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MARIA SHARAPOVA Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (Russian: Мари́я Ю́рьевна Шара́пова listen (help·info)) (born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player and the current World No. 1.[4]As of the end of 2006, she was the world's highest-paid female athlete.[2] Sharapova has won two Grand Slam singles titles. She is the reigning U.S. Open champion, having defeated Justine Henin in the final of the 2006 U.S. Open. Two years earlier, she defeated Serena Williams in the final at Wimbledon. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Add your content here Welcome to the Night Life ( NightLife ), RMC OnLine Sports Internet Network.  This is the Sports Page Cultural Sectionals of an Inter - City Cultural Communications web site program between various cities and Ithaca, New York.  Ever since two female grad students of Cornell University made a suggestion back in the Fall of 2004, alot has changed since I posted my firt NightLife online publication - Ithaca Night Life, NY, which since has changed to both Ithaca Night Life ( NightLife ), NY and www dot ithacanightlife dot com.   Mr. Roger M. Christian 607 - 451 - 8663 S__P__O__R__T__S      N__E__W__S    AT    A    GLANCE: Sport; Story Boards: Story Boards: The sky's the limit in inner-city basketball in the United States. (Vincent Laforet/The New York Times) BasketBall     NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Raleigh, NC, United States, 01/22/2007 - The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the creation of the MEAC Music Pass, a major addition to the 2007 Basketball Tournament entertainment lineup     The pass, which is included at no extra charge in the ticket price for individual games and ticket books, will highlight artists at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC/Wake County immediately following select tournament games. Headliners include SWV, Urban Mystic, and a surprise celebrity performance. “We’ve added a new dimension this year with the music pass, fulfilling our promise to make 2007 the biggest tournament in MEAC history,” said Dr. Dennis Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. “Through these three concerts, free with admission to the games, these stars will capture the spirit of the tournament, while each adding a unique element. We’re so pleased that our partnership with these artists will bring the MEAC Music Pass to life.” The acts included in the MEAC Music Pass will hold performances beginning on Thursday, March 8, 2007 and continue through the finals on Saturday, March 10. SWV kicks of the MEAC Music Pass on Thursday night. Urban Mystic performs immediately following the games on Friday night, and a surprise celebrity guest will close out the tournament after the championship games on Saturday night. About the Performers SWV - (performs Thursday, March 8) is an all girl trio that burst onto the music scene in 1992. Their debut album release, It’s About Time, went double platinum in the first year, and ended up with triple-platinum status. Their top-10 Billboard singles included “I’m So Into You” and “Weak” which remained at #1 for two weeks. From there, the group went to win numerous music awards, and performed on a sold-out tour with LL Cool J and Naughty by Nature. In later years, SWV still produced hits, with #1 singles like “Rain”, which was recently sampled by rapper Chingy in his hit “Calling Me Back.” SWV performed on the New Jack Swing Reunion Tour in 2006 and is expected to release their fifth album in 2007.    Urban Myths:     Urban Mystic - (performs Friday, March 9th) is a 21-year-old artist with the soul and flavor of old school classic rhythm and blues artists Al Green and Bobby Womack, to whom he is often compared. Growing up, Urban spent every weekend singing in his church, a tradition he practices today. From Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Urban Mystic mixes hip flavor with southern style in his first two albums, Ghetto Revelations I and II.  The 2004 Miami Music Awards voted him “Best New Artist,” and has since worked with famed producers Kay Gee and Scott Storch. His single “It’s You,” off his second album, hit the #1 spot on the Billboard’s R&B singles chart for seven weeks. His latest ambition led him to tour with Angie Stone.   About the MEAC Basketball Tournament The MEAC Basketball Tournament involves 11 Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman College, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, and South Carolina State University.  The tournament is played in Raleigh (Wake County) through 2008. Both the men’s and women’s tournament champion receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, at MEAC School Box Offices and at the RBC Center Box Office. FootBall     FOOTBALL LEADERS FROM SEVEN COUNTRIES FORM PAN-AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL February 8, 2007 VIENNA, VA. – Football is truly turning into a global game.  During the lead up to Super Bowl XLI last week, seven countries from the Americas gathered in Miami to form the first-ever Pan-American Federation of American Football.  The mission of the new the Pan-American Federation of American Football (PAFAF) is to help grow the game of American Football in North, South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck was elected president.   "We made history last week by creating PAFAF as we support, and in times lead, the development of American Football internationally," Hallenbeck said. "It's an honor to serve as the first president of PAFAF and lead such a passionate and committed group of national federation representatives, who enthusiastically pursue growing American Football in their countries."   The Federation was founded at a meeting between representatives of football organizations from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, and Uruguay in Miami on Tuesday, January 29.   Four of the seven charter members of PAFAF (United States, Canada, Mexico and Guatemala) are already members of the nine-year-old International Federation of American Football (IFAF), ---  --- which was formed in 1998 with the expressed purpose of promoting the development of American Football worldwide. PAFAF will be the Pan-America Continental representative to IFAF.    IFAF   “The creation of the Pan-American Federation of American Football is further proof of the fast global growth of American Football,” said Tommy Wiking of Sweden, President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). “IFAF will continue its work to spread football and the only remaining continent is now Africa."   Among the issues PAFAF’s charter members discussed in the formation meeting were the organization’s statutes, election of officers and plans for growing the sport in the Western hemisphere.   T__h__e   Delegates   Delegates from the eight countries also elected Jorge Orobio Rojas (Mexico), Marco Cobar (Guatemala), Guillermo Suarez (Panama) and Fernando Rodriguez (Uruguay) to the Board of Directors.     - USA FOOTBALL - BaseBall   Baysox "Dirty Jobs" Episode A Hit, Re-Airs February 25th The Discovery Channel's #1 rated show, "Dirty Jobs," featured the Bowie Baysox in an episode that aired on Tuesday, January 31st, titled "Well Digger". The "Dirty Jobs" crew spent 14 hours with the Baysox taping the episode with Mike Rowe doing a variety of jobs. Mike was put to the test, taking on such tedious task as cutting the grass, assisting the Grounds Crew dragging the infield and warning track, washing the players uniforms and shoes, learning the basics of sliding, singing the National Anthem, learning the art of heckling from Baysox resident heckler, J.D. and capping it off with a dip in the whirlpool. The "Well Digger" episode featuring the Baysox, will re-air on the following dates: February 25th @ 8:00pm February 26th @ 12:00 am Keep checking back for more re-air dates as the schedule is updated. This is the second time the Baysox have been featured on a cable television show. In May 2004, the Baysox were featured by NBC Today's weatherman Al Roker in a show on the Food Network show titled, "Roker on the Road." Want to sport the hat Mike Rowe wore during his Baysox taping, click HERE to go to our merchandise page. Click HERE, to keep up to date on all the the happenings on "Dirty Jobs" by visiting the Discovery fan site. Click HERE, for a complete photo gallery of "Dirty Jobs" day with the Baysox on August Wayne Gretzky Hockey : WHA CEO Ricky Smith to Appear on Sub Penny Radio VANCOUVER, BC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- February 23, 2007 -- World Hockey Association (PINKSHEETS: <WHKA) is proud to announce Ricky Smith, President and CEO of WHA, will be appearing live on Sub Penny Radio to answer questions and talk about all things WHKA. You can hear the show at 8:30pm eastern time Monday the 26th of February About Sub Penny Radio SubPennyRadio is a commercial-free, interactive broadcast offering listeners exclusive interviews with subject-matter experts, insight into enterprising companies, and detailed technical analysis. The show scans the trading field covering well-known companies to undiscovered market gems trading on the US stock exchange and OTC/OTCBB. For additional information: http://www.subpennyradio.com. About the World Hockey Association The WHA created the WHA Junior West Hockey League to promote the sport of hockey. The Junior West Hockey League is an alternative, community-based league for highly skilled junior players, and is designed to promote high standards of sportsmanship in hockey. As a listed company on the Over-The-Counter Pink Sheets our mission is to provide a financially sound economic model that is responsible to WHA investors, coaches and staff, and the junior hockey players participating on each team. Fan satisfaction is a primary consideration in our decision making process.  Forward-Looking-Statements  Safe Harbour statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the company's operations, markets, products and prices and other factors discussed in the company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lacrosse         Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, today announced the schedule for its seventh season of outstanding action, according to MLL Commissioner David Gross. Each MLL team will play 12 games with Boston and Washington opening the season on May 12th in the nation’s capitol. “The 2006 season was our most exciting one yet as we set numerous attendance records and we expect to build on that in 2007,” said Gross. “We think some of the new rivalries that began developing in 2006 will really rise this season. Particularly in the Western Conference where teams play each other three times. Last year San Francisco did not become the fourth team to qualify for Championship Weekend until they overcame a fourth quarter eight-goal deficit to beat Chicago 16-15 in OT. We expect the same competitiveness from all of our teams in 2007.”                 MLL will debut its 2007 season with an opening weekend in Washington D.C. as the Boston Cannons travel to take on the Bayhawks for the first MLL action in D.C. The first full week of the season there will be four games. The top game could be in Chicago where the Machine hosts Los Angeles at Toyota Park, the Machine’s new home.   The Outlaws set the MLL attendance record last year (15,981) when they played on July 1st. This year’s game will again be followed by fireworks. There will be two games played on July 5th before MLL takes the weekend off for the All Star Game on July 8th.   In week two the Rochester Rattlers and Long Island Lizards make their 2007 debuts. New Jersey will play in Los Angeles for the first time while San Francisco will be making its first pilgrimage to Philadelphia.   The Warrior Major League Challenge and MLL Draft will occur after week two (May 30). Other schedule highlights include Chicago at Denver on the fourth of July. The second half will kick off with a repeat of the 2006 MLL championship game when Philadelphia plays at Denver.   The MLL Championship Weekend will conclude the 2007 season on the weekend of August 25th-26th.   For a complete list of MLL games please click here. .   MAJOR LEAGUE LACROSSE   Major League Lacrosse, a ten-team professional outdoor lacrosse league, was founded in 1999 by fitness entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld, CEO of Body by Jake Global L.L.C., and founding partners Dave Morrow, a former champion lacrosse player and now CEO of Warrior Lacrosse, a leading global provider of innovative and high performance lacrosse equipment; Timothy B. Robertson, former CEO of The Family Channel and the current chairman of Bay Shore Enterprises, L.L.C., an investment holding company with activities in international media and Internet technology ventures; and Jim Davis, chairman and CEO of New Balance. The MLL commenced play in June of 2001. The MLL is comprised of two conferences. The Eastern Conference contains the original six teams, Boston, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Rochester and Washington. The Western Conference debuted in the 2006 season with MLL expansion franchises Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additional league information can be found at    www.majorleaguelacrosse.com Fencing :   Junior Olympics comes to Denver The United States Fencing Association's premier junior event of the season, the Junior Olympic Fencing Championships, will be held at Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, February 16-19, 2007. Almost 1,700 fencers will compete in age groups for Championship titles in 12 events. The competition will also be the final domestic selection competition for athletes trying to qualify for the United States team to the World Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships to be held in Belek, Turkey, April 10-18, 2007. The Junior Olympic Fencing Championships have attracted fencers from almost all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. Many local competitors are expected, as well. With many of the fencers accompanied by parents, siblings, and coaches, it is expected that the competition will bring Denver at least 4,000 visitors. Events will be held in the Under-20 and Under-17 age categories in the six fencing weapons: men's and women's foil, epee, and saber. Fencers as young as 13 years of age may qualify. States with the largest number of fencers at the J.O.s are New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado and Massachusetts. Athletes were required to qualify through either their local qualifying competitions or at National point events that began in October. Many members of the 2006 Junior World Championships teams are scheduled to compete and attempt to earn berths to this year's Championships. This is an excellent opportunity to see some of the country's finest athletes in action, many of whom hold the promise of becoming future Olympians. The public is invited to attend all events free of charge. Competition starts Friday, Feb. 16 at 8:30 a.m. and will continue through the early evening with finals each afternoon and evening. About the JOs: The JOs began in 1972 in Niles, Ill. with 100 fencers in four events. The event has grown consistently throughout the years; in 1996 the enormous growth of the tournament required the need to focus on two age groups the Under-17 and the Under-20 (Cadet and Junior). This year's Junior Olympics is one of the largest in recent years. About the USFA: The U.S. Fencing Association is the National Governing Body for the sport in the U.S., is a member of the the U.S. Olympic Committee and international fencing federation. The USFA selects athletes for the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, World Championships and World University Games and is responsible for developing programs for international success as well as grassroots development of the sport.   Notes: Top Locals: 57 competitors from Colorado are scheduled to compete. Several from Colorado are among the top competitors in various events, including: Nicholas Chinman, Boulder, Colo: U-20 Men's Foil and U-20 Men's Epee.In 2005, Chinman pulled off a feat no other fencer in recent history has -- he represented the U.S. in six events at the 2005 Junior and Cadet World Championships: Junior and Cadet individual Foil and Epee, plus the Junior Foil and Epee Team events. He earned the silver in the Under-17 foil event.   World Champions: Two fencers scheduled to compete in Denver have earned the title of World Champion! Jackie Jacobson (17, Dunwoody, Ga./Nellya Fencers) and Caroline Vloka (16, Upper Saddle River, N.J./Fencers Club) were members of the 2006 Junior Women's Saber World Championships team which earned the team gold last year. For head shots, media guides, bios or to contact any of the athletes please e-mail or call Cindy Bent, (614) 746-6733, USFencingMedia@earthlink.net. See [ 1 ] Fencing Below ..... For More Information Please Contact: Cindy Bent, US Fencing Media Relations 614.746.6733* USFencingMedia@earthlink.net   Author: Cindy Bent Findlay  Organization: U.S. Fencing Association Phone: 614.746.6733 Figure Ice Skating:   The 2007 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships concluded Friday in Colorado Springs, USA, with the Ladies Free Skating and the Exhibition Gala. Ladies, Free Skating The Ladies were the last ones to find out who their Champions are. Kimmie Meissner (USA) vaulted from sixth to first to capture the title. Her teammate Emily Hughes earned the silver medal while Canada’s Joannie Rochette settled for the bronze. Both Americans competed for the first time at Four Continents. Rochette had competed in the event three times before but never medalled. Overnight leader Rochette was the first of the top contenders to skate. She opened her program to the Spanish inspired soundtrack of “Don Juan” with a solid triple flip-double toe-double loop combination, but then she popped her Lutz. The Canadian Champion recovered to hit a triple loop, a triple flip, a double Axel-triple toe sequence and a triple Salchow-double toeloop combination, but her Lutz failed her again at the end, she singled the second attempt as well. The Technical Panel graded three of her spins a level four. Rochette received 109.30 points (55.03 element score/54.27 program component score). She collected 165.90 points overall, which was not enough to hold on to first place, and she slipped to third.    Next up was Hughes, who put out a powerful performance to “Sylvia” by Leo Delibes. The 18-year-old nailed a double Axel, a triple flip, triple Lutz, triple toe-double toe combination, another triple Lutz and Flip as well as a triple Salchow. However, the second Lutz and Flip were not in combination, and she also touched down on the entry of the first flying sit spin. Her other three spins were good and she earned a level four for the layback. The National silver medallist scored 111.26 points (54.73/56.53), improving her previous personal of 104.84 points. Overall Hughes accumulated 166.60 points and remained in second place. Kimmie Meissner skated next to last. The reigning World Champion stood only in sixth place after falling on her triple Lutz in the Short Program, but she came back strong today. Performing to “Galicie Flamenco” the 17-year-old produced a triple Lutz-triple toe combination, a double Axel, triple Salchow, loop and another Lutz. Her only mistake came when she popped the flip into a single. Meissner earned a level four for her two combination spins and the spiral sequence. At the end of her program she happily waved to the crowd and knew that she would move up. The U.S. Champion got 120.26 points (61.10/59.16) which added up to a total of 172.75 and took the gold. “This title means a lot to me. It’s my first Four Continents and I’m excited to have the title now”, Meissner said. “I felt really excited to go out there and do a good program.  It felt good to land those Lutzes. The last year has been like a whirlwind. Making the Olympics was a big goal of mine and to achieve that was great and then to win Worlds just added to the excitement. It was hard, because I didn’t get to train as much as I would have liked to, but I think I caught up now. I feel in great shape and hopefully keep the ball rolling into Worlds.” She added that she hopes to include a triple Axel into the program at the World Championships in March. ”They were really good this week, I landed a bunch of them in practice. If I can get it trained and ready and really have it then we’ll definitely see it at Worlds. They’ve taken a good turn”, the skater explained. “Coming off Nationals my goal here was to achieve a new personal best and to skate a clean program. I’m really happy with myself that I did both of those things. I felt momentum from Nationals till now and hopefully it will carry into Worlds. In practice I felt a little more tired than I did out there, but every time I go out there I want to do a clean performance and this is a first for me for the season, so I’m really happy for that and hoping to build on it. As the program kept going I knew even though I didn’t do the first two combinations I really just wanted to land the last three jumps, because at Nationals I fell on one of them”, Hughes told the press. “I feel ok about my program. Of course I was holding back a little bit too much. The Lutz was just a technical mistake today, but I’m glad that I did the loop. It was the first time this season that I did it. It’s been great in practice, but I think it was a mental block. My Lutz is fine. I’m building confidence for Worlds, and I’ll keep on training. I have more time to get ready before the next competition and this week I just gained more confidence”, Rochette commented. “Of course I’m working on triple-triple combinations, but I don’t think that’s the only thing that is important to get to the top. I will have to improve my spins, presentation, speed, there’re a lot of areas where you can get points now in the free skate. But in the short it’s really important to have that combination. We’re working on that“, she answered when asked whether she plans to include a triple-triple combination for her next competition.   Aki Sawada (JPN) gave a strong performance as well. She landed five triple jumps, but overall slipped from third to fourth at 156.88 points. Alissa Czisny (USA) came in fifth. She missed one flip and another triple flip and the second Lutz were underrotated and downgraded (154.03 points). For more information and full results please see: www.isu.org and www.4continents.com.Add your content here ISU World Short Track  Speed Skating Championships Milan/Italy 9 - 11 March Entries/Results Official Website WORLD No. 1 MARIA SHARAPOVA ENTERS 2007 FAMILY CIRCLE CUP Four of the Top Five Players in the World to Compete in Premier Charleston Event Tennis CHARLESTON, SC (January 30, 2007) Maria Sharapova, the most recognizable and highest paid female athlete in the world, has officially entered the 2007 Family Circle Cup. At only nineteen years old, this two-time Grand Slam champion returns to Charleston with stellar career marks including 15 singles titles, a 239-56 win-loss record and over $9 million in winnings. Yesterday she regained the World No. 1 ranking, marking the 8th week in her career that she has held the top spot in women’s professional tennis. Since computer rankings were started in 1973, only 15 women have achieved the status of World No. 1 on the women’s professional tennis tour. This year, the Family Circle Cup is proud to feature four members of that elite club who will be joining a host of other top players battling for one of the most coveted trophies in women’s tennis. With the addition of World No. 1 Maria Sharapova, this year’s Family Circle Cup player field now boasts four of the top five players in the world including Justine Henin-Hardenne, Amélie Mauresmo and Svetlana Kuznetsova.   The 2007 Family Circle Cup is scheduled for April 7th-15th at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, South Carolina.  “Maria is one of the most sought-after players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and her commitment to play this event takes the Family Circle Cup to a whole new level,” commented Robin Reynolds, Family Circle Cup Tournament Director. “Not only is she the world’s top female player, but Maria is also a celebrity that transcends tennis, and we are very pleased that she’ll be here in April.” “I have very pleasant memories of my trip to Charleston four years ago and I’m looking forward to playing in the tournament and enjoying some time in the city,” noted reigning US Open Champion / World No. 1 player Maria Sharapova. “The Family Circle Cup has a great reputation on the Tour, especially with the players, so I’m excited to be coming back and starting my clay court season at such a wonderful event.”   continues       _______________________ Golf:    New Web Site Makes Planning Northeast Florida Golf Trips Easy and Affordable TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course Reopens after Renovations » Florida’s First Coast of Golf Prepares for THE PLAYERS Championship 2007 JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2006) – Northeast Florida will welcome golf’s best once again for the 2007 edition of the THE PLAYERS Championship, May 7-13, 2007.  In 2007, the event moves from its traditional March time frame to its new dates in May.  The dates aren’t the only thing new.  The upcoming tournament will offer improvements to the course and a new clubhouse.  There’s also something new for the fans, a new Web site for those interested in purchasing tickets, packages, and stay and play trips – http://www.movingtomay.com/.  Launched by Florida’s First Coast of Golf, a trusted resource for travelers planning a golf trip to Northeast Florida, MovingtoMay.com is a one-stop shopping option that gives fans an opportunity to purchase THE PLAYERS Championship tickets, book accommodations, and arrange for tee times. ¼br /> In addition, the site offers fans an opportunity to register and win a free stay and play package, including passes to the tournament.  The grand prize winner and a guest of the Inside THE Players sweepstakes will receive: • Clubhouse passes to THE PLAYERS 2007 Championship • One-day PGA TOUR Golf Academy Experience • Tickets to THE PLAYERS party on May 9 • Tours of the World Golf Hall of Fame and players’ practice areas • Four-nights double occupancy standard accommodations at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine. • Three rounds of golf for winner and guest at a Florida’s First Coast of Golf course  To experience the 2007 THE PLAYERS Championship, vacationers can simply visit www.MovingtoMay.com on the Web.¼br /> While experiencing the tournament, golf fans can experience all that Florida’s First Coast of Golf has to offer in way of golf and accommodations.  Courses feature layouts ranging from ocean links to pine forest, designed by the greats like Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Bobby Weed, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Donald Ross.  Accommodation styles range from deluxe hotel rooms to ocean villas to four-bedroom golf course homes.  In addition to golf, vacationers can take advantage of spa experiences, beach time, water sports, nature activities or simply lounging by a sparkling blue pool.Š NASCAR Auto Racing   FINDLAY, Ohio -- Marathon Oil Corp. on Tuesday announced a two-year contract with Petty Enterprises as sponsor of the No. 45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge driven by Kyle Petty. "Continuing to partner with the legendary Richard Petty and his race team brings a great deal of added value to Marathon's NASCAR sponsorship," said Mary Ellen Peters, MPC senior vice president of marketing. "During the 2006 season, Kyle Petty had a series of top-25 finishes. He ended the season solidly in the top 35 in owner points. "We are really excited about the sponsorship and we are looking forward to the upcoming season and what lies ahead for the No. 45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge."   The 45 car will carry Marathon as the primary sponsor for 14 races. "We can't thank Marathon enough for their added support in 2007," Kyle Petty said. "Marathon's primary sponsorship of more races shows increased confidence in our commitment to winning at Petty Enterprises. "We're proud to partner with Marathon in NASCAR. We are looking forward to their partnership in the years to come." __________________ Horse Racing:   Mile to Become First International Qualifying Race for Breeders' Cup World : By: Jim Gluckson, Breeders' Cup (212) 230-9512 Mark Player, Hong Kong Jockey Club +852 29668952   Hong Kong Jockey Club Champions Mile to Become First International Qualifying Race for Breeders' Cup World Championships; Organizations to Work Jointly to Cross Promote, Expand Wagering; Additional Bonus to Link NetJets Breeders' Cup Mile and Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile. The Group I Hong Kong Jockey Club Champions Mile will become the first race held outside the United States in the new Breeders' Cup Challenge, a series of official qualifying races for the Breeders' Cup World Championships, officials of Breeders' Cup Limited announced today in conjunction with the Hong Kong Jockey Club.   In 2006, Breeders' Cup Limited introduced the Breeders' Cup Challenge and its "Win and You're In" designation, a series of 24 officially sanctioned races whose winners qualify automatically for their respective divisional races for the $23 million, 11-race Breeders' Cup World Championships (provided they are nominated and otherwise eligible for the Breeders' Cup) which will be held October 26 and 27 at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Scheduled for April 29 and carrying a purse of just over $1 million (U.S.), the 2007 Champions Mile at Sha Tin will be the first in a proposed international expansion of the Breeders' Cup Challenge, Breeders' Cup officials said. The Champions Mile was inaugurated in 2001 and was won for the last two years by Bullish Luck, first upsetting the previously unbeaten Silent Witness in 2005 and last year netting a $1 million (U.S.) bonus for adding a second victory in the four-legged Asian Mile Challenge in the Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo.   "The Breeders' Cup World Championships attract the very best Thoroughbreds from around the world," said Bill Farish, Breeders' Cup Chairman. "Extending the Breeders' Cup Challenge to some of the top international races is a natural development of the Breeders' Cup Challenge. We are excited to welcome the Hong Kong Jockey Club Champions Mile the first international race under the Breeders' Cup Challenge banner in 2007." Mr. John C C Chan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, welcomed the news saying: "It is one of the greatest compliments yet paid to the continued rising quality of Hong Kong racing that two of our signature international races are to tie in with the Breeders' Cup. We are very proud and delighted to have reached a strategic partnership that also strengthens Hong Kong's position at the cutting edge of international racing." Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the HKJC's Chief Executive Officer, added: "Racing's future lies in its globalisation, and it is vital that we promote it as a sport that transcends local borders. "This landmark agreement link between the Club and Breeders' Cup Limited will have two immediate and very positive benefits: it will enhance international competition on the racetrack and deepen commingled betting pools off it. "It is also very important to establish links with million-dollar prize-money incentives between some of the world's greatest Mile races, two of which are highlights at the end of season world championships in North America and Hong Kong," he added. The Champions Mile is likely to be the only non-U.S. race in the Breeders' Cup Challenge in 2007, but the program is expected to expand beyond that in 2008 to include additional international races, Breeders' Cup officials indicated. The Agreement.......     As part of the agreement, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will accept wagering on the Breeders' Cup World Championships and advertise and promote the event to its account holders.   "One of the primary areas of future growth for the Breeders' Cup is the international wagering market, and Hong Kong is a lynchpin of that growth," said Greg Avioli, Breeders' Cup President. "We look forward to marketing the Breeders' Cup World Championships to the enthusiastic racing fans in Hong Kong, in particular, and to other markets in Asia."   The two parties will also conduct joint marketing and cross-promotional programs to be developed in the coming months. Breeders' Cup Limited administers the Breeders' Cup World Championships; Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of 11 races and $23 million in purses. The organization also administers the Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program. Breeders' Cup Ltd. is located in Lexington, Ky. Breeders' Cup press releases appear on the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and at the Web site for the Breeders' Cup World Championships, breederscup.com. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is Hong Kong's only authorised operator of horse racing. This is realised through a unique not-for-profit business model whereby surpluses go to charitable and community projects. The Club's vision is to be a world leader in the provision of horse racing, sporting and betting entertainment, and Hong Kong's premier charity and community benefactor. Free Nominations for the Champions Mile close on March 9, 2007. Nominations can be made online at    www.hkjc.com/english   Sail:   Festival of Sailing to Celebrate 40th Anniversary in 2007 February 06,2007 Celebrating a milestone in 2007, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) will mark the 40th anniversary of its founding with rallies, regattas and exclusive social events that will bring together the sailors, boats and organizers that have shaped the history of this jewel in the crown of Porto Cervo.  The festivities will commence with a formal dinner on May 12, 2007, 40 years to the day that His Highness the Aga Khan, along with Andrè Ardoin, Giuseppe Kerry Mentasti and Luigi Vietti, founded the not-for-profit association with the aim of uniting sailing enthusiasts and promoting the sport. The Club has remained true to those ideals, not only establishing a string of internationally renowned regattas but also achieving sporting history. Since the very first regatta organized by the Club • the Settimana delle Bocche in 1972 • YCCS has hosted World and European Championships for numerous one-design classes including the Optimist, Star, International 12-Metre, J/24, and Farr 40, while creating signature events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Swan Cup and Sardinia Rolex Cup, all of which have demonstrated the Club’s commitment to excellence in race management combined with its unparalleled level of hospitality.  YCCS can also lay claim to a special place in Italian and international sailing history achieved with the launch of Azzurra • flagship of the first-ever Italian America’s Cup Challenge in 1983 • and the subsequent invitation to act as the 1987 Challenger of Record in Fremantle, Australia.  In 1992 the YCCS motor yacht Destriero brought the Blue Riband Award to Italy for the fastest transatlantic crossing record.  The forward thinking sailors, designers, engineers and organizers who contributed to all of these historic achievements will participate in the festivities throughout 2007. While further anniversary celebrations will take place for Yacht Club Members during August, September holds the real treat for sailing enthusiasts as Porto Cervo welcomes a “Festival of Sailing‿ in the form of the YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta.  Strategically scheduled between the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September 2-8) and the Rolex Veteran Boat Rally (September 12-15), the YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta will take place on September 10 and will play host not only to some of the largest sailing yachts in the world from the Maxis and the stunning fleet of Veteran boats, but also to historic America’s Cup International 12 Metres alongside high-tech racers from the current America’s Cup challenge.  The regatta will consist of one coastal race with the fleet • 70-80 boats are anticipated • divided into divisions.  Continuing a favorite, long-standing YCCS tradition, the day’s sailing will be capped by an impressive Crew Party to be held in the evening on the Piazza Azzurra overlooking Porto Cervo Marina. The YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta will be open to all sailing yachts and interested parties are encouraged to contact the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for further details. For additional information, please visit www.yccs.it     VolleyBall         NESTEA European Championship Tour 2007 Luxembourg/Zurich, January 16, 2007. Simple political reasons are responsible for a scheduling change in the calendar of the NESTEA European Championship Tour 2007. The German Masters 2007 in Hamburg will now be held from 14-17 June 2007 and not as initially planned from 31 May to 3 June 2007. The Russian Masters will move forward in the Tour Schedule, taking place during the days originally slotted for Hamburg. This is lastly a measure to ensure the security of high-ranked politicians, as a conference of more than forty foreign ministers from around the world is initiated to partly take place in Hamburg’s City Hall. Subsequently, the entire Rathausmarkt in front of the City Hall would not have been available as the tournament’s location for the German Masters 2007. This is now guaranteed for the date in June. New additions to the coaching staff I: The European Champions Julius Brink and Christoph Dieckmann have a new prominent addition to their coaching staff: Markus Dieckmann, 2002 and 2004 European Champion with Jonas Reckermann, will support Brink/Dieckmann. Christoph Dieckmann’s twin brother, who was forced to retire from active duty due to medical reasons, will lead ball training and assumes advisory duties during tournaments. ) New additions to the coaching staff II: Stefan Kobel, bronze medallist at the Olympic Games 2004 in Athens, has ended his active career and will now coach the Swiss B-National teams Gabathuler/Wenger and Gscheidle/Schnider. Kobel’s ex-partner Patrick Heuscher on the other hand has found a new sidekick: Sascha Heyer, 2001 European Champion, will apply for the European Champion title and Olympic honours alongside Heuscher. Heyer last played with Paul Laciga, who’s future is still uncertain. Heuscher/Kobel had officially ended their career together at an exhibtion tournament in Einsiedeln (Switzerland) at the end of November 2006. Markus Dieckmann and Jonas Reckermann had also made the trip from Cologne to participate. The top stars gave the fans a unique Beach Volleyball twist to watch as the fun tournament was played wearing boxing gloves, ski goggles and flippers. NESTEA European Championship Tour 2007: 17 - 20 May: Austrian Masters / St. Pölten (Austria) 31 Mai - 3 June: Russian Masters / Moscow (Russia) 14 - 17 June: German Masters / Hamburg (Germany) 5- 8 July: Swiss Masters / Lucerne (Switzerland) 9 - 12 August: Dutch Masters / The Hague (Netherlands) 23 - 26 August: NESTEA European Championship Final / Valencia (Spain The Winning Ghana Team European Football.    International Football Association Board   Story brief rfrom [ WebSite ] The Executive Committee also directed President Blatter and vice-president Lennart Johansson, who is also the president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), to continue to work together on the challenges that are currently facing the game, particularly in Europe.  The Executive Committee also listened with satisfaction to a report on the status of preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa and underlined its support for the Local Organising Committee. However, the Executive Committee stated that it was now expecting work to begin, particularly on constructing and renovating the stadiums. The dates for the final competition of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ were set for 11 June to 11 July 2010 The allocation of places will be the same as for 2006, i.e. Europe: 13; Africa: 5; Asia and Oceania: 5 (4.5 + 0.5; play-off); South America and CONCACAF: 8 (4.5 + 3.5; play-off); hosts (South Africa): 1.The preliminary competition for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ will be played in the confederations as follows: - Africa: the qualifying competition for the African Cup of Nations will once again be combined with the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup™ (start date: 13/14 October 2007). - South America: the league system will once again be used (home and away matches) for a single group of 10 associations, but only double-header dates will be used. The provisional start date is September/October 2007. - Oceania: in three phases, as for 2006. The first phase will be combined with the South Pacific Games 2007 and the OFC Nations Cup 2008, and the winning team will enter a group in Asia's final round. - Asia, Europe, CONCACAF: in groups that have yet to be determined Accommodations and Retreats: Want that extra special quite and peace missing not only your regular routine, but now at popular - at times very noisy - vacation spots ? Well we have found what you need. [ 1 ] Fencing ..... For a schedule of events please see http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/content/view/1583/12/

	POPULAR  NETWORKS Interview of the Vice President by Chris Myers and Jeff Hammond, Fox Sports Network Buy one bunch of daisies - get the second bunch at half price. For best results, give them plenty of sun, frequent watering, and regular fertilization.

PRESS RELEASES Global icon David Beckham signs with the Los Angeles Galaxy in landmark deal World's No. 1 soccer star to make Galaxy debut in summer 2007 LOS ANGELES - World-renowned soccer player David Beckham will become a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS) during the 2007 MLS season, it was announced by AEG. The 31-year-old midfielder will join the Galaxy after his contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30. The most recognizable athlete in the world, Beckham has agreed to a five-year deal to play for the Galaxy, whose season opens April 8 in Houston. The deal to bring Beckham to America is thought to be the biggest in sporting history, with industry experts estimating the worth to the player in excess of $250 million. Beckham is celebrated around the world for his match winning skills as a player in addition to his overall contributions to clubs Real Madrid, Manchester United and England. "This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons," said David Beckham. After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year. I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own. For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team mates and fans as I believe Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve."   Continued on page two .......

2K Sports Brings Signature Style to Major League Baseball®.

Signature Style animations, detailed player models, and newly redesigned stadiums elevate the next generation baseball experience New York, NY – February 2, 2007 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today new standard-setting features for Major League Baseball®2K7. Major League Baseball 2K7, the only MLB® simulation video game on every major platform, features next generation graphics, authentically detailed ballparks and Signature Style player animations, delivering the most authentic and electrifying Big League video game experience ever created. With Signature Style, 2K Sports has added over 150 unique player animations to Major League Baseball 2K7. Gamers will instantly recognize the unique pitching styles, batting rituals, and characteristic movements of their favorite MLB® players. Additionally, great attention to detail has been given to replicate the exact look of how each player wears his uniform and accessories, accurately giving each player their signature look. "The attention to detail to all MLB players in Major League Baseball 2K7 is simply astounding," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. "With the power of the next generation systems, we're making big steps in delivering not only the exact look of each MLB player, but also how they act in the batter's box, how pitchers deliver from the stretch, and the ritualistic movements of particular baseball players. Through Signature Style, we're making each player in Major League Baseball 2K7 look and act more like their real-life counterparts, setting a new standard for all next generation baseball games." The level of detail has also been dramatically enhanced around the players, as Major League Baseball 2K7 features hyper-detail in every virtual ballpark. From the completely redesigned architecture of each stadium, the different bullpen areas, the authentic monuments in every city, and the distinct fan atmosphere for every team, gamers will enjoy a new experience in every game. The virtual ballpark experience is further enhanced with dazzling new presentation elements including new replay effects, unique camera angles, high-tech overlays, and much more. Major League Baseball 2K7 will be available for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, Game Boy® Advance, the Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Additional features and enhancements that take the virtual Major League Baseball experience to the next level will be announced in advance of the release of Major League Baseball 2K7 in late winter. For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com.

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