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The 2024 Paris Olympics/Paralympics captured our imagination … and Australia's highlights were nothing short of inspiring: • Jess Fox cementing her legacy as the most successful paddler in kayaking/canoeing history, bringing home two Gold medals • Alexa Leary’s stunning performance to win the Women's 100m freestyle S9 in world record time • Caitlin Parker making history as the first Australian woman to win an Olympic boxing medal in the W75kg category • Lauren Parker achieving a remarkable feat as Australia's first dual-sport Paralympic medallist in 44 years, securing Gold in the Paratriathlon and Women's road race H14 and Silver in the H13 individual time trial ... and there are many, many more examples on the highlights reel. … and ‘Yes’ - the medals are cause for celebration, but the real magic lies in how sport inspires; creates community, a sense of belonging, resilience, self-confidence; and forges friendships and cherished memories. So, it’s no surprise that every Olympic/Paralympic Games sparks a surge of interest in sports participation. But the real challenge for Australia’s 400+ participation sports - especially those outside the mainstream like paddling, rock climbing, lacrosse (set to debut in the 2028 LA Games) - is how to maintain and capitalize on this momentum. Well, it starts with getting noticed … and how do you do that … talk to a good marketer! #sportsmarketing #branding #brandbuilding

Athletics at the Winter Olympic Games? Well, actually, it's cross-country, which falls under World Athletics. I like the potential for non-traditional Winter Games nations to participate in the Winter Olympics, and the Summer Games schedule is maxed out, so there is little room for adding more disciplines. This doesn’t mean the cross-country will be run in snow. The last four Winter Games, Beijing 2022, PyeongChang 2018, Sochi 2014, and Vancouver 2010, all had a mountain and urban cluster. There is rarely snow in the urban cluster as they have all been on a coast, other than Beijing. The cross-country could work in a large urban park. What do you think? Are there any other sports that could be added to the Winter Games programme? https://lnkd.in/eRz7xPuq

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games officially begin today in Paris, France. Are you excited? Are you, "I will binge watch Netflix instead?" Like any organization, the Olympics continues to evolve. For the first time, men and women athletes are participating in equal numbers. The sports also change and evolve. Breaking (aka breakdancing) will debut. How do you score that? What sport do you anticipate the most of the thirty-four featured in this Olympiad? Archery Artistic Swimming Athletics (Track and Field) Badminton Basketball (5x5 and 3x3) Boxing Breaking (Breakdancing) Canoe/Kayak (Slalom and Sprint) Cycling (BMX, Mountain Biking, Road, and Track) Diving Equestrian Fencing Football (Soccer) Golf Gymnastics (Artistic, Rhythmic, and Trampoline) Handball Hockey (Field) Judo Modern Pentathlon Rowing Rugby Sevens Sailing Shooting Skateboarding Sport Climbing Surfing Swimming Table Tennis Taekwondo Tennis Triathlon Volleyball (Indoor and Beach) Weightlifting Wrestling (Freestyle and Greco-Roman) #Paris2024 #Olympics #OrganizationalChange

Paralympics has evolved and come a long way since its inception 76 years ago but it still has interesting quirks, some of which are understandable whilst others not so much: 🌟 Para-judo is reserved only for the visually impaired whilst para-taekwondo is for athletes with upper-limb disabilities 🌟 There is wheelchair rugby, tennis, table-tennis and more but not wheelchair volleyball and it is played as "sitting volleyball", where athletes have to sit on the floor and manouvre 🌟 Why can't athletes with intellectual impairments, compete in sports categories outside of para-athletics, para-swimming & para-table tennis 🌟 There is no weightlifting in the Paralympics but there is powerlifting, which is pretty much a horizontal affair, where athletes are bench-pressing 🌟 The basketball ball hoop is 3.05m from the ground, in both able-bodied and Para-basketball. 🌟 Lastly, no prostheses are allowed in para-swimming Have you come across any para-quirks, but have been shy to question or write about it? Each day I spend at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, I discover something new but what remains constant, is the competitive and fair play spirit of these living miracles called Paralympians 👌

Triathlon, running, cycling, winter sports, handball - these are all our current target markets for Reboots. But which other sports offer potential for our brand? The easiest way to get an all-encompassing impression is to simply be "part of this sport". For this reason, a visit to the Padel Trend Expo in Milan was on the agenda last weekend. The impressions after two days between Padel Court & Espresso Bar? + A super enthusiastic target group that is very open to innovations on the padel market.  + a sport with a set-up that makes it easy to integrate recovery products into both B2C and B2B.  + Padel as a boomer in sports tourism - the topic of "regeneration" has not played any role so far and has to be started from scratch. - Padel is a niche sport with a small target group and a loose structure at competition level, but it is becoming increasingly relevant and professional. All in all, padel as the "tennis of the modern age" definitely offers opportunities for a meaningful and targeted integration of recovery tools. Now it's just up to us to set the right course and gain a foothold in the padel market step by step. If you are already part of the padel market and have a good network there, please get in touch with me/us to find ways to work together. #padel #milano

Japan’s Paralympians rides the momentum in Paris after the country finished third with the most overall medals in the Paris 2024 Games. 🥉🏅 This year they've won 14 gold medals, which is one more than the Tokyo Paralympics, and a total of 41 medals won in Paris with over 170 athletes competing in 21 sports.🥇 Many of Japan’s Paralympians are veterans who’ve previously won medals and were looking to beat their previous record (like the men's wheelchair rugby team) or defend their title (like Daiki Kajiwara in men's singles badminton event). 🏸 However, one-third of the athletes this year are debutants bringing home a medal for the first time. Teenager Tokito Oda competed in the wheelchair tennis event for the first time but already has a four-time Gand Slam championship, making him a favorite to follow and root for. 🎾 🎌 Read more about Japan's new era of Paralympians: https://bit.ly/47qGKD3 #Paralympics #Paris2024 #Japan #Olympics #OlympicGames #SummerOlympics #JapaneseAthletes #Tokyo2020

Countdown to World Para Athletics: Celebrating Strength and Spirit 🌟 Join us in the anticipation of the World Para Athletics Championships, a testament to human resilience, strength, and the indomitable spirit of athletes who redefine the possible. As we count down to this global celebration of sporting excellence, let's delve into the stories of para-athletes whose journeys are not just about athletic achievements but are powerful narratives of overcoming, persevering, and inspiring. Featured Para-Athletes: 🏅 Kathleen O'Kelly-Kennedy: A trailblazer in wheelchair basketball, Kathleen's fierce determination and leadership both on and off the court have made her a symbol of strength and an advocate for inclusivity in sports. 🏅 Brad Ness: A paralympic gold medalist and a titan in the world of wheelchair basketball, Brad's journey from a life-changing accident to the pinnacle of Paralympic success is a profound story of resilience. 🏅 Matthew Levy OAM: Decorated with multiple Paralympic medals, Matthew's accomplishments in swimming stand as a beacon of excellence, showcasing what relentless pursuit of goals, paired with unmatched dedication, can achieve. As we gear up for the World Para Athletics Championships, let's embrace the lessons of courage, persistence, and triumph that these athletes bring to the forefront. Their stories go beyond sports; they are a call to action for all of us to strive for our best, irrespective of the hurdles we face. Book these inspiring para-athletes and inspire others on their journey to the World Para Athletics Championships 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gwXXAWgx #worldparaathletics #paraathletes #resilience #strength #spirit #kathleenokellykennedy #bradness #matthewlevy #inspiration #motivation #parasportsawareness

🏅 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿  Glasgow has confirmed it will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games Commonwealth Sport, albeit in a trimmed-down version with just 10 sports. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🏅 This is understandable given the time frames and costs involved. However, having raced in the initial test event for the Triathlon back in 2013, I’m disappointed to see it not make the cut, especially after the excitement surrounding the Triathlon Team Relay event this year at Paris 2024 - Comité d'Organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de 2024. One thing I am very pleased about is the full integration of Para sport into the Games. I think this is a fantastic development for both athletes and spectators, as it allows more people to be involved and witness these amazing athletes in action, while they receive the recognition and support they deserve after years of hard work. 📢 This point was highlighted to me during a conversation with my close friend and para-athlete, Benjamin Pritchard, after his experience in Paris. Several facilities and support from companies and brands (I won't name them here) closed immediately after the Olympics ended, leaving Paralympic athletes without the same experience as other athletes, even though these brands prominently featured Paralympic athletes in their advertising campaigns. I feel that if they are doing this, then they should show the correct level of support for these athletes. This will further inspire the younger generation, increase exposure and potentially that commercial return that I know will be used as an argument against the same support. 🐣 What comes first, the chicken or the egg?! 🐣 There are many factors at play here, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Commonwealth Games going to Glasgow, as well as how Glasgow is preparing to run a fully integrated event! https://lnkd.in/edPjQ69M #parasport #commonwealthgames #inspiringthroughinclusion

Breaking Barriers at #LA28: Introducing Para Climbing to the Sport programme lineup Exciting news for the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as officials announce the addition of para climbing to the games lineup! This groundbreaking decision is a significant step towards inclusivity and further expansion of opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Para climbing is a discipline that caters to athletes with physical impairments, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills, strength, and determination on an international stage. By incorporating para climbing into the #LA28 roster, the Olympics are opening doors for a new wave of athletes to compete and inspire audiences worldwide. The introduction of para climbing at #LA28 is not just about sports - it's about breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and celebrating diversity. It sends a powerful message of equality and support for athletes of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. As we look forward to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, let us embrace this inclusive move and cheer on the remarkable para climbers who will undoubtedly captivate us with their courage and athleticism. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition to the #LA28 games!   #ParaClimbing #Inclusivity #Inspiration #LA28Excitement