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Fitness

The World Games comes to a close in Birmingham Alabama

2 August 2022 via PRNewsGIG — The World Games 2022 Birmingham, USA are over. Here are some figures of the 11th edition of the multi-sport event that was held 7–17 2022 July in Alabama:

  • Over 3,459 athletes from 99 nations competed.
  • The world saw outstanding performances in 34 sports, 58 disciplines and 223 medal events.
  • All sports were held across 23 venues.
  • 375,000 spectators created this special atmosphere: for the feeling of being in Sweet Home Alabama.
  • Those who could not be present in the stadium watched on the screen. ISB, the host broadcaster, produced 640 hours of TV pictures of the Games with more than 300 employees from 21 countries.
  • These images were shown on TV in more than 80 countries, including the USA, China, Germany and Ukraine, as well as throughout South America.
  • Those who could not watch the Games on TV used Olympics.com to stream the thrilling performances of The World Games 2022. In short, the whole world was watching the athletes perform at their best.
  • 750 media representatives had accredited for the Games. By far the majority came from the United States.
  • 32 National Olympic Committees or National Sports Organizations were present in Birmingham to support the athletes from their countries.
  • To make sure that everyone knew what the score was, what time was run or not run, or what points were awarded by the judges, the Result Module from Swiss Timing provided prompt service. It can be accessed on the website. Congratulations to the tireless efforts of 3,000 volunteers who made the athletes feel that Southern Hospitality.
  • 🇩🇪 Germany won the medal standings for the first time at The World Games with 24 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze medals. 🇺🇸 Team USA used the home advantage and came second with 16 gold, 18 silver and 10 bronze medals. 🇺🇦Ukraine came in third (16/12/17). Germany is now ranked two (behind Italy) in the overall medal tally of all 11 editions.
  • 73 countries won a medal at The World Games. That is a new record number, and there for several who won their first medal ever: Brunei, Panama, India, Tunisia and Virgin Islands, USA.
  • Johana VIVEROS MONDRAGON from Colombia won four times gold and once silver in Speed Skating. She was the athletes with most medals at The World Games 2022. Nina HOLT from Germany won four times gold and one bronze in Life Saving.
  • Bart SWINGS (Belgium) is the first athlete to win gold at both the Olympic Games and The World Games in the same year. In Birmingham, the speed skater won four gold and one bronze. Earlier this year, in February, he won Olympic gold in Ice Skating.
  • Powerlifter Yukoko Fukushima won gold for the first time at her sixth edition of The World Games. The legendary powerlifter proved that perseverance pays off.
  • The Dutch in Korfball, on the other hand, know no dry spell. They took part for the tenth time and won gold for the tenth time.
  • The first gold medal of the Games went to the Colombian skater Geiny Pajaro, who won the 200 meters time trial at 9:43 am on Friday 8th July. The last one was awarded to the Men’s Canoe Polo Team from Germany on Sunday 18th July at 3:15pm.
  • A new sport on the programme was Wheelchair Rugby – this was the first time a para-sport was on the programme of The World Games. Drone Racing (Air Sports), Breaking (DanceSport), Parkour (Gymnastics) and Flag Football (American Football) made their debut as new disciplines in Birmingham, Alabama.
  • And another premiere: The World Games introduced EGaming for the first time. Fans could try their hand at the virtual versions of our sports Archery, Baseball and Racquetball.
  • Birmingham’s Mayor Randall Woodfin officially opened the Games on 7 July and IWGA President José Perurena ceremoniously closed them on 17 July.
  • IOC President Thomas Bach said during his visit: “If the athletes are happy, we’re happy.” What we heard from the athletes was: “We are very happy here in Birmingham.” The response from the athletes on social media was also overwhelmingly positive.
  • An emotional moment: The 98 athletes from Ukraine were greeted with a standing ovation by the 27,000 spectators as they entered Protective Stadium for the Opening Ceremony.
  • Sergey Bubka, the President of the Ukrainian NOC, received a cheque for 54,000 dollars from the hands of the Chair of the Birmingham Organising Committee, Jonathan Porter. From each ticket and merchandise item sold since April 2022, the organisers had donated one dollar for the reconstruction of sports facilities in Ukraine.
  • The President of the USA, Joe Biden, sent a letter to the athletes and organisers with words of encouragement and appreciation.
  • Chengdu, People’s Republic of China invited us to celebrate the 12th edition of The World Games in 2025.

Congratulations to the people and the host city of Birmingham! 

About The World Games (TWG): TWG is a multi-sport event staged every fouroo years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games is held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries take part in The World Games.

AFTNews, PRNews, Sport

Sportradar announces OTT partnership with Max Muay Thai

Sportradar, the leading global provider of sports data intelligence, today announced an OTT (Over-The- Top) partnership with Max World Sport Ptd. Ltd. the company behind Thailand’s largest Muay Thai promotion, Max Muay Thai. The multi-year deal will see Sportradar OTT power the live and on-demand broadcast of the promotion’s fights seven days a week. 

Multi-tier subscription packages tailored to the needs of every fan will be available on the OTT platform in both Thai and English, and will allow Muay Thai fans to access content across various devices at any time. 

Dylan Chuan, Sportradar’s Sales Director, Audiovisual, APAC, said: “It is a great honour for us to be working with Max World Sport, helping rights holders and promoters alike increase their revenue through a data- driven OTT strategy.” 

“Data needs to be at the heart of OTT when it comes to the optimal viewing experience, targeting appropriate content and relevant marketing collateral at users as well as monetisation – the key piece in the puzzle.” 

Sportradar believes in an evidence and data-based streaming strategy allowing rights holders to tell engaging stories to fans across the full range of digital distribution channels. This facilitates the creation and growth of direct-to-fan relationships based on personalized experiences built on underlying data insights. With such a holistic OTT approach, underpinned by data, Sportradar will also act as the strategic digital OTT transformation partner, advising Max Muay Thai on their commercial strategy for the organisation. 

Sportradar and Max Muay Thai’s partnership will seek to further capitalise on Sportradar’s leadership position in OTT to maximise the value of Max Muay Thai’s dynamic content through Sportradar’s latest OTT features, including fully integrated data and video. 

One example is Sportradar’s partnership with Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, where the club has been able to integrate indirect revenue streams into their OTT offering by leveraging Sportradar’s technology, ensuring the delivery of innovative content, accessible to fans across all channels. 

“This is a definite game-changer for Max Muay Thai.” Said Arisa Tohcharoensuk, Max Muay Thai President. “Max Muay Thai has established continued growth, not only in our country (Thailand) but globally. With the collaboration with Sportradar I can say that this is the key to our continued success. In partnership with Sportradar we can experience a different viewing experience through OTT platforms.” He added. 

A World-Class Muay Thai Tournament Organiser since 2013 the promotion aims to showcase Thailand’s Muay Thai sport not only to Thailand, but all throughout the world. 

Sportradar is the leading global provider of sports data intelligence. Established in 2000, the company occupies a unique position at the intersection of the sports, media and betting industries, providing sports federations, news media, consumer platforms and sports betting operators with a range of solutions to help grow their business. Sportradar employs over 2,000 people in more than 30 locations around the world. It is our commitment to excellent service, quality and reliability that makes us the trusted partner of more than 1,000 companies in over 80 countries and official partner of the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, FIFA and UEFA. We monitor, analyse and deliver insights from more than 400,000 matches annually across 60 sports. With deep industry relationships, Sportradar is not just redefining the sports fan experience; it also safeguards the sports themselves through its Integrity Services division and advocacy for an integrity-driven environment for all involved. 

More information can be found on www.sportradar.com. 

AFT Features, AFT Partners, AFTNews

The 2020 TaiSPO, Connecting the Sports and Fitness Ecosystem

The 2020 Taipei International Sporting Goods Show (TaiSPO) will be held at Taiwan World Trade Center (TWTC) Hall 1 on March 5-7, 2020. TaiSPO 2020 will be held in conjunction with Taipei CYCLE, one of the world’s top three bicycle exhibitions. The total number of booths is expected to exceed 5,000, creating Asia’s most complete sporting goods procurement platform. This platform will present the industry’s latest trends to professionals from around the world, creating excellent opportunities for business partnerships.

Growth in global fitness trends points to a strong future market 

TaiSPO 2020 will be the 47th edition of the show

TaiSPO is the best venue for domestic fitness equipment manufacturers to display their latest products and develop business opportunities. TaiSPO 2019 represented the 46th edition of the show, exhibiting fitness equipment, outdoor sporting equipment, diving equipment, water sports equipment, sportswear and accessories, and ball-based sporting goods. Exhibitors showcasing at TaiSPO 2019 included major fitness equipment manufacturers such as Johnson, Dyaco, Tong Geng, Joong Cheen, Strength Master, Intenza, Health Stream, Sports Art, and TONIC FITNESS. Johnson displayed fitness equipment connected with smart technology, featuring digital technology for commercial use, a complete smart solution for fitness clubs and gyms.

Smart Sports continues to be the leading trend in sports technology

The Smart Sports Area was the highlight of TaiSPO 2019

The Smart Sports Area was the highlight of TaiSPO 2019. Exhibitors included Taiwan’s leading smart clothing manufacturers, Everest Textile, Makalot, Asiatic Fiber and Tex-Ray Industrial, demonstrating the latest smart clothing and wearable devices. Moreover, Korean entrepreneurs from South Korea’s DAEJEON TECHNOPARK participated in TaiSPO 2019 for the first time. Exhibited products included simulated skateboards, golf swing electronic-assisted exercise machines and 4D somatosensory fitness games. These exhibitors are satisfied with the results and will expand their participation in TaiSPO 2020, bringing more sports technology power to TaiSPO 2020.

Sports services and sports event supplies complete the sports industry ecosystem

Beyond demonstrating the latest fitness equipment, TaiSPO 2020 will include more software-based systems, such as fitness courses, sports medical science, membership management, sports technology monitoring, and sports nutrition, linking the entire fitness industry ecosystem together. Furthermore, TaiSPO 2020 manages the ‘Sports Event Supplies’, showcasing Taiwan’s invisible champion – the fact that many international sports games use functional fiber, sports shoes, and sports balls manufactured in Taiwan, highlight Taiwan’s brilliant in the international sports arena, creating a more complete picture of Taiwan’s sporting goods industry.

TaiSPO 2019 attracted over 1,700 buyers from around the world

TaiSPO 2019 attracted over 1,700 buyers from around the world to develop partnerships, including LIFE FITNESS, the top global brand in commercial fitness equipment, TECHNOGYM from Italy, and DECATHLON from France. 80 one-on-one trade meetings were held during the show. Furthermore, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are expected to bring a new wave of business opportunities for Taiwan’s sporting goods and fitness industry.

For more details and information on TaiSPO 2020 and its forums, please visit the official website:

Taipei International Sporting Goods Show (TaiSPO): www.taispo.com.tw

To register for the event, please call the organizer TAITRA:

Tel: 02-2725-5200 ext. 2658, E-mail: taispo@taitra.org.tw

AFTNews, Wellness

Thanyapura Health and Sports Resorts Expands Internationally

Thanyapura World, the Singapore based holding company for the Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort brand, announces its entry into the Chinese market with the signing of its newest resort, Sanya Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort, in Sanya, Hainan Province, China’s most popular resort destination.

The property is Thanyapura’s first branded resort in China, and the company expects other management agreements to follow as property developers around the world look for new, experience-driven concepts that inspire guests to optimise their lives. To that end, Thanyapura World offers a model that combines resort living with sports, lifestyle medicine and wellness. The company believes its ‘active wellness’ model meets the needs of developers and visitors that want more than just a hotel with a wellness centre.

The Sanya resort sits on approximately 58 hectares centrally located between Yalong and Haitang Bay and will be designed by Dallas-based architectural firm, HKS, known for its cutting edge sports stadiums, hotels and healthcare facilities. The new property will offer 300 hotel rooms and 250 villas, world-class sports facilities featuring, swimming, running, tennis, cycling, soccer and multi-sport fitness; a lifestyle medicine clinic focusing on chronic disease reversal programmes; wellness centre; a members-only leisure club; multipurpose function rooms, as well as food and beverage and retail outlets.

Thanyapura’s flagship resort located in Phuket, Thailand, is recognised as a leading sports, health and wellness destination, attracting top athletes like Maria Sharapova, Jenson Button, two-time Ironman world champion, Patrick Langer, and national swim teams from around the world. Thanyapura Phuket is the only officially registered FINA training centre in Asia.

Thanyapura Sanya will mirror many of the same pillars programmes offered in Phuket, such as sports training, camps, lifestyle improvement and executive health. The expansion into China strengthens Thanyapura’s position as a regional leader in active living and healthy lifestyle resort properties that incorporate green technologies, feature sustainable practices, and deliver personal optimisation. The resort will target families, groups, corporations and individuals looking for a healthy holiday destination where they can optimise their lives and lifestyle.

“We are on the cusp of something very big,” said Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, President and CEO of Thanyapura World. “We offer something quite unique in the international hospitality market that others cannot easily replicate. China is a massive market with unlimited potential, and we are entering at the right time in the right location and with right partners. The Sanya Thanyapura resort also supports the local government’s ambition to become a magnet destination for sports and health tourism.”

Thanyapura World is working closely with developers, local governments and health promotion boards throughout Asia to build healthy holiday destinations that offer an escape from the city and access to sports facilities and wellness programmes.

The Sanya Thanyapura resort will be developed by Hainan Tianyi Tourism Investment Co. and managed by Thanyapura Six Arts Resorts Management Company, Singapore. The resort is scheduled to open in 2022.

AFT Features, Diet & Nutrition, Features Singapore, Men's Health, Wellness, Women's Health

Vitafoods Asia Conference to present top 5 APAC nutraceutical trends

Delegates to the upcoming Vitafoods Asia Conference in Singapore, 25-26 September 2019, will have the opportunity to dive deep into the latest regional trends in the Asian nutraceutical industry. Five clearly focused and tailored content platforms including Personalised nutrition, Nutricosmetics, Digestive health, Mental wellbeing and Sports and fitness nutrition will be presented in an exceptional programme that is perfectly positioned between science and industry. Led by industry experts across two days, discussions will cover current nutraceuticals business challenges, opportunities and market innovation in these core functional areas.

“This year, we are thrilled to present the Vitafoods Asia Conference, which will give delegates the opportunity to learn from, and network with, leading nutraceutical, supplement and functional food industry experts,” said Chris Lee, Managing Director, GHNN Europe at Informa Markets, the organiser of Vitafoods Asia. “We are also particularly excited to bring you sports and fitness nutrition presentations during Vitafoods Asia 2019. The Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing sports nutrition region and the presentation will allow participants to learn about the latest ingredient research as well as opportunities to develop new products in the space.”

Delegates can book their pass at www.vitafoodsasia.com/conference

Conference speaker, Dr Stephen Burns, Associate Professor, Physical Education & Sports Science, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, will discuss evidence that supports the use of ketogenic diets for training and performance in athletes, in consideration of the potential downsides for performance and health.

Another conference speaker, Nabil Bosco, Healthy ageing team leader, Retd. National Institute of Nutrition, Nestle Research (Singapore), will outline a holistic view of the digestive health market, mechanisms of action and fermented products to reassess the benefits of different ingredients aimed at a healthier gut. He will also discuss the role of food and nutrient synergy for digestive health and highlight any new research and market opportunities.

The Vitafoods Asia Conference 2019 sessions will last 2 – 3 hours, allowing participants to flexibly juggle networking, business meetings and educational content.

The full line-up of keynote speakers at this year’s conference include:

  • Chin-Kun Wang, President, International Society for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (Taiwan)
  • Dr Celine Klotz, Clinical Trial Director, Japanese Society of Antiaging Nutrition (Japan)
  • Dr Madhavan Nair, Scientist, Retd. National Institute of Nutrition, Vice-President Nutrition Society of India (India)
  • Dr Lin Jing, Researcher, Food Science and Technology Programme, National University of Singapore (Singapore)
  • Michelle Teodoro, Food Science and Nutrition Analyst, Mintel (Singapore)
  • David Foreman, President, Herbal Pharmacist Media (US)

The Vitafoods Asia Conference 2019, which runs alongside the Vitafoods Asia Exhibition, is structured to incorporate the latest research as well as a market overview and market innovation. Each session will last two-three hours, enabling participants to flexibly juggle networking, business meetings and educational content.

 

Register for Vitafoods Asia

The Vitafoods Asia Exhibition and Conference is where the nutraceutical industry comes together to find solutions, share knowledge and create business opportunities. Discover high quality products, ingredients and services, learn about the latest trends and network with 350+ global suppliers from 60+ countries across the global nutraceutical supply chain.

To register for the Exhibition or the Conference, please visit www.vitafoodsasia.com

Vitafoods Asia is pleased to announce that KSM-66 Ashwagandha is confirmed as the headline sponsor for Vitafoods Asia 2019.

AFTNews, Wellness

Combating childhood obesity with badminton

Eat Like a Pro Badminton Workshop featuring Olympic silver medallist, Chan Peng Soon shone a spotlight on healthy eating and active lifestyles to combat the growing concern of childhood obesity. 

After learning about eating healthy, Children who attended the “Eat Like A Pro” Badminton workshop got to have a one on one badminton match with their idols, Chan Peng Soon and Hendra Aprida Gunawan.

Co-organised by Beko Appliances Malaysia and Ampang Jaya Badminton Club (AJBC), the half-day event was held at One Badminton Academy in Kuala Lumpur, over 100 children and their parents learnt about the dangers of childhood obesity. 

Badminton Olympic Medalist, Chan Peng Soon sharing tips on healthy eating and active lifestyle during the “Eat Like A Pro” Badminton workshop.

Chan Peng Soon made a special appearance and shared his approach to diet and nutrition. He also gave Olympic-level badminton tips and tricks.

“I truly believe today’s workshop has made a positive impact that will benefit these children for years to come. I encourage my fellow athletes to heed this call and play a more pro-active role in inspiring the next generation to eat and live health,” added Chan.

Alarmingly 70% of children knew more about sports than healthy eating. On a positive note, 80% of children stated that they would eat healthier food if they knew their favourite heroes did too. 

Badminton Olympic Medalist Chan Peng Soon (right) together with Hendra Aprida Gunawan, Coach at Ampang Jaya Badminton Club (left) conducting a Badminton Workshop with the children attended.

Goo Chui Hoong, Consultant Dietician was also on hand at the workshop to share some important tips on incorporating healthy food options into their daily diets and how to make healthy eating more appealing to children. 

“We all know that eating healthy is vital to maintaining our overall fitness and health but this is much easier said than done, particularly when it comes to children. However, parents should not lose hope. There are many simple tricks that can be employed to keep your kids meals healthy while still appealing to their appetites,” she said.

“The Eat Like a Pro campaign and recipes are a perfect starting point for those looking for fun and simple ways to add some extra nutrition into their children’s meals,” Chui Hoong added. 

In a press statement issued by Beko Appliances Malaysia to Asia Fitness Today, its CEO Chan Lock shared, “Eat Like a Pro is all about encouraging children to eat healthier by showcasing the diets of their sporting role models. We are pleased to be working together with AJBC today to inspire Malaysian children to eat and live healthier,”.

Eat Like A Pro, is a Beko Appliances global initiative to help parents around the world feed their children more healthy food. The initiative was driven by reports indicating that by 2025, 70 million children around the world would suffer from obesity. For the latest phase of Eat Like a Pro, Beko with the support from partners FC Barcelona, the Barca Foundation and UNICEF, carried out a worldwide survey in 18 different countries across 13,500 children between 6 to 10 years old to gauge children’s awareness on sports and healthy eating.