Sports Events

Olympic Athletes Call for Peace from the Olympic Village: IOC President Bach Declares, “You are the Peace Ambassadors of Our Time”

Published

6 months ago

July 22, 2024

Today, hundreds of Olympic athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Refugee Olympic Team united in a powerful call for peace. Just four days before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, these athletes gathered in the Olympic Village, donning scarves and holding flags emblazoned with the message “Give peace a chance.” This event was not only symbolic but also a poignant reminder of sport’s ability to foster peace and mutual understanding, evenamong athletes from countries currently in conflict.

IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the athletes, drawing on the legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the Olympic Games in Paris 130 years ago as a beacon of peace. Bach emphasized that today’s athletes are the modern-day ambassadors of peace. “You, the Olympic athletes, will show us how our world would be if we all lived in the same Olympic spirit of peaceful co-existence,” Bach stated. He highlighted the unique environment of the Olympic Village, where athletes from around the globe live together in harmony, respecting the same rules and each other, thereby sending a powerful message of peace to the world.

Beyond Olympic Village

President Bach urged athletes to extend their call for peace beyond the Olympic Village. “Please share this call for peace with all your fans, your family, and friends back home. In this way, our many voices will become one. This one voice will resound all around the globe. May this call inspire all the political leaders of the world to take action for peace,” he concluded.

The event also saw the inauguration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Truce Mural, attended by prominent figures including President Bach; Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee; Masomah Ali Zada, Chef de Mission for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team; Emma Terho, Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC); and the entire Executive Board of the IOC. Together with athletes from all five continents, they signed the mural, reinforcing their commitment to peace.

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Olympians Call for Peace! ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

“In this Village, there is a symbol within the symbol: it’s the Olympic Truce Mural,” said President Tony Estanguet. “It is the place of gathering and encounters, the place of sharing and peace. It reminds us of the message as humble as it is crucial: the Games cannot change everything, but they can carry something very strong, with the strength of example. An example for peace, solidarity, progress. An example we value and need more than ever in those troubled times.”

Masomah Ali Zada, representing the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, spoke passionately about the significance of peace for displaced people. “We are representing the stories of over 120 million forcibly displaced people across the world. This team knows only too well the importance of peace. The athletes have told me their stories. They know from their own experience what it is like to flee from your home, to have your safety taken from you and have no choice left but to flee because of the ever-increasing number of wars and violence,” she said.

Ali Zada expressed hope and pride in the Refugee Olympic Team’s unity and the broader message they convey. “The team embodies what is possible – it brings people together from different countries, languages, and cultures. Yet we are here, in one team, under a unified flag, the Olympic flag, representing peace and respect. Together,” she noted. She concluded by inviting all Olympic athletes to join in the call for peace, hoping to extend their message from the Olympic Games to the world in the pursuit of lasting peace.

The Olympic Truce Mural: A Symbol of Peace

The Olympic Truce Mural, a feature in every Olympic Village since the Olympic Winter Games in Turin 2006, stands as a powerful symbol of sport’s ability to promote peace. Each mural, uniquely designed for the specific Games, collects the signatures of thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials, all pledging their support for the Olympic Truce and the values it represents: peace, respect, solidarity, inclusion, and equality.

The mural also serves as a visual representation of the United Nations’ Olympic Truce Resolution, which calls on all nations to observe a cessation of hostilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The resolution for the Paris 2024 Games, adopted by the UN in November 2023, underscores the Games’ role as a unifying event and highlights the leadership of athletes in promoting peace and human understanding.

Reviving an Ancient Tradition

The tradition of the “Olympic Truce,” or “Ekecheiria,” dates back to Ancient Greece, allowing safe passage for athletes and spectators to the ancient Olympic Games. The IOC revived this concept to protect the interests of athletes and harness the power of sport to promote broader peace, dialogue, and reconciliation.

Since 1993, the UN General Assembly has continuously supported the Olympic Truce, adopting resolutions every two years that align with the Olympic Games, thereby reaffirming the global commitment to building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal.

As the Olympic Games approach, the call for peace from the Olympic Village resonates strongly, reminding us all of the potential of sport to unite and inspire positive change in the world. The athletes, as peace ambassadors, carry forward this timeless message, urging global leaders and citizens alike to “Give Peace a Chance.”

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Peyton Manning and Eli Manning Face Off Live at Super Bowl LIX in FanDuel’s “Kick of Destiny 3” Campaign

Published

20 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Daily News Staff

FanDuel customers can make a free pick in the FanDuel Sportsbook app on which Manning they think will win a live field goal competition for a chance to win a share of $10 million in Bonus Bets

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — FanDuel, North America’s premier online gaming company and an Official Sports Betting Partner of the National Football League, announced that Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, both two-time Super Bowl Champions, will compete head-to-head on Super Bowl Sunday for the first time in their legendary careers as they face off at Super Bowl LIX in the next installment of the Kick of Destiny. In FanDuel’s “Kick of Destiny 3,” the Manning brothers will have to win with their legs instead of their arms in a kicking competition where they will both attempt field goals live in New Orleans on Super Bowl Sunday.

The first ad spot from the “Kick of Destiny 3” campaign opens with the unexpected revelation that, deep down, Eli always wanted to be a kicker.

The live kicking competition will take place in the 3pm ET hour of the FOX Super Bowl Pregame Show and begin with each Manning attempting a 25-yard field goal to win the Kick of Destiny 3. If there is no winner after the initial kicks, the Mannings will get additional attempts. If a tiebreaker is needed after three rounds, the kicker who kicked it closest to the center target on the net in the last round will be declared the winner. FanDuel is offering customers the opportunity to make a free pick on which Manning they think will win through the FanDuel Sportsbook app, with eligible customers who pick correctly winning an equal share of $10 million in Bonus Bets.

“With the Kick of Destiny, we set out to make FanDuel a part of Super Bowl Sunday,” said FanDuel Executive Vice President of Marketing, Andrew Sneyd. “For year three, we’re raising the stakes by introducing a rivalry and a head-to-head Kick of Destiny competition. Peyton & Eli Manning will make history by competing against each other live for the first time in Super Bowl history. May the best Manning win!”

The first ad spot from the “Kick of Destiny 3” campaign opens with the unexpected revelation that, deep down, Eli always wanted to be a kicker. Making this dream a reality is why he is doing “Kick of Destiny 3.” Once Peyton finds out about this dream, he wants in and is determined to beat Eli. The integrated campaign will follow both Mannings as they prepare for the competition and culminates with the live, sudden-death field goal competition on Super Bowl Sunday.

“The Kick of Destiny is becoming a great Super Bowl Sunday tradition, and I’m feeling really good about my chances to get the win,” said Eli Manning. “I look forward to celebrating with everyone in America who picks me to beat Peyton.”

“Eli and I have always been competitive, and this is going to be a fun way to challenge each other in a completely different way,” said Peyton Manning. “I’ve been studying film of great kickers and training hard to make sure I bring home the win for everyone in America who picks me to beat Eli.”

In addition to the live kick during the FOX Super Bowl Pregame Show, fans will also be able to experience the Kick of Destiny through two TV spots in the game. These ads will feature recap footage of the Mannings’ kicking contest edited into a celebration that showcases whether fans who picked Team Peyton or Team Eli won the $10 million in Bonus Bets.

Fans can track the Mannings as they prepare for the “Kick of Destiny 3” by following @FanDuel and @FDSportsbook on X, Instagram and TikTok, subscribing on YouTube at YouTube.com/FanDuel and following #KickofDestiny on X for the latest updates. New and existing FanDuel customers can make their free pick on which Manning brother they think will win in the Sportsbook app ahead of the Super Bowl. More information can be found at www.FanDuel.com/kickofdestiny.

FanDuel Group KV Layout PR — Peyton Manning and Eli Manning will compete head-to-head on Super Bowl Sunday as they face off at Super Bowl LIX in FanDuel’s “Kick of Destiny 3.”

About FanDuel Group

FanDuel Group is the premier mobile gaming company in the United States. FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across mobile wagering including, America’s #1 Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook, its leading iGaming platform FanDuel Casino, the industry’s unquestioned leader in horse racing and advance-deposit wagering, FanDuel Racing and its daily fantasy sports product. In addition, FanDuel Group operates FanDuel TV, its broadly distributed linear cable television network and FanDuel TV+, its leading direct-to-consumer OTT platform. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states with approximately 17 million customers and 25 retail locations. The company is based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Jersey City, as well as in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Australia.

FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, the world’s largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FLUT).

SOURCE FanDuel Group

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Senior Pickleball Report

The Boca Raton Picklers: A Powerhouse in the National Pickleball League

Published

2 months ago

November 8, 2024

Michael J Sliwa

As the second season of the National Pickleball League unfolds, one team has emerged as a beacon of consistency and excellence—the Boca Raton Picklers. After finishing third in last season’s playoffs, the Picklers entered this season with a strong sense of momentum, and they did not disappoint their fans.

With the strategic addition of two top senior champions, Mircea Morariu and Kara Williams, the Picklers not only dominated the regular season but also clinched the coveted title in the playoffs. Their performances have been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing not just skill but also the camaraderie and teamwork that have become hallmarks of the Boca Raton Picklers.

Morariu and Williams, both seasoned pros in the senior division, brought a wealth of experience and tactical prowess to the team. Their presence on the court has energized the Picklers, elevating the performance of their teammates and instilling a winning mentality throughout the roster. Fans have witnessed some thrilling matches as the Picklers demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, solidifying their status as a formidable force in the league.

The culmination of their hard work and dedication came during the playoffs, where the Boca Raton Picklers showcased their talent and resilience. As they battled through the competition, it became clear that they were not just in it to participate; they were determined to win. Their journey through the playoffs was marked by impressive teamwork, strategic plays, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, ultimately leading them to claim the championship title.

Looking ahead, significant changes are on the horizon for the Boca Raton Picklers, as the league adopts a redrafting system that will significantly alter rosters from season to season. For the upcoming season, teams are currently deliberating on whether they will be allowed to retain a player or two, adding an intriguing twist to team dynamics in the league. This means that while the Picklers’ current roster is brimming with talent, the composition may shift considerably, impacting not just the team but the league as a whole.

The excitement continues with upcoming interviews featuring the owners of the top three finishers from this season, set to be released in early December. These insights will provide a closer look at the strategies and decisions that shaped this thrilling season, and the passion that drives these teams.

Additionally, fans won’t want to miss the finals, which will be broadcast on CBS Sports. This will be an opportunity to witness the culmination of a season filled with hard-fought matches, remarkable performances, and unforgettable moments.

In conclusion, the Boca Raton Picklers have proven themselves as a powerhouse in the National Pickleball League. With their newfound championship title and a roster that experienced a stellar performance this season, they are poised for continued success—though the future may bring changes that will shape their journey. Stay tuned for more updates and interviews as we celebrate the spirit of pickleball and the incredible athletes who make it all possible!

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Senior Pickleball Report

Get Ready for the Celebrity Pickleball Bash: A Star-Studded Sports Event Launching in 2025!

Published

3 months ago

November 1, 2024

Michael J Sliwa, Daily News Staff

The world of sports and entertainment is about to get an electrifying upgrade with the launch of the Celebrity Pickleball Bash, slated for February 15-16, 2025, at the iconic Warfield Theatre in San Francisco. This exciting series of showcases will feature celebrities teaming up with professional players to bring a unique blend of pickleball and entertainment to fans.

Join the Celebrity Team!

The event boasts a star-studded lineup of equity partners, including NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson, renowned comedian Anthony Anderson, country pop sensation Jessie James Decker, and former NFL star Eric Decker. Also joining the roster are actor and television personality Mario Lopez, along with PIVOT Agency Founder and former Golden State Warriors executive Ben Shapiro, and Nick Vlahos, current CEO of Rhode Skin. Together, they aim to create an engaging platform that captures the fun spirit of pickleball.

With the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) serving as a strategic partner in this venture, the Celebrity Pickleball Bash is poised to support the growth of this rapidly expanding sport. Notably, seasoned professional players like Christian Alshon, Hayden Patriquin, Parris Todd, and Jessie Irvine will also participate, making it an unforgettable spectacle for fans.

What to Expect at the Bash

The inaugural event in San Francisco will kick off a series of showcases in other major cities like San Antonio, Las Vegas, and New York, surrounding major sporting events. Each event promises a full day of pickleball matches where celebrities team up with pro players, alongside entertaining performances that will keep the energy high and the fun flowing.

And it’s not just about the game! Each event will also support a local charity partner, adding an element of goodwill to the festivities. Details regarding the charity partners will be announced ahead of each showcase—because what could be better than giving back while having a blast?

Ticket Information

Pre-sale tickets go live on October 21, 2024, at 12 p.m. PDT, while the general sale begins on October 28, 2024, at 1 p.m. PDT. Fans eager to secure their spot can visit www.celebritypickleballbash.com to register for the Insider newsletter and access exclusive pre-sale opportunities.

Celebrity Insights

Reflecting on this thrilling initiative, Jalen Brunson expressed his excitement, stating, “Pickleball is rapidly growing as a major sport. I am proud to be part of the ownership team and look forward to what’s ahead.” Meanwhile, Anthony Anderson highlighted the joy the event promises, emphasizing that it will be a fun experience for both fans and players alike.

Mario Lopez, who will serve as the emcee, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Fitness is a top priority in my life, and there are very few places better to have some fun than on the pickleball courts.”

Ben Shapiro encapsulated the vision behind the event, emphasizing its role in evolving the game of pickleball into a more lively, engaging platform for fans to connect with their favorite celebrities and professional athletes.

Stay Updated

As more details about the Celebrity Pickleball Bash unfold, fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the event’s official website and social media channels for updates. Follow the bash on:

Instagram: @celebpickleball
Facebook: facebook.com/celebpickleball
X (formerly Twitter): @celebpickleball
TikTok: @celebpickleball
Hashtag: #CelebPickleball

Get ready for a high-energy gala where sports, entertainment, and charity converge! The Celebrity Pickleball Bash promises to be a must-see event that will captivate attendees and ignite the love for pickleball across the nation. Make sure you don’t miss out!

SOURCE Pivot Agency

Authors

Michael J Sliwa

Over the past few years, Mike has become an insane pickleballer (pickler), fortunately for the senior 50+ crowd he started his show, Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report. He spends the rest of his time speaking on social justice and spending time with his beautiful wife, Karen, and enjoying simple living in his ger/yurt. View all posts
Daily News Staff

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