(Reuters) - Sport England has announced a 3 million pounds investment to create 200 new parkrun events in the country over the next three years to increase participation among women and people from lower socioeconomic groups. Parkrun allows more than 800 communities in Britain to host free, "socially-focussed" 5km running events every weekend in public areas of open space.gi Since parkrun's inception as a low-key local event in 2004, 1.8 million people in Britain have participated in what now number almost 600 events held for all ages on Saturdays and a further 256 2k junior parkruns for 4 to 14-year-olds on Sundays.The events have been supported by around 250,000 volunteers and have been widely praised for their contribution to improved public health."This important partnership with parkrun is part of Sport England's ongoing strategy to help grow new and innovative sporting ideas and broaden their reach into the demographics in society who are least likely to be active," Sport England … [Read more...] about Sport England to fund 200 new parkrun events
Sports
‘Sports Illustrated’ Taps Christine Blasey Ford to Introduce 2018 Inspiration Award Winner
Sports Illustrated dove straight into controversial political waters this week, by tapping Christine Blasey Ford to introduce its 2018 Inspiration of the Year Award. The magazine awarded its 2018 honor to Rachael Denhollander, a gymnast who became the first woman to step forward to accuse USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar of sexual assault.Curiously, the magazine chose Christine Blasey Ford to deliver the news of its choice of Denhollander — a proven victim of assault — for its 2018 Inspiration of the Year honoree. Ford gained notoriety for leveling unproven accusations of sexual assault against then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Ford’s accusations were used by Democrats in Washington to destroy the career of now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. However, Ford’s unsubstantiated accusations aside, Denhollander is the epitome of bravery for standing up to Nassar and the powerful USA Gymnastics organization. “Denhollander filed a … [Read more...] about ‘Sports Illustrated’ Taps Christine Blasey Ford to Introduce 2018 Inspiration Award Winner
Balkan 2030 World Cup bid is realistic, says Bulgarian sports minister
By Angel KrasimirovSOFIA (Reuters) - A bid by Balkan countries to host the 2030 soccer World Cup would have a realistic chance because the governments of Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Romania would offer support for the joint candidature, Bulgaria's Sports Minister Krasen Kralev said on Wednesday.gi No Balkan nation has hosted the World Cup and last month's announcement raised eyebrows given the poor sports infrastructure in the region but former long-distance runner Kralev said it was an achievable target."Оur bid is completely realistic, we are aware that we have to meet a number of FIFA criteria," the 51-year-old Kralev told Reuters. "Let us remind you that Russia also began building the necessary sports infrastructure after being named host of the 2018 World Cup."The Balkan quartet will also bid to host the European championship in 2028, hoping that would give them a chance to improve or build new stadiums.Kralev said that Greece had already announced it would modernise its … [Read more...] about Balkan 2030 World Cup bid is realistic, says Bulgarian sports minister
Famous sports star accused of raping woman in Dublin was ‘wild-eyed’ during two-day bender hours before alleged attack
A WELL-KNOWN sports star accused of raping a young woman early on Monday had spent the weekend partying hard with friends in Dublin, it has been claimed. Sources last night told the Irish Sun the alleged attacker was on a wild two-day booze bender in the hours before the incident. The athlete was spotted at a number of top city-centre venues partying with his extended crew of pals over the course of the weekend. An eyewitness said: “A big gang of them arrived in and were in good form. “Everyone was polite on the way in. “When staff went back to check on them later in the night (the star) was wild-eyed and looked wired.” Gardai have launched a major investigation after a woman, in her 20s, claimed she was attacked and battered by the sportsman in a Dublin hotel. Officers are set to interview the alleged victim to establish the facts before deciding how to proceed with the probe. The incident reportedly happened in the early hours of Monday, between midnight … [Read more...] about Famous sports star accused of raping woman in Dublin was ‘wild-eyed’ during two-day bender hours before alleged attack
Former Moroccan Paralympian sports red, white and blue for first time
He dreamed of red, white and blue. He yearned to be part of a team after years of taking on challenges alone.Mohamed Lahna, 36, grew up like most children, wanting to fit in. But he was cast aside in physical education class.“Once I got to school, I wasn’t allowed to be a part of P.E. I was always put aside, the whole elementary school, high school, everything. I felt a little bit excluded from my classmates, but I always loved to do sports,” Lahna said.He was born with a birth defect, a proximal femoral focal deficiency, missing part of his right hip and the femur from his right leg. But he still has his right foot. “The closest I got to the P.E. class was bringing balls to my teammates and watching them play. I think that was frustrating,” he said.Lahna was born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco, by a family of modest means. Not until his 20s did he begin to step away from the sidelines.“I had the chance to have my first bike when I was 25 … [Read more...] about Former Moroccan Paralympian sports red, white and blue for first time