An update to 2022 World Cup Qualifying The Current – The Current – The Student-Run Newspaper of Nova Southeastern University.

Now that we have reached 2022, its finally a World Cup year. The international competition is being held in Qatar, the first Middle Eastern country to ever host the event. This will be the first World Cup that will be held in November and December, not the summer, due to Qatars intense summer heat.

There are 32 spots in the 2022 World Cup, with 13 of them being filled. As of now, outside of the automatic qualification of Qatar for hosting the tournament, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain and Switzerland have qualified for the games.

There are 19 remaining spots for qualification in the World Cup. Of the 19 remaining, the spots will be dispersed around the world. Africa has five spots, Asia has four and a half spots, North America has three and a half spots, Europe has three spots, South America has two and a half spots, and Oceania has half a spot. The continents that have half spots are put into an Intercontinental Playoff.

The final two spots will be determined by the Intercontinental Playoff. The matchups will take place on June 13 and 14. The first matchup is between fifth place in Asias qualifying and fifth place in South Americas qualifying. The second matchup is between fourth place in Concacaf and Oceanias top-seeded qualifier. The winners will earn a spot in the World Cup.

Europes 10 qualifications were due to those teams winning their group. The final three spots will be filled by the group runners-up and the two highest seeded third place teams. Path A will send either Scotland, Ukraine, Wales or Austria to the World Cup. Path B will send Russia, Poland, Sweden or Czech Republic to the World Cup. Path C is sending one of Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal or Turkey to the tournament.

As of now, Ecuador and Colombia would hold the two spots for South America, with Peru earning a qualification for the intercontinental playoffs. Ecuador has 23 points, with both Colombia and Peru both have 17 points. Unlike Europe, South Americas qualification is based purely on points.

North America works on a points scale like South America does, with a set number of the highest scoring teams qualifying for the World Cup. Three countries qualify for North America based off points. Canada, the United States and Mexico would qualify if it ended today, with Panama going to the intercontinental playoff.

In African qualifying, five of the ten remaining countries will qualify. It will work on two game series, with the highest seed playing the lowest seed. Five of Algeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia will qualify for the World Cup based on the results of their matchup.

Oceania has yet to play any of their qualifiers, but it will either be Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu or Papua New Guinea that is sent to the playoff.

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An update to 2022 World Cup Qualifying The Current - The Current - The Student-Run Newspaper of Nova Southeastern University.

Logan Rogerson back in the All Whites after five years away and plenty of perseverance – Stuff.co.nz

Logan Rogerson is determined to make the most of the international lifeline hes been handed by All Whites coach Danny Hay.

The 23-year-old has been recalled to the national mens football team for the first time since 2016 for their coming friendlies against Jordan and Uzbekistan and has a chance to put himself in the frame for World Cup qualifying later this year.

Rogerson made his debut against Oman in 2015 under Anthony Hudson, shortly after playing under Hay at that years Fifa Under-17 World Cup, alongside four of his current squad-mates Joe Bell, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, and Michael Woud.

Two more caps followed at the Oceania Nations Cup the following year, when a host of All Whites regulars were missing, but since then, hes been in the wilderness.

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In 2016, he was with the Wellington Phoenix, where he ended up making 11 A-League appearances, five of which were in his last two months at the club.

Despite scoring twice once he was finally given a chance, he wasnt handed a new contract at the end of the 2017-18 season, and headed to Germany for an injury-hit and ultimately unsuccessful stint at third-tier club Carl Zeiss Jena.

After returning to New Zealand, Rogerson spent two summers at Auckland City in New Zealands old national league, before signing for HJK Helsinki in Finlands top-tier Veikkausliiga last April.

A shoulder injury limited his ability to make an impact there and hampered his chances of pushing for a place in the OlyWhites squad for the Tokyo Olympics but a loan move to FC Haka gave him a new lease of life, and, in the end, a full-time deal for 2022.

The move that he made to go back to Europe after having not a great experience in Germany was a brave one, and I think that says a lot about him as a person and his character, Hay said this week.

By his own admission, he probably wasn't on top of his game when he first got back there, but having watched him at the back end of last season on multiple occasions, he's really found his feet.

Rogerson said having the backing of FC Haka coach Teemu Tainio, a former player for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, had been a boost down the stretch of the last Veikkausliiga season.

Shane Wenzlick/Photosport

Logan Rogerson found his feet while playing for Auckland City, before moving back to Europe last April.

I think that playing regularly is what every footballer needs and I kind of didn't get that at HJK.

Once I found the club and the coach that had belief in me and would give me game time, I knew that everything would come after that.

At the Phoenix, I didn't play that much, and when I went to Germany it was the same story and I come back to Auckland City, played a bit, found my feet, went to Helsinki, things didn't work out there, but now I'm at Haka where Im getting a lot of game time.

I think thats been a problem for me, just finding regular minutes, but once I get those minutes, I know what I'm capable of and that I can show everyone what I can do and what kind of footballer I can be.

Rogerson last represented New Zealand in 2019, where he captained the team that won the Oceania Under-23 Championship to qualify the country for the Tokyo Olympics.

But after failing to make his HJK debut after arriving in Finland last April, playing just one half for their reserves before August, he didnt make the cut when Hay put together his squad and reserves for the Olympic football tournament last July, and had to watch from afar as the OlyWhites made it to the quarterfinals before losing to hosts Japan in a penalty shootout.

Obviously Danny had to pick a squad of players that were playing regularly and that just wasn't me at the time, Rogerson said.

It was hard for me to watch the Olympics and not be a part of it, but I think of it as a bit of character building. I went out on loan, found game time, and now here I am. Things kind of happen for a reason, I guess.

Rogerson knows making an All Whites squad for the first time since June 2016 one of the longer waits in the teams history is just the first step.

Now he has to earn the chance to add to his three caps by impressing Hay once the team assembles in camp in Abu Dhabi next week.

The thing about Logan is he offers some dynamic movement, Hay said.

He's very good dribbler with the ball at his feet, and he looks to break lines, so he offers some similar characteristics to Joey Champness, and it just gives us a little bit of a different look, if we decide to go with a front three and two proper, out-and-out wingers.

I could also see Logan playing alongside Woodsy in a front two as well you're getting somebody that definitely wants to break lines and work in behind.

After they play Jordan [kickoff Saturday 4am NZ time] and Uzbekistan [kickoff Wednesday, February 2, 4am NZ time], the All Whites have the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament in Qatar in March, which starts prior to that months international window, the period where players have to be released from their clubs.

With the new Veikkausliiga season not set to begin until April, Rogerson is one of a handful of players who wont have any fixture clashes in mid-March, which could be a feather in his cap as he looks to ensure his long-awaited return to the national side isnt a one-off.

It's a going to be a big year for the All Whites and for New Zealand football with the World Cup at the end of this year and qualifying and intercontinental playoff, Rogerson said.

As a footballer, it's not just a straight kind of journey, it's up and down and side to side. I think that's been my footballing journey, but I love being a footballer and playing football, so every obstacle that's been in front of me, I've had to work my way through it.

Hopefully this year can be a good year for me. I'm looking forward to it.

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Logan Rogerson back in the All Whites after five years away and plenty of perseverance - Stuff.co.nz

Asia and Oceania winners unveiled at World Travel Awards – Breaking Travel News

World Travel Awards the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in travel and tourism has revealed its Asia and Oceania 2021 winners to coincide with its Asia and Oceania 2021 Winners Day.

Winners include Vietnam, which emerged from a tough field to take Asias Leading Destination, while the Philippines was acknowledged with awards for Asias Leading Beach Destination and Asias Leading Dive Destination.

Japans wealth of year-round adrenaline offerings helped it to the title of Asias Leading Adventure Tourism Destination.

The untamed wildernesses and laid-back charms of New Zealand were recognised in the title of Oceanias Leading Destination, with its adventure hub Queenstown voted Oceanias Leading City Destination.

French Polynesia, with its mesmerising atolls and marine life, was named Oceanias Leading Dive Destination.

In the hospitality sector, the iconic Raffles Singapore was voted Asias Leading Hotel for the second year running, South Koreas Ananti Namhae walked away with Asias Leading Resort, and the paradise escape Amanpulo, Philippines named Asias Leading Private Island Resort.

Vietnams InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort won Asias Leading Green Resort.

The Ascott Limited collected Asias Leading Serviced Apartment Brand, while travel provider winners included Vietravel (Asias Leading Tour Operator).

Millbrook Resort, New Zealand won Oceanias Leading Hotel while Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French Polynesia claimed Oceanias Leading Resort.

In the hotly-contested newcomer categories, the Hari Hong Kong was voted Asias Leading New Hotel, while One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia collected Asias Leading New Resort.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa was named Oceanias Leading New Hotel.

The results follow a year-long search for the worlds top travel, tourism and hospitality brands.

Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.

Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: Our winners represent the very best of Asia and Oceanias travel and hospitality sectors and my congratulations to each of them.

They are all playing starring roles in spearheading the travel and tourism recovery.

In the aviation sector, Singapore Airlines demonstrated strength in adversity to collect Asias Leading Airline while Royal Brunei Airlines was named Asias Leading Airline - Business Class and Asias Leading Cabin Crew.

Hong Kong International Airport took Asias Leading Airport.

More Information

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

Find a full list of winners from Asia and Oceania here, or head over to the official website for more on World Travel Awards.

Image: Ammie Ngo - Unsplash

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Asia and Oceania winners unveiled at World Travel Awards - Breaking Travel News

Introducing ‘Straight Up Islander’, a celebration of writers of Oceania – SBS

Aside from First Nations people of so-called Australia, we are all descendants of migrants. Migration to move from one place to another has a deep meaning and history to those who identify with the many island groups and oceanways of the South Pacific. In a colonial context, we are known as Pacific Islanders a term which was first used in 1785 to refer to those who were native to Polynesia, Melanesia and/or Micronesia. Much like how Australia is a term forced upon First Nations people, Pacific Islander is not a term we chose for ourselves. It certainly was not a term which came from the voyagers who used t (time) and v (space) to navigate between islands and oceanways now known as Tonga, Smoa, Fiji, Aotearoa, Tokelau, Hawaii, Tahiti, Kiribati, Niue, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, West Papua, Torres Strait Islands and more.

Straight Up Islander is a collection of articles which reflect the ancestral and colonial history, nuances, intersections and short-comings of the term Pacific Islander, recognising our personal, political and geographical relationships to so-called Australia. Straight Up Islander acts as a reclamation, an extension and a celebration of who we are, where we came from and how we want to be.

Together, their stories showcase the mana (strong spirit) of the complicated identities of Islander

This collection is broken into two parts (the second instalment coming later in 2021) each of which feature five awe-inspiring writers who have either migrated from the smaller islands of the South Pacific Ocean or identify with those islands and oceanways because of their specific ancestry and heritage. Together, their stories showcase the mana (strong spirit) of the complicated identities of Islander in so-called Australia. The writers bear witness to the ancient and modern narratives of our ancestral history, how to heal trauma, the unique ways in which COVID19 has changed our cultures, the localised forms of migration that we make as indigenous settlers across Aboriginal lands, how we find ourselves blended between cultures within and outside the South Pacific, and the ways in which being Indigenous, being Islander and being Black can intersect. These articles also uplift our understanding of ancient South Pacific art methods, which clash and blend with Western artforms; they extend our definitions of Islander, especially in regards to the Fijian-Indian community; they mould our ancient practices into modern ones; and they empower us to speak of the tapus (taboos) in our cultures.

Editor of 'Straight Up Islander', Winnie Dunn. Source: Sweatshop Western Sydney Literacy Movement

To accompany these powerful and diverse pieces of writing, Straight Up Islander also features a striking and vivid new image produced by the incredible Tori-Jay Mordey, a First Nations illustrator and artist with Torres Strait Islander and English heritage. Ml aupito!

I hope these stories bring from margin to centre the voices of communities in so-called Australia that are so often left to the wayside. To my fellow Islanders, I hope these stories reveal new ways we can know each other. To my fellow migrants, I hope these stories reveal new ways of knowing us. And to the First Nations people who host us, on whose lands we are guests, I hope these stories reveal how humbled we are by your sovereignty which was never ceded.

Winnie Dunn is the general manager of Sweatshop Western Sydney Literacy Movement, and guest editor of SBS Voices'Straight Up Islander series, showcasing the work of writers with ancestralties across Oceania.

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Introducing 'Straight Up Islander', a celebration of writers of Oceania - SBS

Which Airports Have Flights From All 6 Habitable Continents? – Simple Flying

Earlier this month, Qantas operated an ultra-long-haul repatriation flight from Buenos Aires to Darwin. The flight wasone of the hundreds of charter and repatriation flights Qantas has operated on behalf of the Australian Government. In operating the flight from South America, Darwin joined a small group of airports that have hosted nonstop flights from all six habitable continents.

Before we address the main question of the day, we should first lay down some definitions and ground rules.

Firstly, the six habitable continents are North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The one continent not considered habitable is Antarctica (even if it does host a contingent of researchers year-round).

The list in itself can be controversial, depending on your interpretation of what constitutes a continent (geologists and sociologists may have differing views). However, since this is the most widely adopted way of categorizing large parts of the world, this is what we will stick with.

Secondly, we will need to make the distinction between currently flying to all six habitable continents versus having had flights to all the continents regardless of time.

Constantly in flux, especially during the global health crisis, it could be challenging to pin down the airports operating regular commercial flights to the six continents. However, we can rule out many airports just because of their geographic position in the world.

Airports in Asia (excluding the Middle East) dont operate flights to South America due to the distance. The closest to this is Aeromexico operating a flight to Tokyo, although its hub and home country are technically part of North America. Historically, some airlines have operated flights from Japan to Brazil via a stop in the United States.

Larger airports in the southeastern portion of Oceania (mainly consisting of Australia and New Zealand) may have had special repatriation flights or maintenance flights to Europe but lack regular nonstop service. As mentioned in this articles introduction, the recent arrival ofQF14 in Darwin saw it join a small club of airports that have hosted nonstop flights from all six settled continents.

An amazing view of Antarctica from the cockpit. pic.twitter.com/7iJranqH3v

Qantas (@Qantas) October 7, 2021

To find airports operating regular services to all six habitable continents, we only have to look at the Middle East, which has a favorable geographic position to suit the range of modern-day airliners operating with profitable payloads.

Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways operate regular passenger services through their respective hubs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha. While destinations in Africa, Asia, and North America arent a problem, the airlines also manage to reach as far (south)west as Sao Paolo in Brazil and as far east as Auckland in New Zealand.

Creating an exhaustive list of airports that are part of the six continent club would take quite some time, especially when considering decades of long-distance flight combined with numerous special repatriation flights, VIP flights, and cargo flights.

According to a post on an Infinite Flight thread, the following airports have joined the six continent club due to a combination of regular and special flights:

Of course, Darwin and its recent repatriation flight from South America now joins this list, as well as Istanbul Airport, which saw a repatriation flight to Darwin. Sydney also joins the list with Qantas having operated special flights to Europe and hosting regular flights to South America in the past.

Its a fairly interesting topic, and certainly a list that will keep changing and growing as more special and ultra-long-range flights take place in the years to come. Did we miss any airports? Let us know by leaving a comment.

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Which Airports Have Flights From All 6 Habitable Continents? - Simple Flying

Quest takes double win at World Travel Awards for second year running – The Hotel Conversation

Quest Apartment Hotels, a member of The Ascott Limited, has achieved global recognition at the World Travel Awards for the second year running, taking out the top prize in two Oceania regional Serviced Apartment 2021 award categories.

Quest is Oceanias Leading Serviced Apartment Brand for the second consecutive year, and Quest NewQuay was again named Oceania's Leading Serviced Apartment in the 2021 program.

The World Travel Awards set the benchmark for excellence in the travel industry, with over 2 million votes cast last year, and record month on month voting from tourism consumers in 2021.

Managing Director of The Ascott Limited Australia, David Mansfield, said the double victory reaffirms the tremendous efforts of the Quest franchise business network on the back of another challenging year.

As Australias roadmap to reopening takes effect and travel plans resume across the country, consumers will be drawn to accommodation they can trust and the value in the Quest brand has never been greater, said David.

Our successive World Travel Award wins cement our reputation as the leading serviced apartment brand within the Oceania region and are the product of votes earned through everyday excellence on display by our business owners and their teams during an incredibly difficult time in tourism.

In addition to having recently achieved a 5-star Australian Franchise Rating Scale score for the third year in a row, this accolade also confirms that we are on track to achieve our vision to be recognised as the preferred franchising provider due to our proven track record in franchisee success and increased value of their business.

Owner of Quest NewQuay in Victoria, Stacy Andronikos, credited the stellar work of his Docklands team who went above and beyond for guests in the most locked down city in the world.

Im ecstatic about our win, said Stacy.

Its fantastic we have another World Travel Award under our belt at NewQuay, especially after everything the last 12 months has thrown our way. Im proud of the resilience of my team, and their ongoing commitment to providing a safe and effortless guest experience, even throughout these incredibly trying times.

The dual Oceania World Travel Award wins for Quest will proceed into the global category, where Quest and Quest NewQuay will compete with brands from Asia, Europe and the Middle-East, striving to be named the very best in the world. The winners will be unveiled at a Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2021, which will take place in Moscow, Russia on 26th November 2021.

Meanwhile, Quest parent company The Ascott Limited received 5 wins in the Middle East division and 10 wins in the Asia division, including Middle Easts Leading Serviced Apartment Brand and Asias Leading Serviced Apartment Brand both for the 6th consecutive year.

Overall, The Ascott Limiteds properties received 27 Regional World Travel Award wins, with 7 nominations in the global category to be announced in November.

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Quest takes double win at World Travel Awards for second year running - The Hotel Conversation

Cameron Swain hoping to race overseas in 2022 – MCNews

Cameron Swain

Thirteen-year-old schoolboy sensation Cameron Swain from Bridgeman Downs, QLD, has dominated recent Oceania Junior Cup rounds. Races have been few and far between over the past two years due to Covid, but Cam has starred in the events that have taken place.

Cams racing career began after watching MotoGP on TV, and after a brief introduction to road riding at a kart track the young Queenslander had his first race with NCRR at the Grafton Christmas party in 2017. After improving all weekend, he found himself chasing down the championship leader in the last race of that same meeting and became hooked. He then continue with the NCRR and won the championship before joining MotoStars the next year, where he came second at his first attempt.

Cameron then joined the ranks of the Oceania Junior Cup and currently leads the 2021 championship by 51 points.

Im really happy with my race wins at Winton, as my pace there was the fastest an OJC rider has ever gone.

I was also very happy with my results at Wakefield getting two race wins and third in the last race by a whisker.

In looking back over the races, I have five wins from six races which is a scorecard I am happy with and a record haul for the category.

I am so disappointed that this year and last year have been so badly effected by Covid as all I want to do is race.

The 13-year-old attends Craigslea State High school and his immediate ambition is to race the Northern Talent Cup in Europe while also stepping up to the ASBK Supersport 300 Championship. As he was born in the UK, before coming to Australia as a three-month-old baby, Cam is eligible for entry to the Northern Talent Cup, which is normally reserved for Northern European competitors.

Cameron has built a special bond with sponsors Joe Salter from Ride-Dynamics and Caboolture Yamaha. Other sponsors that have helped Cam so far on his journey include LMA, Barrys Dyno, Buddhas Spray Painting, Diesel Power Systems, Oakland Park, Stoppie Coffee, Forcite, Aluma-lite Racing, Race Art and Ricondi Race Apparel.

Cams parents have recently set up a fundraiser to help Cameron achieve his dream. If you would like to participate as a sponsor (tax deductible), or willing to contribute in any way, please follow the link here. Or if you want to get in touch directly, let us know and we will forward contact details.

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Cameron Swain hoping to race overseas in 2022 - MCNews

Always put God first, says Gunemba The National – The National

Ive been able to achieve so much in football through Gods blessing.Papua New Guinea international Raymond Gunemba (yellow shirt) earned his most recent cap at the 2019 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa.

By LARRY ANDREWRAYMOND Gunembas soccer career recorded another achievement after the Morobe man was named in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics Oceania mens team of the decade (2010-2020).The Papua New Guinea international, who captains Lae City Dwellers, is one of three Pacific Islanders in the team which is dominated by New Zealand (NZ).

The team are goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic (NZ), left-back Winston Reid (NZ), centre-back Tommy Smith (NZ), right-back Ryan Nelsen (NZ), Fijian Roy Krishna, All White Ryan Thomas, attacking midfielder Marco Rojas (NZ), holding midfielder Ivan Vicelich (NZ), and forwards Teaonui Tehau (Tahiti), Chris Wood (NZ) and Gunemba. This is one of my biggest football achievements for which Im grateful to God, 2016 Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup Golden Boot winner Raymond told The National last week.To be named in the team of the decade is another big milestone in my career.Im not sure if any PNG soccer player has achieved such recognition.Across the region, including PNG, there are so many talented soccer players and Im just lucky to be one of three Pacific Islanders to receive the recognition.Ive been able to achieve so much in football through Gods blessing.One of the National Soccer Leagues leading strikers Raymond warned upcoming footballers that discipline, commitment and humility were crucial in any sport, including soccer.Put God first in your life and you will receive His blessings on your path to achieving your goals and living your dream, the 35-year-old said.There were a number of people who had helped in my football career, especially my father and mother.

My father, Peter, continues to be my mentor while my mother, Janet, helps me spiritually by keeping me in her prayers in all my games.I also want to make special mention of Vonnie Kapi Natto who has helped shape my football career.After matches, I saw that drinking alcohol became a habit of many players.But since joining Hekari United, I started to realise the importance of discipline, and God must be given the glory.It drove me to change my bad habits and Im thankful to Vonnie for her support.Her and husband John invested a lot of resources into my development.They didnt see my bad side.

They just helped me in my development as a footballer.Peter said he was proud of his sons achievements, adding that God had given a great player to the family, province and country.Im also proud of the achievements of his sister and fellow PNG international Meagan, the Dwellers coach said.It shows that PNG can match the football heavyweights of the region.Im grateful to the national team, Hekari, Dwellers, Lae City and everyone who has contributed to Raymonds development.Long-time Papuan Compound resident Raymonds father is from Burum, Finschhafen, and mother comes from Zenag, Mumeng, Bulolo.The former City skipper is the eldest of four siblings the others are Troy, Janet and Meagan and has three children (two boys and a girl) with wife Nialin Chamilou, who is from Manus.I grew up in a soccer family, Raymond said.

My mothers siblings, Raymond and Gidix Nasa, represented PNG in the sport.I used to carry their soccer boots to games in the local competition or PNG Football Association-sanctioned tournaments.Wherever my uncles were camping and playing, I was there.That determination and commitment started to have an effect on me as the thought of emulating them kept crossing my mind.Papuan Compound, which is also home to Womens National Soccer League team Poro, is somewhat of a nursery for sportsmen and women, especially footballers.It is also home to sevens rugby union star Max Vali who switched codes earlier this year to help Digicel Cup heavyweights Lae Tigers claim the double in the countrys premier rugby league competition.

Raymond said growing up, soccer was in his blood and not even a serious injury could stop him from playing the game he loved.The Morobe native was doing Grade 5 at St Pauls Primary School when he sustained a foot injury which had threatened to derail his dream.Despite my foot being plastered, the injury did not stop me from playing up soccer, Raymond said.Upon recovery, my passion for football caught the attention of my father, who began teaching me skills and other areas of football.The more I committed myself to soccer, I started to see results.By the age of 16, I was playing against senior Lae Football Association (LFA) players.I represented the Under-19 national team against the Solomon Islands at LFA Park during the launching of the National Soccer League.It was my first time to play for the country. He went on to represent the U23 national team against Fiji.Raymond started playing semi-professional football with Gigira Laitepo Morobe United, before spending time at Rapatona Tigers, Eastern Stars, Hekari United and City.He also had overseas stints with Hamilton Wanderers (NZ), Henderson Eels (Solomon Islands) and Geelong (Australia).Raymond returned to Lae to help resurrect Dwellers who are third in the Northern Conference, behind Morobe Wawens and ladder-leading City after another stint with Hekari last season.

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Always put God first, says Gunemba The National - The National

Bahrain bow to Saudi in Davis Cup opener | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN – News of Bahrain- DT News

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune http://www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain bowed to Saudi Arabia 0-3 yesterday in their opening tie in Pool A of Asia/ Oceania Group IV in the Davis Cup 2021, which is being hosted by the Bahrain Tennis Federation in Isa Town. In the first match of the day, Bahrains Elyas Abdulnabi retired in the first set after trailing 0-4 to Saudis Ammar Alhaqbani.

Teammate Yusuf Qaed then lost to Saud Alhogbani in straight sets 4-6, 1-6. The Saudis then completed their sweep with Omar Ahmed and Alhaqbanis 6-3, 6-1 win against Bahrainis Abdulkarim and Hasan Abdulnabi in the doubles clash. It was a tough start for the Bahrainis in this years Davis Cup.

They will be hoping to bounce back in their next tie. In yesterdays other Pool A affair, the UAE beat Guam 3-0. Meanwhile, in Pool B, Oman defeated Mongolia 2-1 and Turkmenistan swept Iraq 3-0.

In Pool C, Iran beat Kyrgyzstan 3-0 while Cambodia overcame Yemen 3-0. Action continues today at the same venue with Saudi facing Guam, Oman taking on Iraq and Cambodia playing Kyrgyzstan.

Following the ongoing round-robin in each group, the top two nations in each will play off to determine the three national teams that will be promoted to Asia/Oceania Group III for 2022.

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Bahrain bow to Saudi in Davis Cup opener | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN - News of Bahrain- DT News

BTN interview: Vivian Cheung, executive director airport operations, Hong Kong International Airport – Breaking Travel News

World Travel Awards, the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in tourism, has revealed its Asia and Oceania 2021 winners.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has much to celebrate, having been recognised as among the best in the region by voters.

Here Breaking Travel News speaks to Vivian Cheung, executive director of airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport, to find out how it feels to have won.

Breaking Travel News: Congratulations on your victory at the World Travel Awards with Hong Kong International Airport having taken the title of Asias Leading Airport. How does it feel to have won?

Vivian Cheung: We are honoured to be named as the Asias Leading Airport in the World Travel Awards for two consecutive years.

It is a testimony to our collective efforts at HKIA in maintaining the excellent service quality over the years.

The entire airport community works closely together to uphold our professionalism and commitment to maintaining smooth and efficient operations at HKIA, and providing safe and pleasant journeys to travellers.

Breaking Travel News: What was it that separated you from your competitors in this field, what was it that caught the eye of voters?

VC: In addition to the extensive air network and the unique geographical advantage, the continuous enhancements at HKIA enable us to distinguish ourselves among competitors.

HKIA has been actively applying latest technologies with a view to enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.

We have been using biometrics and facial recognition technologies for the check-in and boarding procedures to provide a touchless and seamless airport journey for our passengers.

Other innovative technologies such as 5G infrastructure, digital apron management system, autonomous electric tractor and cleaning robots are also adopted to further enhance the operation efficiency and passenger experience at HKIA.

Terminal 1 at HKIA is undergoing major enhancements to provide passengers with new vibrant experiences.

The enhancement project will introduce new features including themed boarding areas, a children play area in the restricted area, as well as a dedicated recreational zone featuring new technologies for travellers, and a new roof garden for passengers to relax in green, open-air spaces.

The Sky Bridge, the worlds longest airside bridge under construction at HKIA that connects Terminal 1 and the North Satellite Concourse, will significantly reduce passengers travelling time between the two buildings and contributes to the relentless drive for service excellence at our airport.

HKIA has been handling the worlds highest international air cargo volume since 1996.

HKIAs state-of-the-art facilities, high efficiency and reliability, extensive connectivity, special goods handling capability, coupled with Hong Kongs free port status and streamlined customs process, give Hong Kong a strong competitive advantage in the global supply chain.

Pharmaceuticals is a key growth area in the air cargo business.

The Covid-19 pandemic is driving a huge demand for vaccines transportation.

Starting February, HKIA has been handling the shipment of different Covid-19 vaccines.

HKIA is one of the few airports in the world to be recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a Partner Airport of IATAs Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma).

The accreditation validates that HKIA, together with all three cargo terminals, all three ramp handling operators, and the home-based carrier, Cathay Pacific, have the expertise to handle the entire airside pharmaceutical transportation process end-to-end, from the time an aircraft lands to releasing the pharmaceuticals to agents, and vice versa.

All three cargo terminals at HKIA have also attained World Health Organisation (WHO)s Good Distribution Practices for Pharmaceutical Products Certification.

Despite the impact on air traffic caused by the pandemic, HKIA has spared no effort in developing long term infrastructure and enhancing existing facilities as part of our preparation for air travel recovery.

Various projects are in the pipeline, such as the construction of the Three-runway System which is almost equal to building a new airport next to the existing one, and an array of works under the Airport City developments.

We remain confident in the long-term prospects of the aviation industry.

Breaking Travel News: How useful are accolades such as the World Travel Awards when it comes to promoting Hong Kong International Airport?

VC: It is a prestigious recognition of our efforts in enhancing the passengers experience and reaffirms HKIAs position as a leading international hub.

Breaking Travel News: What do we have to look forward to from the airport as the tourism market in China gradually recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic what headlines can we expect from the coming months?

VC: To further reinforce our status as a leading international aviation hub, HKIA is developing into an Airport City which not only manages flows of passengers and cargo, but an entity with novel functions including retail and entertainment, tourism, convention and exhibition, among others.

HKIA is developing into a Three-runway System (3RS).

Besides the construction of a new runway, the project includes a series of support facilities such as an expanded Terminal 2, a new T2 Concourse, new automated people mover and baggage handling systems.

The new runway has its pavement completed and is expected to commence operations in 2022.

Upon its completion, the existing north runway will be closed for reconfiguration.

With the targeted completion of the entire 3RS in 2024, the quantum leap in capacity will enable HKIA to cater for the long-term air traffic demand and strengthen its status as an international aviation hub.

Skycity is an integral part of the Airport City development, which houses the largest integrated complex for retail, dining and entertainment facilities in Hong Kong.

Completing in phases from 2022 to 2025, the 11 Skies complex will introduce over 800 shops with more than 120 dining concepts and Hong Kongs largest indoor entertainment area.

There will also be three Grade A office buildings, catering specially for companies providing wealth management as well as wellness and medical services.

The first hotel in Skycity, Regala Skycity Hotel, is scheduled to open this year, providing around 1,200 rooms.

HKIA provides convenient land and sea connections to and from the GBA for passengers to take advantage of the extensive flight network of HKIA.

To make the transfer journey at HKIA even more seamless, construction of a new transfer terminal, the Skypier Terminal, and a bonded bridge-link has started.

It will allow transfer passengers travelling on the HK-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to enter the airports restricted area directly, without having to go via immigration procedures in Hong Kong.

Upon completion of this project in 2022, passengers who have obtained boarding passes and checked in their baggage at our remote terminals in the GBA may proceed directly to the boarding gates, as if they are using their local airport.

Through the transformation into an Airport City, HKIA is targeted to develop into a new landmark for both travellers and local visitors, and an engine driving the economic development in HK and the GBA.

More Information

Find out more about Hong Kong International Airport on the official website.

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BTN interview: Vivian Cheung, executive director airport operations, Hong Kong International Airport - Breaking Travel News

NCL, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cancel Voyages Through May 31 – Travel Agent

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) announced that voyages for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are cancelled through May 31. It's an extension of the cruise company's previously announced suspension of global voyages. The latest"pause" impacts all voyages on more than two dozen ships representing 59,150 cruise berths.

In a press release, NCLH said the extension of the operational "pause" comes as it "continues to work through its return to service plan to meet the requirements of the 'Framework for Conditional Sailing' Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

Guests who are currently booked on cancelled voyages on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises are asked to contact their travel advisor or the cruise line for more information.

NCLH said it will continue to work in tandem with global government and public health authorities, as well as its Healthy Sail Panel of expert advisors to take all necessary measures to protect its guests, crew and the communities visited.

The Healthy Sail panel of medical, scientific, hospitality and operations experts was created in a joint effort last summer by NCLH and Royal Caribbean Group. Those experts sifted through the latestmedical research and findings about the COVID-19 virus and suggested numerous best health/safetypractices so the cruise lines could develop a"bubble-like" concept onboard cruise ships and ashore to protectguests, crew and the communities visited.

The panel's recommended health/safety protocols were submitted lastfall to the CDC. While the CDC did not renew its "No Sail Order" the end of October, it instead issued a "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order" that remains in effect and includes steps needed for resumption of mid- to large-sized cruise ship operations from U.S. ports.

Cruise lines, however, areawaiting more detailed information from the CDC on how to proceed further.

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NCL, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cancel Voyages Through May 31 - Travel Agent

Fall Armyworm: New Invasion in Africa, Asia, and Oceania Require Targeted Chemistries and Cultural Practices – Agribusiness Global

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Today were talking about fall armyworm spread and control around the world with Dr. Robert Bertram, Chief Scientist with USAIDs Bureau of Resilience and Food Security, which is charged with advancing nutrition and food security around the world. In that capacity hes working with the FAOs recently established Global Action for Armyworm Control program, for which he serves as Chair of the technical committee.

AgriBusiness Global: Lets start by defining the problem. Fall Armyworm was once relegated to the Americas and has since spread to Asia and Africa. How big is this problem, and what regions are being affected the most?

Dr. Bertram: Thats right. It was a pest in the Americas that we know how to handle. We call it fall armyworm because it migrates long distances. For example, it is endemic in Florida year-round, and it reaches Minnesota by the fall. That fact is the key to the situation in Africa. Once it was introduced there 4-5 years ago, its been able to spread across Africa, up to the Middle East through Egypt, east into South Asia, and eventually into East Asia, and just this year into Australia.

It is a remarkably mobile pest. It can travel up to 700 kilometers, and the generations are rapid. This makes it a new challenge for many parts the world, and in some of those parts of the world, farmers are poorest and least able to adapt to a new pest. And of course its unknown there, so its causing huge losses. Fall armyworm can cause just as much damage, but it affects a larger area because its not a single swarm. Its much more diffuse kind of problem but a very large one that is affecting livelihoods, food security, and food safety and affecting millions of people across Africa and Asia, people who are in many cases the least able to adapt to any additional threat to their food security and wellbeing.

AgriBusiness Global: And this problem is endemic for them now?

Dr. Bertram: Yes, its not going anywhere so were not talking about eradication. The pest is there, and weve been actively partnering with researchers and institutions in both the public and private sectors in the Americas, where the bulk of expertise is on this pest, and also now in the countries where it is endemic.

Our first efforts were about leveraging the knowledge in places like Brazil, the tropics, Florida, and experts from universities and agencies like the USDA and help bring that to their counterparts in sub-Saharan Africa and subsequently in Asia.

Now as time goes on, its more about adapting to the pest now that we know more about it in these new contexts where it is.

AgriBusiness Global: The FAO says Africa is loosing as much as 18 million tonnes of corn annually, accounting for $4.6 billion in economic loss. Do we have any other metrics that can tell us how widespread or pervasive this is?

Dr. Bertram: We can say overall that its taking out about 10% of sub-Saharan Africas maize crops. The valuation of that is variable, and thats about the same as the hit from the locusts. 10% [collectively] might not sound like its a wipeout, but it can be in areas, and thats the problem. If you have a lot of rain, then its not as severe of a pest. If you theres not as much rain, then you can have a very severe outbreak, and one of the challenges we have with it is that it is a very insidious pest. When it shows up, you really have to know what to look for, and then it gets inside the plant in the whorl or in the ear where you cant get at it so you have to be fast on the draw. This is where in many cases access to information, biocontrols, and chemical controls might be lacking. [Crop damage] is certainly in the billions of dollars [in Africa]. I dont think we have estimates yet for Asia, but again its going be very large.

The other thing that is important is that this isnt restricted to just maize. It goes after sorghum, too. There is also a rice biotype of the pest and many of us are fearful that either the current pest could adapt rice in Asia and Africa or the rice biotype could become introduced. That would be a terrible blow because the rice crop is such a staple for so many parts of the world.

AgriBusiness Global: Lets talk about how were working to help control this. The FAO started the Global Action for Armyworm Control program in December 2019. What is that program focused on and hows it going?

Dr. Bertram: It is FAO and this is something that USAID and other counterparts around the world had advocated for the FAO to play a key role as they have with other pests. So the global action is basically trying to equip those countries where this pest is new with the information they need to combat it. I talked earlier about leveraging the knowledge that exists in North and South America, and several years ago we started a Research for Development Alliance, which is a partnership between universities, governments, and the FAO, and that was intended to build the evidence base in Africa and then Asia and the Middle East. And what weve done under the global action is distill the knowledge both from what we know in the Americas and also what were learning overseas. What kinds of varieties are resistant? Transgenic maize is totally resistance. Farmers in South Africa, Vietnam, and Philippines are growing biotech maize and they dont need to spray for the pest.

We information on biological controls and good agricultural practices, so the technical committee that I lead has worked this year to pull this all together and synthesize it in a way thats going to make it accessible to sophisticated partners, and we also want to have that information available to farmers because you need millions of smallholder farmers acting on good information and access to control.

Early warning is not a big deal in this because its endemic. But in the areas where its migratory, then being able to say when it has migrated in is important. So all this knowledge is important to access control methods, including chemistries.

[In terms of chemical controls] we need to think about the policies surrounding access. Some of the new chemistries that are available are safer than some of the older pesticides, especially in the developing countries where pesticides are not well regulated often. People might not have all the knowledge or be able to interpret a label. So our work is giving better options, sooner to equip countries and also the farming communities within them to adapt to this new pests.

AgriBusiness Global: Lets get deeper into some of those recommendations coming out of the technical committee. Youre providing support to national task forces and coming up with specific protocols and IPM strategies: Can you discuss some of the hallmarks of some of those programs, given that some of them are region-specific.

Dr. Bertram: Its fair to say that a lot of this is a work in progress. We have this Research Development Partnership that is going after a range of approaches to agro-ecological management practices that include biological controls, chemical controls using both biopesticides and synthetic pesticides, and better germ plasm. So what were done is aggregated those in a table that is soon to be available and we categorize them in three ways:

Weve also categorized them by safety, efficacy, compatibility with biological control, cost, and access in terms of policy (approved registrations). Some countries have more restrictions than other on the ability to bring a new product to market. Were trying to allow people to benefit from the global knowledge thats there instead of reinventing their own system.

AgriBusiness Global: You touched on this briefly already: How available are control options? Some legacy chemistries might be applicable but some new ones might be more affective. You talked about the fragmentation in regulatory systems. What is the role of private enterprise in helping to make technologies available to combat these emerging pests?

Dr. Bertram: Its very important and we have seen development of new chemistries and approaches, seed treatments, for example, that confer resistance for the first six weeks to two months of the plants life. Thats an extremely critical period to protect the plant from attack. That allows the crop to get off to a good start. Its not necessarily widely available yet as in some places, and because its new and has to go through a regulatory review in some countries [it is harder to access]. In a continent like sub-Saharan Africa, you have a lot of small countries with a lot of hurdles. So some of the work we do at USAID is working with partner countries in regions to try to harmonize systems so that if a sed variety is approved in two countries in East Africa, then the rest of the countries will adopt it, and the same thing can be applied in this space.

There is a virus-based spray out of California that is really exciting, but its expensive and not available everywhere. But these things are far preferable to some of the legacy chemistries. Often these are chemistries that are no longer used in North America, Europe, or Australia, for example. So that combined with misuse or misapplication or lack of personal protective equipment. Everyone knows what PPP is now, but in the plant protection business it has been a household term for a long time, and thats often lacking in the context where we are.

Good agricultural practices, good seed. We are getting non-transgenic based sources of resistance. Theyre not as good as the transgenic resistance that farmers in the Americas use but they help. So there is a range of things that can be done and it requires judgement and the farmer being able to see the problem and use an appropriate approach, and for a number of reasons, farmers choices are limited.

AgriBusiness Global: Are you seeing private enterprises increasing registrations for new products in some of these markets that need them? Are they answering the call?

Dr. Bertram: Yes some of them are. Its a good business practice. They want to grow the business and they want to bring these better products to the farmers. We are also working to try to enhance the regulatory enabling environment so that it will be more cost effective for the private sector to come and invest. And of course they dont just invest in the products, they then invest in the value chain by investing in agro-dealers to make the information and the product available. The industry has responded. There are new products getting used. But getting them to through the last mile to the farmers, like a family in Malawi where a woman is raising five children and has about an acre of land, thats a tough one, and thats where unfortunately people need to fall back on whatever control methods are available.

AgriBusiness Global: Are there a handful of active substances that you with you could make available to regions being affected? You mentioned the biological viral spray and seed treatments:

Dr. Bertram: Yes, and in our work at FAO well be listing the active ingredients. The policy is not to list brand names, but there are safer ingredients that can be used, yes.

AgriBusiness Global: There are a litany of AIs that treat this in the US, are ones that are most applicable to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia?

Dr. Bertram: Were still compiling the list of specific chemistries, but I can say that there are effective Bacillus Theringiensis, which is a biological pesticide that is commonly used in organic production in the US. There is interest in some of the new biopesticides. The new or modern AIs are in the families of pyrethrins and the like.

AgriBusiness Global: Can you characterize the adoption. Were just getting the guidelines and IPM protocols through the value chain through the agro-dealers and down to the farm level, so whats the response been like and hows it working so far?

Dr. Bertram: We are making progress each year as people become more prepared, more familiar, and have better access to whats happening. One of the challenges is to understand where and how severe these outbreaks are. We do have some work in a digital approach to try to track these outbreaks with colleagues at Pennsylvania State University. That kind of information is very helpful in getting a sense for the extent and the severity of outbreaks. It is variable. We do see as a problem in one location one year and less so in another. So you could say there is a capriciousness about it.

Clearly countries where we have more privates sector activity, such as Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia is taking it very seriously, you see a better public awareness and uptake of control methods that were proposing. The germplasm piece has a built-in lag of getting access to new seed, except for some of the biotech seed. But even there were working with seven countries in the region with private sector partners that are in the lead to develop resistant varieties, which are by the way also more drought tolerant, which is huge issue in sub-Saharan Africa maize production.

And in Asia generally its a better situation because the national and private sector institutions are stronger and have better established means of getting information out and probably more sophisticated value chains. So you are seeing more rapid adoption in control approaches in places like India, Thailand, Vietnam and countries that are better positioned to adapt to this pest.

AgriBusiness Global: Can you talk a bit about how programs like these are introducing new good agricultural practices and standards for emerging economies. Are programs like these helping to modernize production systems for the slew of pests that are known and unknown that we will need to face in the coming years?

Dr. Bertram: Thats one of the big challenges. We dont want to lurch from pest to pest. We know these kinds of problems exist with insects, diseases and weeds. So we do very much try to work in a way to build systemic capacity while we do this and link it to that broader effort of understanding good agricultural practices, clean seed, better post-harvest storage and a range of things that is going to have a positive effect.

So yes, it has to be that way. We talk about it a lot. Sometimes you have a threat like this and people mobilize, and locusts are a great example. We havent had locust plagues in a long time, partly because the control methods were working so well. This past year, because of the war in Yemen, they werent able to do those early control methods. You want to have something that makes the system more resilient. And that involves the public and private sectors, as well as farmer organizations. Anything you do that succeeds and adds value for people by increasing efficiency, lowering cost, using less active ingredients whatever it might be these things have a positive effect on a system that is then better able to stay connected because its delivering value and getting good information in and its integrating innovation out of R&D. That can come out of the private sector that has a big role here, and out of the public sector, particularly in the area of seed and biological controls.

Another thing that is a challenge here on some of these approaches is that the knowledge content is very demanding. Planting a seed is one thing. Managing pest releases or pheromone traps with the proper timing is a different undertaking. But were continuing to make progress.

AgriBusiness Global: We look forward to talking to you again about the progress youre making.

Dr. Bertram: Thank you

David Frabotta is Editorial Market Development Director for Meister Media Worldwides Global Precision Initiative, editor of AgriBusiness Global, and contributor to CropLife. Contact him to any time to discuss new technologies, adoption, input supply trends, and ag economics in your region at [emailprotected]

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Fall Armyworm: New Invasion in Africa, Asia, and Oceania Require Targeted Chemistries and Cultural Practices - Agribusiness Global

MyndVR Partners with TADWA and Expands Operations to Australia, New Zealand, & Oceania – PRNewswire

BASSENDEAN, Western Australia, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --MyndVR, the premier provider of virtual reality (VR) solutions for seniors in the United States, announced today that it has signed a partnership with Technology for Ageing & Disability (TADWA), a not-for-profit enterprise that's been dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Western Australians since 1984.

MyndVR's partnership with TADWA marks its expansion into Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. It will enable occupational therapists and technicians to utilize customized headsets, care tablets, and MyndVR's expansive content powered by Littlstar, a leading global content distribution network, to help older people, people with disabilities, and their caregivers do what is important to them.

"We're incredibly proud to begin our expansion abroad with TADWA, an award-winning and innovative Australian provider of technological solutions," said Chris Brickler, co-founder and CEO of MyndVR. "We're looking forward to a partnership that will help lift spirits and improve quality of life through the use of immersive technology."

MyndVR has previously partnered with researchers in the United States to study how virtual reality helps improve happiness and reduce social isolation in aging residents at long-term care facilities and is excited to deliver their award-winning technology and content to the aging and disabled in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.

TADWA's occupational therapists and technicians work with thousands of people every year to help them live life to the fullest. TADWA is a 'team of teams', operating across six different disciplines and generating a range of innovative solutions to the challenges faced by older people and those with disabilities.

TADWA CEO, Steve Pretzel, says the team is thrilled to be partnering with MyndVR: "At TADWA, our focus is on significantly improving the quality of life of our clients, their caregivers, and families through compassion, technological excellence, and innovation," he said. "Age and disability should not define a person's future or detract from leading a meaningful life. When physical mobility is limited, virtual reality can provide a sense of exploration, adventure, and fun. The MyndVR system provides great content as well as great control functionality. With the benefits of VR becoming better understood, we see a huge opportunity for families and particularly residential care facilities to reduce the impacts of isolation and improve the quality of life for residents."

About MyndVR

MyndVR is the leading provider of Virtual Reality solutions for senior living communities, home health care agencies, State and Federal Veteran homes, and individual adults aging in their own homes. The company has licensed a vast library of VR content and created MyndVR Studios to produce therapeutic experiences that positively impact the lives of seniors, veterans, and other groups. Their technology enables older adults to interact with the outside world in genuinely innovative ways that foster engagement, cognitive wellness, and above all, joy and happiness. MyndVR is committed to conducting extensive research to measure the therapeutic effect of VR. These studies will continue to measure the health care outcomes, including cognitive, visual, emotional, and physical effects on older adults. For more, visithttp://www.myndvr.com.

About Technology for Ageing and Disability (TADWA)

TADWA's goal is to help people do what is important to them. Spearheaded by specialist Occupational Therapists, TADWA works with people to understand their challenges and aspirations and to find and implement the best solutions.

TADWA's services include occupational therapy, home modifications and automation, technology support, assistive technologies, custom equipment, recreational and vehicle mobility solutions.

TADWA has been assisting older people and people with disability for over 35 years. For more, visithttps://tadwa.org.au/

Contact: Michael Vaughan, 813-210-1706, [emailprotected]

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MyndVR Partners with TADWA and Expands Operations to Australia, New Zealand, & Oceania - PRNewswire

10 CrossFit Semifinal Events Announced: Semifinals Are the New Regionals – BOXROX

CrossFit announced the 10 events that will hold Semifinals for the 2021 season last night.

Semifinals are part of the brand new CrossFit Games season design, which starts with the Open and is directly followed by the Quarterfinals. From there, top athletes in each recognised continent advance to the in-person Semifinals and ultimately the best compete at the CrossFit Games.

CrossFit Semifinals will take place over four consecutive weekends in May and June, and will have a similar feel to Regionals, with the exception that each event is independently run.

Semifinals are Regionals and Sanctionals kind of combined, taking the best of both worlds and bringing them together, said Dave Castro, CrossFits General Manager of Sport, in aninterviewexplaining the later stages of the new CrossFit Games qualifying format.

Each Semifinal event will host 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams, with all six recognised continents hosting at least one Semifinal event and sending at least one man, one woman, and one team from that continent to the CrossFit Games.

There will be four CrossFit Games qualifying events in North America for the top 120 men, 120 women, and 80 teams on the continent. They are:

The top five men, top five women, and top five teams will advance to the Games from each Semifinal, for a total of 20 men, 20 women and 20 teams from North America at the 2021 CrossFit Games.

There will be two CrossFit Games qualifying events in Europe for the top 60 men, 60 women and 40 teams on the continent. They are:

The top five men, top five women, and top five teams will advance to the Games from each Semifinal, for a total of 10 men, 10 women and 10 teams from Europe at the Games.

There will be one CrossFit Games qualifying event in Oceania for the top 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams on the continent. That event will be:

The top three men, top three women, and top three teams from Oceania will advance to the Games.

There will be one CrossFit Games qualifying event in Asia for the top 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams on the continent. That event will be:

The top two men, top two women, and top two teams from Asia will advance to the Games.

There will be one CrossFit Games qualifying event in South America for the top 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams on the continent. That event will be:

The top two men, top two women, and top two teams from South America will advance to the Games.

There will be one CrossFit Games qualifying event in Africa for the top 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams on the continent. That event will be:

The top man, top woman, and top team from Africa will advance to the Games.

The number of Semifinals and qualifying spots for each event were based on historic Open participation data for each continent.

The deeper the field goes and the more participants you have in any given continent or area, the more opportunities for events and the more opportunities for sports at the Games you have, explained Castro.

Representation was a priority when establishing the continental boundaries and rules for the Semifinals.

CrossFit will determine who qualifies to the Semifinals based on athletes performance in the Quarterfinals. Each Semifinal event will be able to design its own programming and scoring system with the guidance of CrossFit.

CrossFit recognizes regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic vary by location. CrossFit is regularly monitoring the changing circumstances and working closely with the Semifinal event organizers as we approach the competition season.

If a live, in-person Semifinalis cancelled or cannot be held, the competition will move to an online format hosted by CrossFit, LLC. All athletes and teams from the respective Semifinal competition will compete in the online format with an opportunity to advance to the CrossFit Games. The online Semifinalwill take place on the same weekend as the original date of the in-person competition.

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10 CrossFit Semifinal Events Announced: Semifinals Are the New Regionals - BOXROX

Vaccination Hesitation: How the Lack of Access Affects Trust from the Pacific Islander Community – Hawaiipublicradio

Hawaiis Pacific Islander communities have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is not clear if they are actually receiving the vaccine.

It was a rainy day outside Kalihi Palama Health center as people over the age of 65 sat in front of the facility waiting to get their COVID-19 vaccination. It was part of a clinic put on by We Are Oceania, a Micronesian advocacy group.

It takes trust, said Josie Howard, the organizations program director.

When they see familiar faces, when they hear people who can speak their language, and who can understand the culture, and the language makes it really easy for them to trust. And I think because we have a relationship established already, that it made it easier for us. And having staff from each community on our team made it really easy.

Pacific Islanders account for about a quarter of the states COVID-19 deaths despite making up only about four percent of the states population.

A survey by the state department of health showed that Black, Pacific Islander and Samoan communities are least likely to trust the vaccine--and advocates say that may be due to a lack of access.

The Pacific Empowerment and Advancement Executive Director at the University of Hawaii, Tina Tauasosi-Posiulai worried that the COVID-19 vaccine was not reaching Pacific Islander communities.

There was a lot of people that were interested in getting the vaccine and then we found out later that you have to be 75-years-old to get the vaccine, she said.

My concern is that this Pacific Island population, it's a very young population compared to the Asians and the whites. So if you're looking at them starting at age 75 getting the vaccine, they leave left out a lot of Pacific Islanders.

According to the state Department of Business and Economic Development those over the age of 65 make up less than 5% of the Pacific Islander community in Hawaii. In comparison, 22% of Japanese and 12% of white residents are over the age of 65.

In fact, only 2% of Marshallese residents are in that elderly age group.

That means even fewer are over the age of 75-- the age group the Department of Health is currently vaccinating.

These population counts are why Dr. Emmanuel Kintu at Kalihi Palama Health Center is willing to vaccinate those 65 and above.

It gave me the strength and ammunition to go to the state and say, Well, you know what, I learned something myself as well. As we talked to the community. They presented this situation, we checked it out, he said.

There are very few people in this community who are 75 and above in the Pacific Islander community, so for them, I think we need to be a little bit more flexible when it comes to age.

Tauasosi-Posiulai was concerned that if she continued to push people to get the vaccine, but theres no place for them to get it, it will degrade long-built relationships.

We're trying to do more education, why COVID-19 testing is very important for our population. But that trust, I don't want to lose that trust, she said.

She thought another barrier was the lack of many Pacific Islander non-profit groups beyond We Are Oceania, the Marshallese Community Organization of Hawaii and newly developed Pacifica Empowerment and Advancement. She noted that many of the positions are volunteer-based and not paid.

It is not yet known who has been vaccinated because DOH has not yet released that information.

A department spokesperson said they are still working on getting their vaccination partners to consistently enter data into the federal Vaccine Administration Management System.

Hawaii Public Radio will continue to explore the states vaccine hesitancy and how to fix it.

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Vaccination Hesitation: How the Lack of Access Affects Trust from the Pacific Islander Community - Hawaiipublicradio

Club World Cup in Qatar: Oceania representative Auckland cancels participation – no change for Bayern – theinformant.co.nz

The Club World Cup should be held without Oakland City FC. The New Zealanders canceled their participation in the tournament from February 1 to 11 in Qatar, in which Bayern Munich is also participating as the winner of the Champions League. International Football Confederation (FIFA) announced Auckland City on Friday. The reason for this is the quarantine regulations in New Zealand due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

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FIFA stressed that the cancellation would not change the format. As UEFA representative, Bayern Munich will only join the semi-finals on 8 February. The final will take place on February 11th.

Auckland was nominated by the Executive Committee of the Confederation Responsible for the Club World Cup as the representative of Oceania. It wasnt possible to play the Champions League there until the end due to the pandemic last season. It was the clubs tenth participation in the World Cup. Initially, Auckland will play Al Duhail hosts in the first round on February 1.

Since the isolation and quarantine regulations of the New Zealand authorities are outside FIFAs control, no solution has been found in the past few days despite regular discussions between FIFA, the club, the New Zealand Football Association and Oceania, FIFA said. .

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Club World Cup in Qatar: Oceania representative Auckland cancels participation - no change for Bayern - theinformant.co.nz

North America And Oceania Industrial Hemp Market Size, Top Key Players, Applications, Business Statistics, Trends and Forecast 2021-2027 Express…

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North America And Oceania Industrial Hemp Market Size, Top Key Players, Applications, Business Statistics, Trends and Forecast 2021-2027 Express...

Coca-Cola donates $50,000 to assist Fijians affected by TC Yasa and Ana – Fijivillage

Coca-Cola donates $50,000 to assist Fijians affected by TC Yasa and Ana

Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji and Coca-Cola Oceania have donated $50,000 to the Fiji Red Cross Society. Photo: Fiji Red Cross Society

Fijians who have been affected by Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana can expect more assistance after Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji and Coca-Cola Oceania have donated $50,000 to the Fiji Red Cross Society.

Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji General Manager Pacific Islands, Roger Hare says Fijians are stoically recovering from Tropical Cyclone Yasa and Tropical Cyclone Ana but need further assistance.

Hare says this donation will assist the Red Cross Society to set up water tanks for communities after the cyclones destroyed homes and buildings as well as crops and livestock.

Photo: Fiji Red Cross Society

Fiji Red Cross Society Director General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau, acknowledged Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji and Coca-Cola Oceania for their support in the humanitarian efforts underway to address the needs of communities affected by TC Yasa and TC Ana.

She says this assistance will help them address the different needs of a large number of people still requiring assistance in Vanua Levu following the devastation of TC Yasa and TC Ana.

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Coca-Cola donates $50,000 to assist Fijians affected by TC Yasa and Ana - Fijivillage

OWF drops IWF election candidates from "unethical" role and rebuts criticism – Insidethegames.biz

The Oceania Weightlifting Federation (OWF) has responded to claims of "unethical behaviour" by dropping a proposal to involve a candidate for the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) elections in voting procedures at regional level.

One official from Fiji said the Pacific island nations were being treated as "performing idiots" and, by being required to vote by email, "would be denied a secret ballot which is the cornerstone of a fair election".

Another from Samoa said there was a "risk of mistrust and questionable practices" at a time when "we all know about the IOCs [International Olympic Committee] concerns over issues of questionable governance and transparency".

Paul Coffa, general secretary of the OWF, denied accusations of poor governance and said there was no intention to give anybody from the IWF a platform.

"It is a pity that politics and mistrust is getting involved with the OWF," Coffa told insidethegames.

"Never before has this happened.

"The OWF has a brilliant record in promoting the sport, in anti-doping - 14 years without any violations - credibility, and transparency."

Coffa wrote to member federations last week to outline plans for OWF elections to be held by email, over three days.

The proposed date is "by the end of February", two months earlier than previously listed, and about a month before the IWF elections.

The alternative would be to delay the elections, which are already nearly a year overdue because of the coronavirus pandemic, "until such time as we can all meet and have the electoral congress face to face".

Coffa said an OWF Board meeting, which was also attended by the IWF general secretary Mohamed Jaloud and vice-president Nicu Vlad, decided unanimously to propose that the Oceania elections be conducted by email.

Delegates votes would be emailed directly to three scrutineers - Andrew Minogue, chief executive of the Pacific Games Council and vice-chair of the IWFs Independent Disciplinary and Ethics Commission, Jaloud, and Jose Quinones, an IWF Board member and president of the Pan American Weightlifting Federation.

Jaloud is a candidate in the IWF elections, which are due to be held on March 26-27, as is Vlad.

Quinones has an IWF Board seat as President of a continental federation.

Coffas brother, Sam, 85, who is President of the Australian Weightlifting Federation, sits on the IWF Board and is believed to be another election candidate.

The proposed involvement of IWF electoral candidates in Oceanias procedures was seen as unethical by several member federations.

Coffa said, "It was simply a recommendation.

"Obviously as we see there is quite a bit of non-trust in these individuals by some member countries, so we have reviewed this and will be recommending to the Executive Board that we utilise an independent company to conduct the elections.

"And we will investigate with them as to whether it can be done by both email and online in order to ensure that every Pacific country is given equal opportunity to cast their vote in a democratic and secure manner."

Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Marshall Islands have all opposed the plan to vote by email, and other federations among the OWFs 22 members are believed to be against the idea.

Coffa said, "So far we have received replies from more countries who are in favour to vote by email."

The elections could yet be delayed until whenever the Oceania Championships take place in Nauru, probably after the Olympic Games which are due to be in late July and early August.

The unhappy federations also complained of poor governance at the OWF, which has planned to hold the elections without first dealing with other business.

"The annual report and audited financial statements as well as other information as requested through properly filed motions for the Congress must be presented and be open to scrutiny by the delegates, before the elections," said Atma Maharaj of Weightlifting Fiji.

"The candidates for the incoming Executive Board, including those responsible for the affairs of the OWF for the past several years, must be fully scrutinised before the vote can take place.

"There is a considerable degree of anger in Oceania that our membership are being taken as the IWF and OWFs performing idiots, who can be brought out of our box when required to tick a ballot or two, and then returned.

"There is zero appetite for the OWF Congress and its elections to be allowed to be used as a platform, by any individual or groups for their own personal gain or advantage towards their own candidature for the IWF elections.

"A huge governance and integrity issue is confidentiality.

"Elections should be made by secret vote, but - according to the proposal - members shall send their votes by mail to IWF officials who might be candidates or political allies of Oceania officials, which is ridiculous."

Maharaj, life member and former President of Weightlifting Fiji, has been delegated to oversee governance matters relating to the IWF and OWF.

"There has been no explanation why this is happening," he added.

"Its not clear to us why the OWF would even have a meeting with IWF officials regarding an alternative proposal [to an online Congress]."

Coffa said, "The invitation to these IWF officials to attend the meeting was not for them to use it as a platform for their own personal gains."

Jaloud, Vlad and Sam Coffa had been invited to the past two OWF Board meetings "basically for the Board to get information first-hand in relation to the Olympic Games and qualification events, and pertaining to the Commonwealth Games, in order for the OWF to be updated as to exactly what is happening".

Vlad and Sam Coffa are joint technical delegates for weightlifting at Tokyo 2020.

Maharaj said any discussions on the format of the overdue Congress, which should have taken place last April, was a matter only for Oceanias member federations.

"It alarms me because there is the grave possibility that some of those attending may have major conflicts of interest."

Jerry Wallwork, President of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, said in his reply to Coffas letter, "We all know about the IOCs concerns over issues of questionable governance and transparency.

"And yet, we are now proposing to bring in further risk of mistrust and questionable practices that would result in future discord and instability in our region.

"With all due respect, the panel you have recommended as scrutineers should have no affiliation or association with any office holders or members, that may taint or affect the carriage of justice and fairness."

He said the scrutineers "must be clear of any perceived conflict of interest".

Wallwork said the OWF Board was clearly "incompetent" as it had failed to organise an online Congress, as it was prompted to do by member federations over the past six months.

Michael Bloomfield, president of the Tonga Weightlifting Federation, said the proposed email election was neither transparent nor independent in fact or in appearance".

Coffas letter said that a virtual meeting would not work because of connectivity problems in some of the worlds most remote nations, a view countered by Terry Sasser, secretary general of the Marshall Islands Weightlifting Federation and its National Olympic Committee.

Sasser, who coached his daughter Mattie - now a United States lifter - at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, said virtual platforms had been used "with great success" for a three-day meeting of National Olympic Committees, and by a number of other sports.

He added, "The world needs to see that weightlifting is addressing its governance and transparency issues."

Sasser said the OWF should appoint independent scrutineers, which it will now do, and that the first step towards transparency should be giving national federations the chance to voice their opinion during a virtual meeting, not by email.

Della Shaw-Elder, President of Weightlifting Fiji, said that no votes should be taken until an annual report and audited financial statements had been circulated to all members.

"We must know if we are voting for credible candidates," she said.

Coffa, who has been elected unopposed as general secretary since he first took the role in 1992, said, "Especially in the last 12 months, so many new projects have been implemented in our region There has been more money injected in 2020 than ever before.

"And most important, Oceania has been praised by the IWF for having come up with so many initiatives - including praise from those same people who are complaining now.

"Annual reports and audited financial statements have always been presented and adopted.

"Today the OWF has never been in a better financial position since its inception back in 1980.

"And no-one has been a full-time paid employee of the OWF working in the office - everything has been done on a voluntary basis."

Coffa has coached hundreds of medallists in international competition since he set up the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in Nauru in the 1990s.

"In 1994 when I moved to Nauru, there were only a few lifters scattered across the Pacific islands.

"And at no cost to them I spent 26 years of my life developing weightlifting in the Pacific and their lifters have won many, many medals.

"Now that the sport is booming and has very strong Pacific island contenders on the international platform, we are all of a sudden incompetent?"

On the subject of the format for voting, Coffa said, "Last year indeed one or two countries questioned whether the OWF should have its elections online, and we responded by saying that we know there are difficulties with some of the member federations and their access to good internet signals.

"The board is not arrogant and it does take notice of those member countries who experience these difficulties.

"Online virtual is very difficult, as quite a few countries will not be able to either link in or stay on.

"We have experienced this quite a few times, with our online tournaments and even our own executive board meetings."

Neither Marcus Stephen, President of the OWF and an IWF Board member, nor Minogue, who was not contactable until after the change of plan involving scrutineers, wished to comment.

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OWF drops IWF election candidates from "unethical" role and rebuts criticism - Insidethegames.biz

Best new hotels opening in Asia and Oceania in 2021 – The Week UK

Some of the worlds most stylish hotels and resorts are opening in 2021 - theyre just waiting for guests to come and experience the plush surroundings.

From ryokans in Japan to paradise islands in the Maldives, we pick out the most luxurious new places you can stay in this year in Asia and Oceania.

1

Australia

From its upstart hipster roots in Portland, Oregon, the artsy Ace Hotel brand has now been reshaping the look of mid-range digs for 20 years, says Mark OFlaherty inThe Daily Telegraph. The brand arrives in Australia towards the end of this year, bringing the usual mix of artisanal coffee, seasonal cocktails and in-room turntables to a new 19-storey, 264-room tower in Sydney. The building is already a landmark in the Surry Hills neighbourhood of the city, which has gone from being a laid-back eastern suburb to a hub for food and design. As we have come to expect from the team behind the Ace Hotel brand, it is working with local designers to create something unique. The rooftop bar and restaurant promise to be quite the sun-drenched scene.

2

Japan

Azumi Setoda is the first hotel of a new brand inspired by traditional Japanese inns known as ryokan, says Claire Wrathall in the Financial Times. It is set to open in March on the island of Ikuchijima in Japans Seto Inland Sea, in a splendid 19th-century building that was once the home of a powerful shipping family. The building has been restored and converted to accommodate 18 suites and four duplexes, each with its own garden or balcony, by Kyoto-based Shiro Miura, an expert in sukiya, a style of architecture dating back to the 16th century that strives to balance the elements. Rather than focus on luxury, the concepts at the heart of Azumi Setoda are culture, community, arts and food. Hence the neighbouring yabune, or public bathhouse, is intended for locals as much as guests. Rates start from 560.

3

Maldives

This 100-villa resort on the beaches of the North Mal Atoll will welcome its first guests from Q2 2021. Villas are built across four paradise islands, all with ocean and lagoon views of the crystal-clear waters. Each villa will be cared for by a dedicated Aris Meeha, or personal host, to tailor guests journey and look after their every need. Guests will be able to dine at seven different restaurants, as well as enjoy treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.

4

Maldives

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has unveiled the largest private island in the archipelagic state. The ultra exclusive destination spans 32,000sqm in the heart of the Indian Ocean and is only a 40-minute journey from Mal on the resorts Princess yachts or via a 15-minute seaplane flight. The sprawling estate accommodates 24 guests across two-, three- and four-bedroomed residences, placed across the islands private beach and overwater. The private island also comes with its own dedicated culinary team.

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Best new hotels opening in Asia and Oceania in 2021 - The Week UK