Cairns Regional Council’s Post

The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be a spectacular event set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether it’s the Equestrian events held at the gardens of Château de Versailles, the beach volleyball stadium set up at the feet of the Eiffel Tower or the freshly-added urban sports (3x3 basketball, BMX, breaking and skateboarding) hosted at a temporary venue on Place de la Concorde – live spectators will get to enjoy the beauty of Paris on full display. That is if they were lucky enough to get tickets and/or afford them. While the organizers of the Paris Olympics have set out to make them the “People’s Games”, the availability of affordable tickets has been a topic of discussion in the run-up to the games. While cheap €24 tickets have been available for every sport, those were limited to the early stages of competition in many cases and fans had to spend many times that to come anywhere near a medal ceremony at most events. As our chart shows, there is a huge gulf in ticket prices for the Olympics, with the most expensive tickets for the finals in Athletics, Swimming and Basketball priced at €980, which is more than 40 times the price of the cheapest tickets available for each sport. At the other end of the scale, some events top out at €24, which mostly applies to outdoor events that can also be watched for free along public roads, along the Seine, or – if you happen to be in Tahiti – at the famous Teahupo’o wave. While the eyewatering prices of some events have drawn criticism, it’s important to note that these expensive tickets make the very low starting price of tickets possible. According to the organizing committee, one million tickets were priced at €24, while almost half of the 10 million available tickets were priced at €50 or less.

Kenya’s Strategic Bid to Reclaim Olympic Steeplechase Glory As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues, Athletics Kenya (AK) has unveiled a robust plan to reclaim the steeplechase title, a crown that slipped from their grasp during the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The ambitious strategy aims not only to restore Kenya’s dominance in the men’s race but also to clinch their inaugural victory in the women’s event. Central to this rejuvenation effort is the involvement of steeplechase legends Ezekiel Kemboi and Richard Mateelong. Kemboi, a two-time Olympic champion, and Mateelong, the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, bring a wealth of experience and unparalleled expertise to the training camp. Their inclusion is seen as a strategic move to inject a winning mentality and impart crucial tactical knowledge to the current crop of athletes. AK Nairobi Chair, Barnaba Korir, articulated this vision in an exclusive interview with Capital Sport. "Having Ezekiel and Richard in the training team is a game-changer. Their presence will undoubtedly inspire our athletes and provide them with the technical and mental edge needed to excel on the global stage," Korir remarked. Leading the charge in the men’s category is the promising talent, Amos Serem. Serem, who has shown remarkable progress and resilience, will be joined by seasoned athletes Abraham Kibiwott and Simon Koech. This trio represents a blend of youthful vigor and seasoned experience, a combination that AK hopes will restore Kenya’s steeplechase dominance. Serem’s recent performances have been particularly noteworthy, and with the guidance of Kemboi and Mateelong, expectations are high. Kibiwott and Koech, both of whom have had commendable runs in previous competitions, add depth and stability to the team. While Kenya has a storied history in the men’s steeplechase, the women’s team is aiming for a groundbreaking achievement. The women’s squad is undergoing rigorous training, driven by the aspiration to secure their first Olympic title in this event. The presence of seasoned male athletes in the training camp is also expected to provide a motivational boost to the female athletes. The training program under AK is meticulously designed, incorporating not just physical conditioning but also tactical drills, mental resilience exercises, and race simulations. The athletes are training at high-altitude locations, leveraging Kenya’s natural advantage to build stamina and endurance. Regular inter-team competitions and participation in international meets are also part of the strategy to ensure the athletes are competition-ready. With Paris 2024 on the horizon, the focus within Athletics Kenya is sharp and the resolve unyielding. The combined efforts of legendary figures and emerging stars are creating a potent mix aimed at reclaiming Kenya’s lost glory in the men’s steeplechase and breaking new ground in the women’s event. As the world watches

10,500 athletes + 329 events + 39 sports + 19 days = Paris Summer Olympics 2024. The international athletic event gets underway this Friday, July 26 with the Opening Ceremony, to be covered live on NBC at 1:30 p.m. (ET) with an enhanced encore in primetime at 7:30 p.m. For the first time in history, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics won't begin in a stadium, but on a river – the Seine, which runs through the heart of Paris. The Closing Ceremony on Aug. 11 will take place in the country’s national stadium Stade de France, Here are some other fun facts. Breaking, commonly called breakdancing, is debuting at the 2024 Olympics. It is a style of dance that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s, and over the decades has evolved into a competitive sport, complete with international events, a robust judging system and world championships. Be sure to check it out as it will not return for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Surfing is making its second Olympic appearance, but 9,000 miles away on the island of Tahiti, known for its challenging waves. Sailing will take place 500 miles south of Paris in the Mediterranean waters off of the Marseille’s coast. Swimming in the Seine River has been banned (and unsafe) for more than a century, but thanks to a massive and expensive cleanup the river will be open to Olympic marathon swimmers. The mayor took a dip the other day and said the water was a little cold, but “very, very good.” While many of the athletes are not well-known, USA’s two basketball teams are star-studded, with LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Brittany Griner. The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 were the hottest in history. But weather forecasters say Paris may break that record.

𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗹 - 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟮 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 - 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗲 Securing padel's place in the ultimate sporting pantheon is what everyone involved in the sport wants to see. Achieving Olympic status would have a dramatic impact on the sport. Competing on the highest stage in front of a global audience would cement its arrival amongst the elite. It would increase participation and it should increase its appeal to sponsors too. The criteria to become an Olympic sport is also oft repeated and shared on social media channels, so there is no doubt what is needed to convince the IOC and the Games hosts to choose padel. But it isn't that straightforward. Padel has competition. This indepth and intriguing article by Alex J. on BBC Sport looks at the less traditional sports that are also trying to catch the IOCs attention as it begins the countdown to what sports will be included for Brisbane in 2032. Padel doesn't even get a mention, so for all those on Padel's Olympic campaign trail - this is a must read - and highlights there is still much work to be done. #padel #olympics LTA Marcos Del Pilar - 𝗣𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗨𝗦𝗔 The United States Padel Association (USPA) International Padel Federation Premier Padel Padel World Summit International Padel Cluster Emma Kimber /The Bandeja Mike Dale Darryle Busa Alvaro Lopez Filip Björne Franck Binisti Luigi Spera Robyn Duda Alenna D. Barry Coffey Tom Murray Dennis Timar Jared Finkelstein, CFP® Wictoria Markula Pepita Stonor Mark Hewlett Atte S. Mark White Michael Gradon B.A.(Bill) Stamile

Sportbot Footgolf Global Ranking List Explodes in South Africa Footgolf, a dynamic hybrid of soccer and golf, is taking the world by storm—and South Africa is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for the sport. For those unfamiliar, Footgolf involves players kicking a soccer ball into golf course holes using as few kicks as possible. The sport blends the precision of golf with the energy of soccer, attracting a broad range of players, from soccer fans to golf enthusiasts. A key factor in Footgolf's growing global appeal is Sportbot’s Global Ranking List which is a popularity index based on the social media content provided by each player and the Players Fans, Followers, Family and Friends trading in their Sportbot Certificates. This allows players to track their progress, compete internationally in a fun way, and see where they stand against the best in the game. For Footgolf players in South Africa, Sportbot offers a unique opportunity: the chance to compete on the global stage and get crowd funded through Sportbot. With rankings updated in near-real-time, local athletes can now gauge their performance against international competitors, driving participation and raising the sport’s profile in South Africa. Why South Africa is Embracing Footgolf South Africa, traditionally not a Footgolf hub, is experiencing a surge in popularity for the sport. With the backing of Sportbot’s global rankings, local players can now participate in more tournaments and push for higher rankings. The growing interest is also reflected in the development of new Footgolf courses and increasing media attention. Unlike traditional golf, Footgolf is accessible to a wider audience. Its low-cost entry and exciting gameplay make it easy for people of all ages to get involved—whether for fun or serious competition. #FootGolfSA

Is padel the new golf? Well, it’s certainly becoming more and more popular for team socials and client events - client CapitalRise held a successful corporate padel day this summer. If you haven’t come across padel yet, it’s a doubles racquet sport best described as a tennis/squash hybrid. The barriers to entry are much lower than tennis but the sport becomes every bit as complex and intricate to master at the highest levels (which I am nowhere near!). At the club where I’m a regular in London, more often than not, you’re playing with different partners every time - people from all different backgrounds, nationalities and businesses. Because of this, your ability to forge a relationship with someone and develop instant effective communication with them becomes important. You have to immediately create a team dynamic and sustain it over 90 minutes. You have to be fluid, switching between assertive and passive; between giving space and taking control. Power and strength are rarely the deciding factor in a padel game, so it’s a fantastic sport for mixed pairs. Success is often found in supporting your partner, providing them with intel on court, being positive when they make a mistake and celebrating successes when you earn them as a team. So, is padel going to become ‘the new golf’? Well, I don’t want to upset the keen golfers out there by making that claim. But I've certainly become obsessed with the sport, made some fantastic new contacts and improved my level in the three years I've been playing. So, if you want to test your communication and improvisation skills as well as your athletic abilities in a fun and inclusive environment, check out your local padel club. Dominic Gurney-Champion Anders Holt Glenn Perera Mike Smith

The #Paris #Olympics 2024 has been a massive success for Team Ireland. It reminds me of the feeling Italia 90 had around soccer. Right now Ireland are 12th on the overall medal list, most medals ever won at the Olympics for Ireland. We are a tiny island of people in the Athlantic. What an amazing achievement. Plus it's incredible to hear each interview by Irish athletes speak so positive about the whole team and the connection they have, the support of their family and what it means to them. Well done to all involved. But how many of the names on the Team Ireland list did you know before the Olympics and how many do you know now? Its very interesting how people you barely heard about can bring so much joy and positivity from doing a sport. But we should know everyone of them. The reason I'm saying this is Bernard Dunne said something very interesting on RTE tonight after #KellyHarrington won gold. Communities, villages, towns, cities even the country benefits from sport and the good feeling that it generates in Ireland because of what the Team is achieving. It is brilliant to see but yet it lacks funding and centres of excellence for coaches. It creates a massive good feeling for the whole country yet it s not been properly looked after for the future. So imagine what could be achieved if investment was put into each area of sport in Ireland and we planned for the next 10, 20 years. The professional coaches and those who are voluntary at grass root level, who are bringing the best out the athletes need to pass on the knowledge to the next generation of coaches so what is being done can continue. People need facilities and need to be looked after. People like Kelly's coaches Zaur Antia and Damian Kennedy dancing in a huddle just makes you reallise how lucky we are to have people so dedicated that their whole life is helping others become the best they can be. This should not be lost. Plus if we look at how close we came to more medals in women's and men's athletics, mixed relay, golf, canoeing, show jumping, both of the rugby 7 teams, gymnastics, cycling, boxing, swimming, diving and you realise for just over 5 million people we can really compete at the top level at lots of sports. We are doing it in rugby, and we've done it in the past at soccer, cricket, hockey. We have proven that we are one of the best at delivering amateur sport like the GAA into every community across the country. But imagine if the government supported the grassroots of sport where our athletes and coaches could move into professional sport paid to stay in Ireland and every year we would create a whole positive energy across the country at national finals, then every 4 years at the Olympics. It's great see the support from government over at events in Paris but it would be even better to see support over the 4 years to develop centres of excellence to help deliver more elite athletes and coaches.

Ezekiel Kemboi Reveals What Kenya’s Steeplechase Team Must Work On to Reclaim Olympic Gold In the world of steeplechase, Kenya has long been a dominant force, often considered unbeatable until the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when the gold slipped away. Now, as the Paris Olympics approach, the pressure mounts on the new team of Simon Koech, Amos Serem, and Abraham Kibiwott to reclaim what many still consider the ‘Kenyan race’. To aid them in this quest, none other than two-time Olympic steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi has stepped in, offering his invaluable expertise and experience. Ezekiel Kemboi, who triumphed in the 3,000m steeplechase at both the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics, has been closely working with the trio. His wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience of what it takes to win at the highest level of competition is an asset that Koech, Serem, and Kibiwott are keen to leverage. Kemboi’s insights into the current team's preparations have highlighted a few critical areas that need fine-tuning. “The talent and determination are there,” Kemboi remarked, “but to challenge the defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco, who has dominated both the Tokyo Olympics and the last two World Championships, we need to make some strategic improvements.” One of the main aspects Kemboi believes the team needs to work on is their speed. “Steeplechase is not just about endurance and technique; speed plays a crucial role, especially in the final laps. We need to ensure that our athletes can maintain a competitive pace throughout the race,” he explained. Moreover, the water barriers, a distinctive and challenging feature of the steeplechase, require particular attention. “The water jumps can be game-changers. A well-executed jump can save valuable time and energy, while a poor one can disrupt the rhythm and cost the race. We are focusing on improving their technique and confidence in clearing these barriers efficiently,” Kemboi added. Beyond physical preparation, Kemboi emphasizes the importance of psychological readiness. The pressure to reclaim the gold for Kenya is immense, and handling this pressure is vital for success. “Winning at the Olympics requires not just physical prowess but mental toughness. We are working on strategies to help the athletes stay focused, confident, and resilient under pressure,” he noted. Kemboi also highlighted the importance of teamwork. Though the race is individual, the spirit of camaraderie and support within the team can significantly boost performance. “We are fostering a strong team spirit among Koech, Serem, and Kibiwott. They are pushing each other to their limits in training, and this competitive yet supportive environment is crucial,” Kemboi stated. As the Paris Olympics draw nearer, the Kenyan steeplechase team continues to train rigorously, implementing Kemboi’s guidance and strategies. The legacy of Kenyan excellence in the steeplechase hang

There are 454 days to go until the start of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Behind the scenes, preparations are in full swing for an event that is much more than a sporting competition: it’s a celebration of sport, culture, and territory. But how does one organise an Olympics of this magnitude? Organising the Games is an incredible challenge. Everything is coordinated through a Master Schedule provided by the International Olympic Committee, a very detailed plan that guides every action. To monitor risks and opportunities, the RADIO (Risk, Action, Decision, Issue, Opportunity) system is used, allowing real-time action to ensure that nothing is left to chance. Each host location has a strategic function: Milan for hockey and figure skating , Cortina for bobsleigh and curling , Anterselva for biathlon , Livigno for alpine skiing , and so on. This distribution among different territories creates a true "Olympic mosaic" , enhancing the unique expertise of each location. An event of this size is a collective effort : professionals from all over the world , many from previous Olympics, work together to ensure that every detail is covered. Their commitment and expertise are the true heartbeat of the Olympics. Milan-Cortina 2026 will be more than an extraordinary sporting experience; it will also leave a lasting legacy for Italy and its territories. We’re all ready to experience an unforgettable edition! Read more: https://lnkd.in/d4HWGaKc

🎇 Let's celebrate with the ‘official’ 2024 Olympics "Made In France" Mascot! 💡 Kiwi pop-quizz - Did you know? !    💪 The New Zealand Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has 195 athletes The team will compete across more sports than ever before at the Olympic Games, with New Zealand's athletes to contest 23 sports. The Games will mark New Zealand's Olympic debut in 🏄♂️ kiteboarding and 🧗♀️ speed climbing. The team is close to gender equal, made up of 98 men ♂ and 97 women♀ Auckland has produced the largest number of athletes, with 58 team members hailing from the region. Canterbury is next with 24, Wellington 18, the Waikato 17, and Bay of Plenty 14 New Zealand’s youngest athlete is footballer ⚽ Milly Clegg who is just 18 years old, while equestrian athlete 🐎 Tim Price is the oldest team member at 45 🥇 Check out these top 10 Kiwi medal prospects. Apparently, New Zealand has been tipped to capture 14 medals, including four gold, according to Nielsen's Gracenote Sports, which provides statistical analysis of major sporting events around the world. Of course, the Olympics have already kicked off as NZ has had our own little spy 🕵♀️ scandal with the devious, dastardly Canadians flying a drone to spy on New Zealand national women’s team on two separate occasions at the Paris Olympics. Why the eighth ranked team in the world feels the need to spy on the 28th ranked team is anyone's guess, and they duly beat us 2-1. Any questions about that win ??