Events

Sochi’s organising committee for the 2014 Winter Olympics said yesterday it has officially offered to host the 2013 SportAccord Conference.

The International Rugby Board has appointed Morgan Buckley, managing director of Atlantic Sports Management, as its Development General Manager.

Nike will pursue acquisitions and partnerships as it looks to increase its annual revenue 41 per cent to $27 billion by 2015, according to Mark Parker, the sports apparel brand’s CEO.

The Australian bid to host the FIFA World Cup in either 2018 or 2022 is still yet to decide which venue will host the final only a week before the bid book submission deadline.

World Polo Ltd’s Polo in the Park, held this year from June 4 to 6 at Hurlingham Park in London, has announced its 2010 commercial partners including a title sponsorship deal with financial trade agency MINT.

The Indy Racing League has the green light to launch a new event in Baltimore after city officials approved a contract with local investors yesterday.

Sepp Blatter has called Russia’s bid to host the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022 “remarkable” and cast doubts over England’s ability to win the right to stage the event.

Orlando will host the 2012 National Basketball Association All-Star game, the league said yesterday. It will be the first time the Florida city has hosted the event in 20 years.

New Zealand tourism companies should expect extra income from an estimated 85,000 visitors when the country hosts the Rugby World Cup next year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

FIFA secretary general Jérôme Valcke has criticised Brazil for the country’s severe delays on preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

The Racing For Change-organised free racing week was deemed a success yesterday after 40,000 spectators decided to go racing as a result of the initiative.

Leaders in Football has officially launched its third annual international business summit, held at Chelsea FC in London on October 6 and 7.

UK motor-racing venue Silverstone officially opened its new “Arena Grand Prix” circuit yesterday.

The Greater London Authority has appointed London-based agency brandmeetsbrand to find sponsors and partners for the SportAccord Convention taking place in the city in April 2011.

Melbourne remains the best location in the world to hold a sports event. The state capital of Victoria, destination for many annual world class events and Commonwealth Games host in 2006, came out top in SportBusiness’ industry analysis of sports cities globally to win the ‘Ultimate Sports City’ award for the third time in a row.

UBS Wealth Management Research hope to follow up their success in picking Italy as the 2006 football World Cup champions with this year's selection of Brazil.