when they are picking the destination for their next championships, conference or business event, which will provide a welcome boost for our local businesses and communities.”

With less than two months to go until “sport’s most influential industry gathering”, final touches are being made to the summit’s event programme focusing on this year’s theme, the ‘power of sport’, and speaker list. The programme already includes Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman MBE; Secretary General of the World Union of Olympic Cities, Melanie Duparc; and CEO of Global Esports Federation, Paul Foster.

The West Midlands’ cultural, tourism and sporting credentials will also be on show for SportAccord delegates as part of an excursion programme, which will include the region’s Industrial Revolution story at Black Country Living Museum and Ironbridge Gorge; and its arts and literary heritage at Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The region’s instrumental role in shaping Britain’s sporting tradition – having invented rugby, lawn tennis and the Football League, and hosted the forerunner to the Olympic Games in Much Wenlock – will be covered during a sporting tour, to include Villa Park and Edgbaston Stadium.

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The SportAccord Summit 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for Birmingham to showcase the city and provides the chance to bring people together.

“The city has world-class sporting facilities, which have hosted some fantastic events including the Commonwealth Games, IBSA World Games and the FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships, plus with our famous reputation as a friendly city, we can guarantee a warm Birmingham welcome to all visiting delegates.”

The West Midlands has recently hosted some of global sport’s biggest spectacles, including the Rugby World Cup, The Ashes and the FIG World Trampoline Championships. The ESL One – Dota II esports tournament in Solihull (26-28 April); the European Judo Union Junior Cup in Walsall (15-19 June); and the Kabaddi World Cup (24-31 March 2025) are a snapshot of the sporting fixtures taking place in the West Midlands in the next 12 months, thanks to the region’s Major Events Fund.

SportAccord 2024 will also present opportunities for companies, brands, products, services and destinations to showcase their offer as part of a dedicated exhibition, running in parallel with the summit at ICC Birmingham. Companies and individuals, which provide cutting-edge governance, research, advisory services, sports tech, insurance and fan engagement across the business of sport are encouraged to contact the West Midlands Growth Company to receive more information about getting involved: partners@wmgrowth.com. 

Interested parties can visit the official website here to register their interest in attending.