January 16th marked the 56th annual London Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction, held at the London Convention Centre as a fundraiser for the Thames Valley Children’s Centre. It was attended by an impressive group of sports celebrities. It was a lot of fun for those attending, as they got to hang out with their sports heroes, such as Curtis Joseph (ex-goaltender for the Toronto maple Leafs); Max Domi (London Knights player) and more. The event’s keynote speaker was Dick Pound, VP of the International Olympic Committee.
Professional Sports League News
It seems that there is a new, unique concept in the field of professional sports leagues that is going to rock the world of sports. The concept – developed by NRI Raj Kundra with Sanjay Duttactor – comprises karate, kick-boxing, taekwondo and wrestling. It seems like a good idea, especially since in India (where this will take place) kick-boxing is incredibly popular. The program is due to commence on March 11.
What will happen is that this league will attract international stars who will then compete against Indian martial art experts. The competition will be awesome. In India already there is already a place that is training people for the league competition. So it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun and a great competition!
Sports Coaches Recognition
The National Football Foundation, the College Football Hall of Fame and the Liberty Mutual Insurance joined forces to recognize four special coaches who have gone beyond the call of duty. The four have been awarded the 2011 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year for the incredible performances of their teams, as well as achievements in the classroom and “selfless support of their communities and charities.”
The four prize-winners were: Rob Ash (Montana State University); Tim Beck (Pittsburg state University); Glenn Caruso (University of St. Thomas) and Les Miles (LSU). These individuals were chosen through votes cast by the public between December 6 to December 22 together with national media selection committees, players and coaches from the College Football Hall of Fame.
Each of these individuals will be receiving a $50,000 charitable donation from Liberty Mutual as well as a $20,000 scholarship award to be given to the alumni association at their school. In addition, they will be honored in the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year, which is at the College Football Hall of Fame.
Women’s Soccer News
There is some bad news on the field for Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS). Because one out of the six teams got dismantled from the league, the WPS may lose its professional status as America’s sport’s governing body – US Soccer – requires at least eight teams to comprise a professional league. Apparently though, the women’s soccer teams are not going to go down without a fight after all their efforts since their inception three years ago when they began with seven teams.
MagicJack, FL
The problem is being blamed on the MagicJack team, from Florida. WPS asked for a one-year waiver (which it received) from the board of directors last year as it only had six teams. But now that this figure has dropped to five for 2012, a waiver extension has been requested so that it can go through the season including the London Olympics and thereafter hopefully attract new investors before 2013.
According to the league’s commission, Jennifer O’Sullivan, the league’s main aim is to retain their Division 1 status, following the amazing 2011 season. Time will tell is the WPS can be saved.
Baby Cup Breaks Records
On Christmas Eve, at the Minsk Palace of Sports, for the 12th consecutive year, the Baby Cup took place. This year however, it broke all records, attracting close to 400 participants. More than 60 performances were enjoyed by guests.
The Baby Cup has four categories for the gymnasts to take part in: Hopes, Infants, Sprouts and Stars. This year the Infants Group set a record for the Baby Cup with 54 gymnasts showcasing 101 Dalmatians. Another new record was set by Stephanie Cherkasova – the nearly two-and-a-half year-old who performed. There has never been such a young performer since the Baby Cup begun. Especially interesting was that Cherkasova performed in the Sprouts group (as opposed to the Infants!). She certainly grabbed the crowd’s attention.
In years past, participants have received gifts from Father Frost but this year, winners were awarded specially-crafted medals of the Baby Cup that are totally unique and cannot be purchased anywhere else in the world.
A fun time was had by all.
From Paralympic Silver Medalist to Olympic Hopeful
Monique van der Vorst is nothing short of incredible. At one point she was a silver medalist in the Paralympics, but now it looks like she is going to be able-bodied, and not only that, but actually be able to compete in the Olympics, having signed with the Rabobank women’s professional cycling team.
Her story is unbelievable. At 13-years-old van der Vorst was paralyzed from the hip down. Now, 14 years later, she is moving! It seems this is because she was hit by a bicycle when she was training (wheelchair-bound) for the 2012 London Paralympics.
It was while recovering from the accident that she started to feel tingling in her feet. Shortly after that, she was able to move them! She then endured many months of intensive rehab and took her first steps last July. Those in the medical field are simply unable to explain the phenomenon.
Of course, this was amazing for van der Vorst. But, at the same time, she was a little disappointed she couldn’t compete in the Paralympics she loved so much, which meant she really missed the actual sport, the people involved and the challenges that came along with it. It was that which made her crave to compete in the regular Olympics.
It wasn’t easy. Indeed, she almost crashed the first attempt she made at getting on a regular racing bike. But she got back on until she had finished the 30km training route – slowly, but she did it. She’s not quite at Olympic level yet, but she’s getting there and, with her determination, there’s no telling just how far she’ll go.
Sports Celebrities, Kids and Christmas
A lot is going on – charity-wise – over the Christmas season. It is the time of festivity but also the time of giving. Tammy Flynn, owner of Elegance Salon & Spa, has organized various fundraising events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
For Christmas 2011, she is planning for the Wishes in Wonderland Breakfast at Dave and Buster’s in Wauwatosa next Sunday. Those who come will be privy to a breakfast and photo with Santa as well as enjoying Dave & Buster’s games, local choir and group performances and an opportunity to meet players from Milwaukee Wave as well as UFC fighter Danny Downes. As well, for those who donate $1 more, they can create an ornament or greeting card that will be judged by the sports celebrities. So it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun, for a good cause too
Crist to Leave Notre Dame
For the Champs Sports Bowl at the end of this month in Florida, Tommy Rees will start at quarterback. Notre Dame will be playing Florida State. Coach Brian Kelly said that since Dayne Crist’s request for his release, the only real options for replacement are Rees and Andrew Hendrix.
Crist has really been through the ringer. He sustained two injuries at Notre Dame, one of which ripped his patella tendon in his game a year ago against Tulsa. He also got a knee injury two years ago when playing against Washington State. It was originally anticipated that Crist would be the starter for all 13 games but what happened ultimately was that Crist started just one half against South Florida and thereafter endured a 23-20 loss.
When Crist played against USC (instead of Rees) it was him who took the team to the goal line, but thereafter a snap was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. So it didn’t exactly hit the news headlines that he was leaving, although perhaps there is a somewhat sad sentiment in the air as he was very popular among his teammates.
Crist to Leave Notre Dame
For the Champs Sports Bowl at the end of this month in Florida, Tommy Rees will start at quarterback. Notre Dame will be playing Florida State. Coach Brian Kelly said that since Dayne Crist’s request for his release, the only real options for replacement are Rees and Andrew Hendrix.
Crist has really been through the ringer. He sustained two injuries at Notre Dame, one of which ripped his patella tendon in his game a year ago against Tulsa. He also got a knee injury two years ago when playing against Washington State. It was originally anticipated that Crist would be the starter for all 13 games but what happened ultimately was that Crist started just one half against South Florida and thereafter endured a 23-20 loss.
When Crist played against USC (instead of Rees) it was him who took the team to the goal line, but thereafter a snap was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. So it didn’t exactly hit the news headlines that he was leaving, although perhaps there is a somewhat sad sentiment in the air as he was very popular among his teammates.
Music and Sports
Rock artist Gavin DeGraw and US singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige are two of the performers for the 20th Annual Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest gala event this coming Saturday in Park City, Utah. This will be filmed as part of a CBS Sports special alongside NFL Football the next day.
Skiing and Singing
There will be professional skiers and musicians, including Tommy Moe, Phil and Steve Mahre and Heidi Voelker. The Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Waterkeeper Alliance will be the charity beneficiary. This organization globally protects fresh water resources. In the past, the fundraiser has collected over half-a-million dollars for this cause.
Bringing professional sportsmen and women and musicians together for a fundraiser is a lot of fun and also attracts a large audience, making it a great idea for a charitable beneficiary event.
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