Monthly Archives: February 2022

Tracey Holmes

Friday4 February 2022

The International Olympic Committee has awarded ABC sports journalist Tracey Holmes the 2021 Women and Sports Award for Oceania.

Holmes is the first journalist to win the prestigious award, which theIOC said recognises hercontribution to reporting on womens sport and mentorship for the next generation of women sports journalists.

In 1989 I started a weekly segment on the ABC called Women in Sport, now the ABC has a 50:50 project for its coverage and the sports department is the standout performer, Holmes said.

This award is a tribute to all those women athletes and women sports administrators who persevered without money, coverage or recognition to create a world today where women in many countries can do and can be whatever they so choose.

It is also a tribute to my mother and father,from whom I learned we are all equal, and it is a tribute to all those many of them men who freely offered their mentorship and guidance throughout my career.

A trailblazer for 30 years, Holmes was the first woman to be appointed as a sports broadcast trainee at the ABC and went on to become the first female reporter in its national sports department and the first host, male or female, of a national sports program,ABC Grandstand. The Women in Sport program was influential in increasing coverage of womens sport in Australia.

As well as her broadcast and digital reporting Holmes hosts award-winning weekly sports show and podcast The Ticket. She is currently in Beijing reporting for the ABC on the Winter Olympics.

Kevan Gosper, honorary IOC member from Australia, said Holmess commitment to gender equality and the promotion of women in sports administration was integral to her professional work.

This is also an important acknowledgement by the IOC and the Women in Sport Commission recognising and rewarding the essential role the media play in how women in sport are portrayed and ensuring the equal coverage of womens sport and sportswomen by the media, he said.

More information is here.

Media contact: Sally Jackson | ABC Communications

jackson.sally@abc.net.au

See the article here:

IOC honours Tracey Holmes for her journalism and leadership - About the ABC

February 2, 2022 -- Transvulcania by UTMB in Spain, Kullamannen by UTMB in Sweden, and Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB in Australia join previously announced events for 2022 racing calendar --

(Chamonix, France) 2 February 2022/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ Just eight months after the concept was first launched, UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, organizers of the UTMB World Series have today confirmed a final calendar of 25 events across 16 different countries in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas for 2022. And, with the addition of three new events of Transvulcania by UTMB in Spain, Kullamannen by UTMB in Sweden, and Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB in Australia, the countdown to the first event of the year is officially on. Watch the video here.

The UTMB World Series will officially get underway with Croatias biggest trail running race, Istria 100 by UTMB, from the 7-10 April. Over 2,000 runners are expected to line up at the first ever UTMB World Series Event, for what will also be the first chance to qualify for the UTMB World Series Finals in the OCC, CCC and UTMB races at UTMB Mont-Blanc 2023.

The top three male and female finishers in the 50K, 100K and 100M categories will win automatic entry into the corresponding final, while regular runners will be able to collect Running Stones which can be used as entries into the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery. UTMB World Series Events are now the only place where participants can collect Running Stones in favour of the former points system and begin their journey to Chamonix, France. Find out more about registration for UTMB Mont-Blanc 2023, here.

Marie Sammons, UTMB World Series Sport and Regeneration Director, commented: The calendar for 2022 is exceptional and we are really excited to be working with such dedicated race organizers around the world who share our vision for excellence, inclusivity, comradery and accessibility. With 25 events in 2022, both amateur and elite runners around the world will be able to find a UTMB World Series Event closer to them, which for many will be the start of the journey to UTMB Mont-Blanc and the Finals. We look forward to welcoming athletes from across the globe to an event soon, and to delivering an unforgettable experience at the best races and in the most striking locations.

Three new events added, as calendar is revealed

Two of Europes leading events Transvulcania by UTMB in Spain and Kullamannen by UTMB in Sweden will further bolster the offering in the region with 16 events now confirmed across Europe. And runners in Australia will have more chances to live the UTMB experience Down Under with the confirmation of a second event in Australia, Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB.

Transvulcania by UTMB prepares for a remarkable return to the trails

The 273-square-mile island of La Palma, the westernmost island of Spains Canary Islands, will host the renowned Transvulcania by UTMB from 20-23 October 2022.

Celebrating its 12th edition in 2022 the first since 2019 the event is set to return stronger than ever for what is expected to be a particularly poignant edition following a significant volcano eruption on the island in 2021.

With around 2,500 participants and a deep elite field expected, the pinnacle 74km race starts from the south tip of the island at El Faro de Fuencaliente before runners race for the sky and the islands highest point at 2,420-meters. Runners can expect a variety of dramatic volcanic landscapes interspersed with pine groves, before finishing with the infamous descent to city of Los Llanos de Aridane.

Distances of 44km, 22km and a 7.6km vertical challenge are also on offer. Registrations for this sell-out event will be open from the 1-28 March on the official website, with the results of the lottery announced on 4 April.

A technical test of true trail running grit at Kullamannen by UTMB

Kullamannen by UTMB is more than just a trail race. Described as heaven, sea and hell, it consists of several distances from 22km to 100-miles on the wild and beautiful peninsulas Bjre and Kullaberg situated on the south of Sweden by the sea.

A technical test of true trail running grit, the course takes runners through fantastic nature reserves, before finishing at the magical Kullaberg. The adventurous track runs through narrow winding mountain trails, beautiful beech forests, and coastal paths, where runners can hear the waves crashing even under the darkness of night.

A pure Swedish trail adventure, the 2022 edition will take place on 4-6 November 2022. Entries open on 4 February on the event website.

A brand-new adventure at Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB

Runners will discover new heights Down Under at Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB Australias newest trail running event that has the countrys highest peak at its centre.

Hosted by the ski resort of Thredbo in New South Wales, the event will showcase the very best of the Snowy Mountains, as runners traverse through the scenic Kosciuszko National Park across 100-mile, 100km, 50km and 20km distances. Alpine meadows, snow gum forests and crystal-clear streams will showcase local nature at its best while runners ascend to the highest point in Australia.

Developed by the team behind Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB and New Zealands Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB, the inaugural Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB will take place from 15-18 December 2022 and is expected to welcome 1,500 runners to experience Oceanias newest, premium trail running event. Visit the official website here for more information.

Runners can plan their season and choose their next UTMB World Series adventure here.

UTMB World Series 2022 calendar of events*

*Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB (NZ) and Gaoligong by UTMB (China) cancelled in 2022

QUOTES:

Xavier Pocino Mogo, CEO UTMB Iberia, Transvulcania by UTMB

We didnt have any doubts that Transvulcania by UTMB had to become part of the UTMB World Series. Its a high standard race that has its own magic thanks to its volcanic terrain from sea level to 2,500-metre-high peaks and thanks to its people. Transvulcania by UTMB is an exciting race and runners from all over the world highlight the passion that the local people project into this great event.

Per Sjgren, Co-founder, Kullamannen by UTMB

The spirit of Kullamannen is rooted in adventure, this is not just a trail run its a challenge that will push your soul and body to your limits. We are adventure-loving runners. Kullaberg on the west coast of southern Sweden has been our playground for training and adventure since we came here the first time on a school excursion in third grade. We are thrilled to be able to showcase the incredible location and race to the world as part of the UTMB World Series in 2022.

Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of Oceania for The IRONMAN Group, Ultra-Trail Kosciusko by UTMB

The UTMB World Series is the pinnacle of global trail running and were thrilled that Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB has been selected to be a part of the inaugural series. Only the worlds best trail running events are a part of the UTMB World Series and we look forward to being a part of the series. Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB has been designed with our entire trail running community in mind, with unrivalled support crew access, unique spectator points, and of course an unmistakeable trail running vibe. At the core of an event like this is providing the best possible running experience for participants and to ensure that weve left no stone unturned, the courses have been expertly crafted by Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB founder Tom Landon-Smith, who is not only the countrys trail running expert but also lives in the region.

UTMB World Series

UTMB World Series is the worlds ultimate trail-running circuit that unites the sports biggest stars and amateur runners through the best, leading international events in the most stunning locations. Built on a passion for the mountains with sustainability at its heart, UTMB World Series gives all trail runners the chance to experience the UTMB adventure across the world, with events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe and the Americas in 2022. It is the only place where runners can begin their quest to UTMB Mont-Blanc, France, where the prestigious UTMB World Series Finals will be held. For more information, visit http://www.utmb.world.

UTMB Group

Over the last 18 years, and since the creation of UTMB Mont-Blanc in 2003 by a group of passionate friends, UTMB Group has been the driving force behind the development of trail running. The UTMB Mont-Blanc is the sports pinnacle event, and every year, 10,000 runners earn their place on the start line. UTMB Group also pioneered the LiveTrail technology, an innovative digital service that supports the management of endurance races. Revered by hundreds of thousands of athletes, UTMB has become a global, premium, and leading brand. In May 2021, UTMB Group partnered with The IRONMAN Group to launch the UTMB World Series, which from 2022, will bring together many of the best international events on the planet to provide exclusive access to the sports pinnacle event, UTMB Mont-Blanc. The UTMB World Series is built on the founding principles of UTMB Mont-Blanc: surpassing oneself; fair-play; respect for people and the environment; and solidarity. Find out more at http://www.utmb.world.

About The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN Virtual Racing (VR) Series, 5150 Triathlon Series, the Rock n Roll Running Series, the Rock n Roll Virtual Running Series, IRONKIDS, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and The Sun-Herald City2Surf, UTMB World Series events including Tarawera Ultramarathon and Ultra-Trail Australia, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic, road cycling events including Haute Route, and gravel racing like Gravel Epic, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the companys vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business. For more information, visit http://www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group

CONTACT

UTMB World Series French & Swiss media enquiries:

presse@utmb.worldHugo Joyeux UTMB World Series Press Officer+33 4 50 53 47 51

UTMB World Series international media enquiries:

presse@utmb.worldSabina Mollart Rogerson International Press Officert: +44 7922 140148

nicola.dawson@utmb.worldNicola Dawson UTMB World Series Media & PR ManagerT: +44 7919051417

The IRONMAN Group media enquiries:

press@ironman.comDan Berglund

Read more from the original source:

UTMB World Series ready to run into inaugural year, with addition of three events to confirmed 2022 calendar - Endurance Sportswire

Charlotte Caslick and Henry Hutchison have been named the 2021 Shawn Mackay Womens and Mens Sevens Players of the Year awards.

Named in memory of Shawn Mackays life and his contribution to Rugby, this award recipient is representative of both a mens and womens player who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their respective Sevens program, and whose level of sportsmanship and leadership upholds the values of Rugby.

Both players were standouts during the Australian Sevens 2021 campaign, most notably leading the charge at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Caslick kicked off Australias Olympic campaign, scoring the opening try on day one of competition and remained true to form the remainder of the campaign, finding the line against Japan, China and bronze medallists Fiji.

Following the Olympics, Caslick has since led the Australian Women to back-to-back titles in Dubai, accumulating 65 points in the opening two rounds.

Similarly, mens vice-captain Hutchison also returned to the Olympic stage following impressive performances in the lead up to the pinnacle event. Hutchison was instrumental in Australias success during the PacificAus Sport Oceania sevens in Townsville and has gone on to steer the Australians to a second-place finish on the World Series in Dubai.

Australian Sevens Performance Manager Scott Bowen said: Shawn represented everything we hope our program members can be both on and off the field, and this award holds a special place in the program.

Both Charlotte and Henry are leaders in every aspect of their game, from how they prepare, train and play and it is an example our younger squad members look up to.

Australian Womens Sevens player Charlotte Caslick said: Its an honour to be chosen for this award given all it represents.

While we didnt have the campaign we wanted in 2021, towards the end of the year we started to come together as a team and Im excited to play with such an incredible group as we progress through the World Series.

Rugby isnt a game of individual awards, but Im certainly honoured to be recognised by my peers and know Ill have a hard time retaining this honour next year.

Australian Mens Sevens player Henry Hutchison said: I am delighted to receive the Shawn Mackay award. To be recognised by your teammates for your contribution to the team is very humbling and is the greatest honour a player can receive.

Shawn typified what it meant to be an Australian 7s player and my father actually taught him at Waverley. So, the award is extra special to my family and myself.

2021 was a tough year and it didnt play out the way we wanted it to. However, there were so many learnings for our group, and this has added to our hunger as we look to make Rugby Australia, our fans and the country proud of this program moving forward.

There has been a massive attitude shift in this area of our group, and I cant wait to see where it takes us.

Their recognition is part of a week-long celebration of the Rugby Australia Awards which will culminate in the 2021 John Eales Medal being announced on Sunday morning (AEDT).

See the rest here:

Caslick and Hutchison claim 2021 Shawn Mackay player of the year awards | Latest Rugby News | RUGBY.com.au - Rugby.com.au

Global Deforestation and Forest Growth over 30 Years

Forests are the great carbon capturers of our planet, and they are a key source of wildlife habitats and vital resources for people around the world.

But deforestation is threatening this natural infrastructure, releasing carbon into the atmosphere while simultaneously reducing wildlife diversity and making our environment more susceptible to environmental disasters.

This graphic looks at global deforestation and forest growth over the past 30 years, mapping out the net forest change by country and region using data from the UNs Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Today, forests make up around 31% of the Earths total land area, spanning 15.68 million square miles (40.6 million km). Over the past three decades, the world lost a bit more than 4% (685,300 square miles) of its forests, which equates to an area about half the size of India.

Europe and Asia were the only two regions which had significant overall forest growth during this time period, while Oceania saw no significant change and North and Central America saw a slight reduction.

Source: UN Food and Agriculture Organization

Africa along with South America and the Caribbean were the regions with the greatest amount of net forest loss, both losing more than 13% of their forests over the past 30 years. This is largely because these two regions have large amounts of forest area available, with the underlying land in high demand for agriculture and cattle-raising.

Although the overall forest loss around the world is massive, the rate of forest loss has slowed down over the past three decades. While an average of 30,116 square miles were lost each year between 1990 to 2000, between 2010 to 2020 that number has dropped to 18,146 square miles, showing that the rate of overall loss has fallen by almost 40%.

Despite an overall slowing down of forest loss, certain countries in South America along with the entirety of Africa are still showing an increase in the rate of forest loss. Its in these regions where most of the countries with the largest reduction in forest area are located:

Source: UN Food and Agriculture Organization

Brazil, home to most of the Amazon rainforest, saw 356,287 square miles of net forest loss, largely fueled by farmers using the land to raise cattle for beef. Its estimated that 80% of the deforested land area of the Amazon has been replaced with pastures, with the resulting beef production known to be among the worst meats for the environment in terms of carbon emissions.

The other great driver of deforestation is seed and palm oil agriculture. These oils account for about 20% of the worlds deforestation carbon emissions, and their production concentrated in Indonesia and Malaysia is now expanding to other Asian countries along with Africa.

While the demand for beef and palm oils drives deforestation, initiatives like the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) are providing incentives to protect forest land.

Select countries in the European Union along with the United Kingdom and South Korea have committed $494.7 million to six central African nations (Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo) for them to preserve their forests and pursue low emission pathways for sustainable development. The initiative has seen $202 million transferred thus far and an anticipated reduction of 75 million tons of CO2 emissions.

Its estimated that forests absorb around 30% of the worlds carbon emissions each year, making them the greatest and most important carbon sinks we have on land. When you pair this with the fact that deforestation contributes around 12% of annual greenhouse gas emissions, the importance of forest preservation becomes even more clear.

But we often forget how much forests protect our environment by acting as natural buffers against extreme weather. Forests increase and ensure rainfall security, making nearby land areas significantly less susceptible to wildfires and natural droughts in hot and dry seasons along with flooding and landslides in wet seasons.

With every dollar invested in landscape restoration yielding up to $30 in benefits, reducing deforestation and investing in reforestation is considered an effective way to reduce the difficulty and costs of meeting climate and environmental protection goals. This is without even considering the benefits of maintaining the worlds largest wildlife habitat and source of species diversity, the home of the nearly 70 million indigenous people who live in forests, and the livelihood of 1.6 billion people who rely on forests every day.

Despite the short-term acceleration in forest loss seen in 2020, there have been positive signs about forest regrowth coming to light. A recent study found that previously deforested land can recuperate its soil fertility in about a decade, and layered plants, trees, and species diversity can recover in around 25-60 years.

Along with this, in some instances these regrowing secondary forests can absorb more carbon dioxide than primary forests, giving hope that a global reforestation effort can absorb more emissions than previously thought possible.

From better financial incentives for local farmers and ranchers to preserve forest area to larger scale policies and initiatives like CAFI, curbing deforestation and promoting reforestation requires a global effort. Reversing forest loss in the coming decades is a daunting but necessary step towards stabilizing the climate and preserving the environment that billions of animals and people rely on.

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Interactive: Natural Disasters Around the World Since 1900 - Visual Capitalist