OLYMPICS
Gates teams with Tokyo
US billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates is to launch an “Our Global Goals” partnership with the Japan Sports Agency and Tokyo 2020 organizers in a bid to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At an event in Tokyo on Friday, Gates said he was linking up with an Olympic Games for the first time to use it as a way to increase awareness of the goals and urged Japan to become a world leader in aid and development. “The sports community in Japan is fast approaching an exciting moment, as the eyes of the world will be on Tokyo as the Olympics get nearer,” Gates said. “I am excited that you are using this opportunity to raise awareness and be ambassadors for a better world.” Gates did not release many details, but plans to launch the program next year. “The whole world loves sports and we have to be creative in how we take those amazing achievements and use that to remind people that there are some who are facing big challenges,” he said.
E-SPORTS
UEFA making e-league
European soccer is starting an e-sports version of the Champions League with a US$280,000 prize fund. Electronic Arts and UEFA on Friday announced the creation of the eChampions League, a month after the English Premier League launched an ePL with the video game behemoth. The UEFA competition would be restricted to PlayStation, which is owned by Champions League sponsor Sony. FIFA’s eWorld Cup and the ePL also allow competitors to enter on Xbox. The winner of UEFA’s final is to earn US$100,000 on May 31 next year in Madrid, a day before the Champions League final at Atletico Madrid’s stadium. Online knockout tournaments are to be in March. The following month, 64 players are to compete for eight spots in the final round at a live qualifying event. The eight finalists would only be able to use players involved in the group stage of the Champions League.
ICE HOCKEY
Concussion suit nearing deal
A lawsuit brought against the NHL over what more than 100 former players claim was negligence in dealing with their head injuries could soon reach a settlement. According to a Forbes report on Friday, the case is “on the verge” of a settlement agreement worth US$18.9 million. The lead attorney for the players is pushing for acceptance of the agreement, which would give US$6.9 million to the players, or just US$22,000 each, the report said. The lawsuit was filed in November 2013. In July this year, a federal judge denied a bid to have the case receive class-action status, and negotiations between the two sides began within a few months of that ruling. Beyond their claims of negligence, the former players say the NHL concealed the long-term risks of head injuries. If the settlement is finalized, it remains to be seen whether all of the players would agree to be covered or pursue the case individually.
SOCCER
Alipay to sponsor UEFA
UEFA has secured more than 200 million euros (US$226.75 million) from Chinese online payment platform Alipay to sponsor leading European soccer competitions. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was in Shanghai on Friday to announce to the eight-year deal with Alipay to sponsor men’s national team competitions, including the European Championship in 2020 and 2024, and the new Nations League. The company is controlled by Alibaba Group founder Jack Ma. FIFA has a tie-up with Alibaba. Car manufacturing brand Alibaba E-Auto is the title sponsor of the Club World Cup through 2022.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely