OLYMPIC GAMES

August 22 - Philip Beard, who played a leading role in London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Premier League club Queens Park Rangers, it was announced today.

Beard was the marketing and sponsorship director during London's bid, when they unexpectedly beat Paris to be awarded the Games.

He quit London 2012 shortly after they were awarded the Olympics and Paralympics to become the chief executive at The O2, formerly the Millennium Dome, and was instrumental in helping turn the arena into the world's most successful concert and music venue.

Latterly, Beard was hairman of AEG Sport and Sponsorship where he was charged with developing the company's sporting interests across Europe.

His appointment at QPR follows the takeover of the West London club last week by Malaysian Tony Fernandes, the owner of AirAsia and the principal of Formula One's Team Lotus, as its new majority shareholder and Chairman.

QPR were promoted to the Premier League at the end of last season after 15 years out of England's top division and last Saturday (August 20) recorded their first victory, winning 1-0 at Everton.

"Philip brings a long history of success in the sports industry with him to QPR," said Fernandes.

"His track record in leading teams and achieving commercial success is exemplary and I am delighted to have him on board."

Beard, who also worked with London 2012 deputy chairman Sir Keith Mills at the Air Miles loyalty programme, will be expected to work closely with QPR manager Neil Warnock to identify new signings to try to keep the club in the Premier League.

"I am utterly thrilled to be joining QPR in this hugely exciting chapter in the club's history." said Beard.

"I will be focusing on helping it become the very best Club it can be, both on and off the pitch.

"I want to ensure the best possible experience for the people who support us day in and day out – our loyal supporters."

Last November Charlie Wijeratna, who worked closely with Beard during London's bid, joined QPR's Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur as Executive Director with commercial responsibilities.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay

August 21 - Larry Probst, the chairman of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), has concluded a trip to South America during which he visited Rio de Janeiro for the first time and inspected preparations for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.

Probst, who was accompanied by USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun and director of international relations Carolina Bayon, spent two days in the Brazilian city and held talks with Carlos Nuzman, the President of Rio 2016.

The delegation also carried out a number of site visits, including to the Maracana Stadium and flying over the city in a helicopter, and were briefed on the progress of the Games.

"I am pleased that with five years to go to the Olympic Games we could show our friends from the USOC the progress we have already accomplishe," said Nuzman.

"We are looking forward to collaborating with them through our preparations and welcoming the United States athletes in 2016."

Rio were awarded the Olympics and Paralympics in October 2009, beating Chicago, whose first round defeat triggered a period of soul-searching within the USOC and led them to conclude that they have to engage more with the international community.

"This trip was a unique opportunity for us to see all that the Rio 2016 team has accomplished in the two short years since their selection," said Probst.

"I'd like to congratulate Carlos and his staff for the extraordinary job they've done and thank them for their gracious hospitality.

"The Games are in good hands."

During the trip, the USOC group also visited Lima, Buenos Aires and Santiago.

"Continuing our focus on engaging the Olympic Movement and creating meaningful friendships around the world, we have placed a high priority on being a trusted partner within the Western Hemisphere," said Probst.

"South America is crucially important to the Olympic Movement in the years ahead and it's amazing to see the impact that sport is having all over the continent."

In Lima, Blackmun met with leadership from Peru's National Olympic Committee, including President José Quiñones and secretary general Francisco Boza.

In addition, he gathered with officials from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas and toured the university's campus.

"This trip was an opportunity for us to learn from some of the smartest people in the Olympic Movement and continue to build genuine relationships within our Pan American Olympic family." said Blackmun.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay

August 20 - Erica Kerner, Global Olympic Games director and head of London 2012 for Adidas, is quitting the German sports manufacturer to take up a new role in Hong Kong less than a year before the Games are due to open.

She is to join Polo Ralph Lauren in the newly created position of vice-president - marketing.

Kerner, who has been with Adidas since August 2004 and oversaw the company's sponsorship of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, is due to leave next month.

Before joining Adidas, Kerner spent 10 years with their great rivals, Nike, as director of international marketing for retail.

Her most high-profile position in that role was overseeing the team that designed and opened Niketown Store in London's Oxford Circus.

She was officially appointed to lead Adidas' Tier One sponsorship of London 2012 in January 2009.

Among her roles has been working closely with Stella McCartney as Adidas' creative director for Team GB.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay

Last week saw Chefs de Missions from around 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) meet in London to receive an update on preparations for next year's Olympic Games from the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG).

The Chefs de Mission – who lead their NOC’s delegation during the Games and are responsible for all their athletes and team officials – met during a three-day visit to London, where they attended meetings on a wide range of topics, including ticketing, accommodation, accreditation and ceremonies.

The Chefs de Mission also visited the Olympic Park and Olympic Village, as well as Horse Guards Parade, where the FIVB Beach Volleyball International was taking place, in preparation for hosting the beach volleyball tournament during next year's Games.

The seminar enabled the Chefs de Mission to familiarise themselves with the venues, city layout, and transport operations ahead of next year's Games and helped ensure that they have the latest information about London 2012 so that their teams are well prepared for the Games.

The meeting was the final Chef de Mission seminar before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games and enabled LOCOG to demonstrate what will be provided for NOCs, its athletes and team officials during the Games.

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: “The athletes sit at the heart of the London 2012 Games and this week’s meetings are critical in helping countries all over the world prepare their athletes to compete in London next year.”

Bernard Rajzman, Chef de Mission for Brazil, said: “The experience so far has been absolutely incredible and the venues here in London are fantastic. You can really tell that the focus in London is on the athletes and that everyone in LOCOG understands that. There is no doubt that these Games will be spectacular and I have no concerns at all.”

Samar Nassar, Chef de Mission for Jordan, said: “After the venue tours that took us to the Olympic Park, the Olympic Village and ExCel Centre, LOCOG has shown us some superb state-of-the-art facilities, meticulous organisation, the rich English heritage and a very warm welcome. This week has been very organised and it is inspiring to see and feel that London is going to leave a legacy after the Games.”

Source: www.olympic.org