TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2024 /CNW/ – Tech and Sport will collide for the next three years at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the proud home of the Calgary Flames.

The ink has dried and it’s official — ESET Canada, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has extended its partnership with the Flames. This renewed commitment reflects ESET’s ongoing success and brand momentum in Western Canada, where the partnership has played a significant role in driving regional business growth and brand recognition in the B2B segment.

“Our partnership with the Calgary Flames has brought us closer to our customers by meeting them where they are,” said Bob Bonneau, Country Manager for ESET Canada. “This collaboration allows us to engage meaningfully with the vibrant hockey community in Alberta and beyond, creating opportunities for deeper connections through our shared passions. By being present both on the ground and in the arena, we’re able to build stronger relationships with customers while growing our presence in Western Canada.”

Thanks to brand exposure with the Flames, ESET Canada has experienced substantial growth in Western Canada, making it the fastest-growing region for the company. This success is driven by increased market penetration in Alberta’s mid-market enterprise segment, contributing to an impressive 75% overall business growth in the region. Business customers, particularly mid-market companies struggling with cybersecurity talent gaps, are rapidly discovering and gravitating toward ESET MDR services.

As a part of the renewed agreement, ESET Canada will receive five minutes of Digitally Enhanced Dasherboard (DED) time during each of the 41 regular season Flames home games, enhancing brand visibility during key moments of the game. The updated agreement also features prominent rinkboard placements and LED exposure, complementing the TV spots and “Protect the Net” in-game broadcast feature. These efforts collectively ensure that ESET remains a visible and trusted name within the arena and among its target audience.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with ESET Canada,” said Lorenzo DeCicco, Chief Operating Officer of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC). “ESET’s commitment to cybersecurity aligns perfectly with our own emphasis on strong defence, both on and off the ice. We are also pleased with ESET’s support of grassroots hockey initiatives, another alliance with CSEC’s mission to be the heartbeat of our community.”

The sports buck does not stop with the NHL either. ESET Canada is also committed to supporting women’s sports at the local level. This season, the company is a proud supporter of the Leaside U13AA girls’ hockey team in the Greater Toronto Area. ESET believes that the intersection between the representation of women in tech and women in sport is deeply connected, and the team is dedicated to supporting both of these opportunities. A great example is how ESET Canada runs an annual Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, aimed at empowering the next generation of women leaders in tech.

Stay tuned for more opportunities in the future as ESET continues to support youth sports across the country.

About ESET

ESET^® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyberthreats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com 

SOURCE ESET Canada Inc.

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eset-canada-extends-partnership-with-the-calgary-flames-for-another-three-years-celebrating-regional-success-and-community-engagement-816295032.html

LONDON, Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pioneering AI advances developed by Bain & Company are being harnessed by Britain’s team of world-class women sailors in their bid to make sporting history by winning the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup in this weekend’s finals at the pinnacle of global sailing competition.

Bain is partnering with Athena Pathway and its sailing teams, Britain’s entrants in the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup races, to bring state-of-the-art AI technology to power their challenges for victory in the world’s oldest sporting trophy contest, with this year marking the first-ever women’s race in the competition. Watch the video here.

Athena Pathway was founded by the British sailing champions Hannah Mills OBE and Sir Ben Ainslie, the world most decorated Olympic sailors, to change the landscape of competitive high-performance sailing by bringing diversity and equal opportunities to the sport in the UK. Britain’s Athena Pathway teams in the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup include women sailors and youth sailing talent with a collective six Olympic medals and 22 sailing World Championship medals. They are competing against crews from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand.

Bain & Company’s Advanced Analytics Group, the firm’s AI practice, and a team of expert Bain consultants have worked in close collaboration with Athena Pathway sailors, coaches and teams at its base in Barcelona and remotely, to develop and deploy unique AI-powered simulation tools and technology to enhance and optimise the performance of the Athena Pathway teams in their bid for America’s Cup wins.

The AI technology developed by Bain for Athena Pathway exploits detailed race performance data pulled from sensors fitted on the specialised, high-performance AC-40 yachts used in the America’s Cup racing – a new class of one-design foiling monohull yacht designed to ensure teams secure wins based entirely on the talent, technique and skills of competing crews.

Harnessing the data captured from race trials, practices and early phases of the America’s Cup competition, the unique AI technology from Bain enables sophisticated analysis by the Athena Pathway teams  supported and advised by Bain’s expert consultants, to maximise speed and optimise manoeuvres on the water, enhancing sailing efficiency in the high-speed racing and helping to achieve the best overall race performance. AI-powered simulations allow the Athena Pathway teams the test multiple “what if” race scenarios onshore during training, saving time versus testing these on the water, as well as adjusting real-time decision-making in simulated race conditions on the water.

Hannah Mills, Athena Pathway’s co-founder and Team Principal at the yacht’s helm in the women’s races, said: “Using AI to really help us learn and evolve and upskill very quickly has been a huge part of our training in preparation for the America’s Cup. Bain’s partnership with us has been integral to trying to achieve our goal of winning. When I look at what Bain has been doing with us, particularly on the ground, I’ve never had a partnership quite like it.”

The AI simulations, driven by Bain’s custom-built deep-learning AI model, unique to this project, acts as a ‘digital twin’ of Athena Pathway’s real-life AC40s yachts. This enables the crews to optimise so-called “velocity made good” (VMG), a key driver of race performance, for the yachts using interactive mapping enabling visualisation of both past, real sailing manoeuvres as well as simulated scenarios the teams want to test out. The AI models, pulling from around six million individual data observations captured by the sensors used, across more than 40 types of input variable, provide instantaneous feedback and real-time insights on specific scenarios of interest to the teams as they plan their race tactics and strategy.

Chris Draper, head coach for Athena Pathway, added: “Having the AI tools and being able to share that collaboratively has been enormous for us. It really has been a game-changing relationship. We’ve got sensors throughout the boats that give us direct feedback on how things are moving, the loads and strains, so you can identify exactly what is happening. We’re literally learning every day how to optimize performance and the AI tool is enabling us to do that, providing us with really, really interesting results. It thinks slightly outside of the box and it’s proving exceptionally useful for us.”

Discussing the partnership with Athena Pathway, Hugo Parkinson, Bain senior partner and leader of the firm’s Advanced Manufacturing practice in EMEA, said: “We are hugely excited to have partnered with Athena Pathway in this ground-breaking way. The unique AI tools we’ve been able to bring to their challenge in the America’s Cup is pioneering and is helping the teams solve some of their biggest challenges in the racing. It’s learned how to sail the boat and now it makes a series of AI-powered recommendations on how to sail it faster. Being able to bring this sort of advanced analytics to such an exciting environment is incredibly helpful in furthering the ambitions of Athena Pathway in this top-tier sport. For us at Bain, there’s also the tremendous benefit of what we’ve learned through this collaboration where we’ve been able to identify multiple real-world applications for this technology in all kinds of business use cases.”

In addition to backing Athena Pathway’s challenge for the America’s Cup with AI technology, Bain has also worked with the teams, and their coaches and leaders, to enhance their operations at their Barcelona base in multiple additional ways, with Bain support for optimising teamwork, help with upgrades to IT systems, onshore base efficiencies and planning, and improved documentation in the teams’ playbooks.

Juan Carlos Gay, Bain senior partner in the firm’s Energy & Natural Resources practice and global Head of the Capital Projects Acceleration team, who co-led Bain’s Athena Pathway collaboration with Hugo Parkinson, added: “Our partnership with Athena Pathway has been a tremendous opportunity to bring our technological and AI capabilities, and our deep business expertise in a wider range of ways, to this thrilling realm – competitive yacht racing – outside of the business world. Bain champions diversity in everything we do, which is core to our mission, so it’s been particularly inspiring for us and Athena Pathway to come together in support of the young and female talent competing in this inaugural Women’s America’s Cup race.”

Media contacts
To arrange an interview or for any questions, please contact:

Gary Duncan (London) — Email: gary.duncan@bain.com
Katie Ware (New York) — Email: katie.ware@bain.com
Ann Lee (Singapore) — Email: ann.lee@bain.com 

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today’s urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 2% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry. 

SOURCE Bain & Company

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pioneering-ai-technology-from-bain–company-powering-athena-pathways-bid-for-british-victory-in-inaugural-womens-americas-cup-302273892.html

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’, is announcing “Where Winter Lights Up” – the second phase of the iconic global Saudi tourism campaign “This Land is Calling”.

Encouraging travelers from around the world to unearth Saudi’s legends and wonders this winter season, “Where Winter Lights Up”, is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery across several destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea. The event calendar will run from October 2024 through the end of the first quarter of 2025.

At every turn, Saudi beckons with wonder – from sporting and entertainment events to immersive cultural and heritage experiences, Saudi’s calendar of events this season will bring the world together to enjoy a magical winter.

Visitors can escape the cold winter and be rejuvenated by sun, sea and thrilling events, and ultimately experience the generosity, joy and adventures that are intrinsically Saudi. 

Repeatedly referenced as one of the best places to travel alone as a woman and an increasingly popular destination for those seeking authentic, immersive experiences, Saudi’s expansive geography, diverse terrain, and human and natural wonders await discovery. 

From the clear turquoise waters of the Saudi Red Sea to the buzzing capital of Riyadh, and the cosmopolitan coastal cities of Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, visitors can follow the sun to Saudi, and partake in much anticipated cornerstone events such as Riyadh Season, AlUla Festival and Events, Jeddah Calendar, Diriyah Season, Dakar Rally, Fontana Circus and MDLBEAST, joining the cheer and good vibes to create unforgettable memories. 

This season marks the return of flagship annual events across Saudi’s ever-expanding calendar, including Riyadh Season, one of the world’s largest winter entertainment events in the bustling capital. This year, Boulevard Riyadh City and Boulevard World will feature a new 25,000 square meter Harry Potter Experience—the first of its kind in the capital and a must-visit for kids of all ages. Highlighting Riyadh Season’s sporting fixtures is the highly anticipated boxing heavyweight world title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, taking place on December 21 at Kingdom Arena.

Venues across Riyadh will celebrate the country’s rich Najdi heritage and dynamic spirit and offer visitors experiences at new destinations and luxurious new hotels. Diriyah’s Bujairi Terrace will allow visitors to enjoy a savory selection of cuisine from around the globe at exclusive restaurants such as Maiz, which will serve traditional Saudi dishes such as Kabsa and feature a live station making Saudi bread.

In AlUla, visitors can enjoy the Ancient Kingdoms Festival from December 8, 2024, to January 7, 2025, celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of the region with immersive experiences that include live performances, art installations, and culinary delights. The AlUla Wellness Festival will be held from January 18 to 20, 2025, focusing on holistic well-being and mindfulness, will offer workshops, fitness classes, and wellness retreats, providing a rejuvenating escape set against the stunning backdrop of AlUla’s breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the All Day I Dream experience is scheduled for March 1, 2025, promising a magical day filled with music, art, and community.

The perfect place to escape and rejuvenate, Saudi’s Red Sea coastline is dotted with world-class new luxury hotels including on the newly-opened Ummahat Islands, accessible only by seaplane or chartered boat, home to the St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East. Plus, the luxury NEOM resort of Sindalah is set to welcome guests later this year.

There are more iconic tourism offerings and immersive experiences than ever in 2024, with activities including serene wellness retreats, stargazing and beach horse riding, and itinerary items for thrill-seekers such as heritage diving, WingSUP (paddleboarding and kitesurfing), and the Bayada Island Snorkeling Boat Trip experience. There are things to do for every type of traveler, especially with Saudi Red Sea now being the first destination in the country to have its diving centres certified First PADI Adaptive Dive Centers.

Visit Riyadh’s At-Turaif, the 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site in Diriyah, and Historic Jeddah where history pulses through the walls of the intricately preserved UNESCO-protected Old Town. And don’t miss the Al Ahsa Oasis, one of the largest natural oases in the world, filled with date palm grove and natural springs.

As the Heart of Arabia, Saudi offers real cultural immersion – experience the country’s famed hospitality and meet the generous locals with an afternoon at a Saudi home in Riyadh, step back in time at a 150-year-old Hijazi house in Jeddah, and learn to cook traditional Hijazi food.

Sports fans can look forward to exciting marquee events including:

• Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah in April 2025.
• Spanish Football Cup and the Italian Football Cup, both taking place in January 2025.

This year’s Riyadh Season features 14 dazzling zones across the city, each with unique attractions. Riyadh Zoo, Suwaidi Park, and Souq Al Awaleen are free to explore – for the other zones, tickets are required, but booking is easy. 

• Boulevard City (Open from 4 PM – 3 AM from October 28):  Featuring stand-up comedy with Martin Lawrence on October 18-19.  WWE Crown Jewel 2024 in Riyadh will take place on Saturday, November 2.
• The Venue (Open from 4 PM – 3 AM from October 28): Hosting Six King Slam from October 16-17-19
• Boulevard World (Open 24 hours from January 1): Has more than 300 restaurants, cafes, and 1,400 shops. Experience cultural hotspots from around the world.
• BLVD Runway (Open from 4 PM – 3 AM from October 28): Enjoy a meal inside a transformed Boeing 777 aircraft.
• Wonder Garden (Open 4 PM – midnight from November 15): Featuring more than 60 theatrical shows and games in a magical garden setting.
• Almuraba National Museum Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams exhibit. Explore more than 500 archived couture dresses from the fashion house, running from November 21 until April 2, 2025.
• The Kingdom Arena (Open 5 PM – 3 AM from October 28): Don’t miss the IV Crown Showdown boxing event on October 12.

Truly, it has never been easier to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 66 countries and special administrative regions, and the GCC residents visa and free 96-hour Stopover Visa. UK, US, or Schengen visa holders, as well as residents of the UK, US, or European Union countries, are eligible for the instant eVisa.

Saudi is currently connected to 175 destinations, more than halfway to our target of 250, with 14 new international routes launched in 2024.

Should you need, Visit Saudi has a 24/7 tourist helpline (dial 930) for travellers who require assistance or have any concerns.

About ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’

‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ is a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer. The brand’s role is to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys. It aims to inspire travel to and within Saudi Arabia, enriching lives and bridging cultures through the discovery of our unique wonders and warm hospitality. As the world’s fastest-growing destination, Saudi, the heart of Arabia, is the most exciting new year-round destination.

SOURCE Saudi Tourism Authority

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudi-tourism-launches-where-winter-lights-up-with-packed-calendar-of-events-302273824.html

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The GIST, a revolutionary and inclusive sports media brand dedicated to leveling the playing field by providing equitable, in-depth, and digestible coverage to both women’s and men’s sports, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world, have announced an official alliance in the spirit of sport. The GIST is joining forces with the PWHL to pair its fan-first content with the league’s access and momentum to continue growing fandom.

In tandem with the alliance, the two organizations will work together to provide brands with a 360 co-package partnership. Together, The GIST and PWHL will provide brand partners the opportunity to keep fans up-to-date throughout the season with multi-platform coverage that authentically aligns with women’s hockey and the online conversation surrounding the league.

With a loyal community of over 1 million female sports fans, The GIST has solidified itself as an expert in the female-centric sports media and marketing landscape. Their genuine understanding of the market and target audience’s habits and interests has allowed brand partners to tap into a valuable community of women’s sports fans. 50% of GISTers rank the PWHL in their top 3 favorite sports, and their inclusive coverage of The PWHL’s inaugural season saw organic social engagement rates upwards of 12% on TikTok.

Through this alliance, The GIST will drive national awareness and reach of the PWHL sponsors through multi-platform touchpoints that authentically place them where female hockey fans consume coverage and conversation. 91% of GISTers say they are interested in brands that The GIST shares.

“The GIST is excited to align with the PWHL and further the amplification of the league and its players, continuing our mission of providing quality coverage of women’s sports. A collaboration with the league is the perfect fit as we both strive to reshape the narrative surrounding sports,” says Jacie deHoop, Co-Founder of The GIST. “We look forward to working further on co-package deals to deliver brands with authentic coverage.”

Since the PWHL’s inaugural season launched in January, the league has helped drive momentum across the business of women’s sports, which has been reflected in attendance, viewership, social media engagement, and significant partnerships. Just four months into play, the PWHL broke the global record for attendance at a women’s hockey game and attracted viewers from across 88 countries. Within the co-package partnership, the PWHL will drive national awareness of sponsors through season-long touchpoints that place them in areas where women’s hockey fans engage, championing equality, empowerment, and the growing viewership of women’s hockey. The PWHL will offer sponsors premium in-arena assets, group licensing with NIL marketing materials, broadcast integration, hospitality and VIP experience packages.

“Partnering with The GIST is an exciting step forward in expanding the PWHL’s reach and connection with our engaged and passionate audience,” said Amy Scheer, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, PWHL. “This collaboration enables us to foster deeper relationships between fans and our brand partners, offering more impactful touchpoints. Together with The Gist, we’re driving greater visibility and investment in the PWHL, creating new opportunities that reflect the growing momentum and progress in women’s sports.”

To announce the alliance, Ambassador of the United States of America David L. Cohen hosted a celebration of Women In Sports, honoring The GIST and the PWHL for their work towards expanding the reach of women’s sports and female fandom across the United States and Canada.

For more information on opportunities or to partner, please visit The GIST and The PWHL.

About The GIST:

Founded in 2017, The GIST is a women-led, inclusive sports media brand that’s leveling the playing field in sports. By providing engaging and accessible content through delivering top headlines in witty newsletters, and keeping sports fans informed and entertained via podcast and social media, The GIST is reshaping the sports industry and reinventing the dialogue around sports by providing equitable coverage to men’s and women’s sports. Dedicated to addressing the subjects and perspectives that have often been ignored, The GIST is rapidly growing an inclusive and empowering community for all sports fans. For more information on how The GIST is shaking up the sports industry, visit thegistsports.com 

About the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, each with rosters featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.

SOURCE The GIST

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-gist-and-the-professional-womens-hockey-league-pwhl-team-up-to-create-fan-first-content-and-further-amplify-womens-sports-302268967.html

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — For Soccer, the preeminent North American soccer marketing, media and experiences company, and the Girls Academy, the only national youth soccer league exclusively for girls aged 12-18, are pleased to announce the launch of Girls Academy Enterprises.

This unique joint venture is designed to advance the Girls Academy’s mission of empowering female players in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field. Girls Academy Enterprises will develop creative programming solutions for the female player community and unlock original opportunities for female empowerment-focused brands to authentically support these efforts.

“Women’s soccer has experienced explosive growth in recent years, but to fully unleash its long-term potential and ensure the U.S. remains a dominant force in the women’s game, we must focus on our future and invest in youth,” said Ernesto Bruce, CEO of For Soccer. “We are enthusiastic about supporting the Girls Academy, which not only provides an elite league for top youth female players but is committed to doing so in a manner which educates and empowers future female leaders.”

“Since launching four years ago, the Girls Academy has been committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their potential on and off the field, though many obstacles still exist today,” Girls Academy Commissioner Trish Hughes said. “Sports are a vital developmental experience for our youth, and it’s crucial that we continue to support their growth not only as players but as people. The creation of Girls Academy Enterprises is a valuable step in that direction.”

Women’s sports, and particularly women’s soccer, are experiencing a watershed moment thanks to increased investment, interest, accessibility, and resources aimed at leveling the playing field. While this is evident on the field—the U.S. Women’s National Team recently won gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris—the focus for further reform remains at the grassroots level.

Competitively, the development of young female talent in the U.S. has slowed relative to the rest of the world as girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14 due to factors such as lack of access, safety and transportation issues, social stigma, and cost, according to the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Founded in 2020, the Girls Academy supports more than 16,000 youth players nationally representing 114+ clubs in the U13 to U19 age groups. As an Official Member Organization of the U.S. Soccer Federation since February, the GA upholds the highest operational standards while creating accessible pathways for aspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams of playing at the highest levels.

Former Girls Academy player Ally Sentnor was chosen first overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by the Utah Royals. Nine former GA players were selected in this year’s NWSL Draft, while 16-year-old Kimmi Ascanio signed with San Diego Wave FC in March.

For Soccer’s business strategy is focused on investing in and developing brand partner programs to support underdeveloped soccer communities, including Alianza de Futbol, the largest Hispanic grassroots program, and Black Star, a platform that cultivates Black soccer culture and player pathways.

“We know firsthand through our work with Alianza de Futbol and Black Star the impact a strong playing community can have on the overall development of young people,” said John Guppy, President of Growth Enterprises at For Soccer. “We’ve successfully developed authentic opportunities for corporate partners to engage in these experiences, delivering a profound impact for individuals, communities, and ultimately, the growth of soccer.

“With our expertise of connecting brands to American soccer communities, we believe we can help accelerate the growth of the Girls Academy, enabling it to reinvest back into its youth programming to positively impact the next generation of female players in the U.S.”

ABOUT FOR SOCCER

For Soccer is the preeminent North American soccer marketing, media and experiences company, focused on accelerating the growth of soccer by delivering unique soccer experiences to brands, fans and players through research and insights, experiential and event marketing, content, partnerships and sponsorships, and properties (Alianza de Futbol and Black Star).

For more information, visit www.forsoccer.com.

ABOUT GIRLS ACADEMY

The Girls Academy is the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States. The GA consists of over 114 member clubs with teams in the U13 to U19 age groups split into nine conferences across the country. Senior leadership at the GA is committed to cultivating an environment that empowers each player to reach their best potential as an exceptional athlete and human being by celebrating the player’s journey with a lifelong love of the game through competition, showcases, and camaraderie.

For more information, visit girlsacademyleague.com.

SOURCE For Soccer & PR Newswire

TORONTO, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ –

Ontario Lottery Results

Friday 28/06/2024

LOTTO MAX estimated jackpot $28 millions

LottoMax MAIN Draw

01, 05, 11, 12, 13, 23 & 33  Bonus 21 

POKER LOTTO
Winning Hand:  10-D, 3-D, Q-H, A-H, 5-C.

MEGA DICE LOTTO
3, 5, 8, 26, 28 & 33  Bonus 30.

PICK-2:  8 8

PICK-3:  5 3 4

PICK-4:  5 8 6 7

ENCORE:  2975218

DAILY KENO
1, 3, 4, 13, 24, 26, 37, 41, 42, 45,
48, 51, 53, 54, 57, 59, 60, 67, 68, 69. 

MidDay lottery winning numbers

PICK-2:  1 0

PICK-3:  7 3 7 

PICK-4:  5 4 9 4

ENCORE:  3301899

DAILY KENO
5, 8, 12, 13, 15, 23, 28, 31, 38, 43,
46, 48, 50, 55, 60, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69. 

WHEEL OF FORTUNE® LOTTO Results

© 2024 Califon Productions, Inc. “Wheel of Fortune” is a registered trademark of Califon Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE – OLG Winners & PR Newswire

Austin-based Tesla did not repeat its 2023 sweep of the top four spots, with the Model X dropping to No. 9 and the Model 3 landing at No. 21 due to changes in workforce and domestic parts content, respectively. Despite this, Tesla still landed four of its vehicles on this year’s Index — three in the top 10 — and was also the only domestic automaker in the top 10.

Honda’s Odyssey and Ridgeline — boasting the most American-made minivan and pickup truck — came in at No. 5 and No. 6., while the Toyota Camry and Jeep Gladiator each jumped 19 spots to land at Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. The Lexus TX makes a memorable entrance to the index, landing at No. 10. The complete list is available at Cars.com/AMI.

“Americans have a clear desire to use their dollars to purchase U.S.-created products that contribute to the local, regional and national economy, according to a Cars.com survey,” said Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for Cars.com’s American-Made Index. “However, it always surprises car shoppers that the badge on the hood doesn’t always reveal a vehicle’s economic contributions. In fact, 66% of vehicles on Cars.com’s 2024 American-Made Index come from foreign automakers that support communities in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.”

American-Made Is Electrifying, Slowly

While 77% of vehicles on this year’s Index are gas-powered, the segment has declined 5% overall since 2020. On the other hand, the share of electrified vehicles has grown 130% since 2020, with the number of EVs up 100%, and hybrids and plug-in hybrids up 150%.¹

Manufacturing Grows in the South

Over half of the vehicles on this year’s list were assembled in the South, outpacing the 45% assembled in the Midwest.¹ Alabama is at the forefront, with 15 vehicles produced in Huntsville, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery and Vance. Thousands of Alabamians are employed by Japanese-based Mazda, Toyota and Honda, South Korean automaker Hyundai and luxury German automaker Mercedes-Benz.² In small towns like Lincoln and Vance, with populations of about 7,500 and 2,000, respectively, these foreign automakers have become critical to the local economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth through their investments in these communities.

When it comes to consumer demand for American-made, 56% of in-market car shoppers are willing to pay more for a vehicle if it creates more U.S. jobs — of those, 58% say they are willing to pay at least an extra 10%.³  But 60% of Americans say that products need to be built in the U.S. by a company headquartered here to substantially contribute to the American economy.⁴ However, the success of Alabama’s auto industry demonstrates that foreign investments are also playing a crucial role in supporting and growing local economies.

Motor City and the Midwest

Michigan remains a powerhouse for auto assembly, hosting 16 vehicles on the Index. Detroit, home to both General Motors and Ford, benefits greatly from the auto industry. Both foreign and domestic automakers bolster Michigan’s economy in cities like Flat Rock, Dearborn, Wayne, Lansing, Sterling Heights, Warren and Detroit. Netherlands-based Stellantis has six vehicles on the Index, while Ford and GM each have five vehicles contributing to the state’s economic growth.

GM boasts 18 vehicles on the Index, with five in Michigan and additional assembly locations in Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The highest-ranking GM vehicle is the Chevrolet Colorado, positioned at No. 23. Despite a 10% decrease in AMI representation since 2020, GM consistently has the most representation on the Index.¹

Ford has 12 vehicles on the Index, assembled in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. The Lincoln Corsair at No. 29 and Ford Mustang at No. 31 are Ford’s highest-ranking vehicles. Contrary to GM, Ford’s representation on the AMI has increased 20% since 2020.¹

Methodology

Cars.com’s American-Made Index ranks cars based on five factors: assembly location, parts sourcing as determined by the American Automobile Labeling Act, U.S. factory employment relative to vehicle production, engine sourcing and transmission sourcing. For more information on the 2024 Cars.com American-Made Index, including a deeper dive into the data and methodology, visit Cars.com/AMI.

¹ Cars.com internal data
² Automaker press releases: Toyota and Honda, Hyundai Mercedes-Benz
³Cars.com Consumer Survey; May 31-June 3, 2024; 1,003 respondents
⁴ Cars.com Consumer Survey; May 31-June 3, 2024; 1,157 respondents

ABOUT CARS.COM^®

Cars.com® is the No. 1 most recognized automotive marketplace visited by nearly 30 million in-market consumers each month. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Cars.com empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. Cars.com is the flagship offering from Cars.com Inc. d/b/a Cars Commerce Inc., an audience-driven technology company empowering automotive that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc.

SOURCE Cars.com Inc. & PR Newswire

CONTACT: Jason Williams, pr@cars.com

The fourth annual event will take place December 9-11, 2024 at the Indiana Convention Center to kick off PRI Show Week

• Mobil 1 to return as Presenting Sponsor.
• Special events include “Breakfast at the Brickyard,” “Tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Race Shops,” and “Luncheon at the Westin.”

Registration is Now Open

INDIANAPOLIS, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — After three highly successful Summits in Nashville, Charlotte, and Phoenix, Women in Motorsports North America announced today that the fourth annual Women with Drive Summit—Driven by Mobil 1 (WWD IV) will take place December 9-11, 2024, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, to kick off PRI Show week.

Motorsports industry representatives will gather to celebrate the “wins” over the past year, introduce new people to consider pursuing a career in motorsports, and discuss the issues, challenges, and barriers within the industry. Stellar keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions have been designed to help facilitate, educate, and encourage attendees to forge ahead in the motorsports space. Attendees are open to industry executives, drivers, team members, OEMs, sponsors, racetrack representatives, and anyone interested in career opportunities. This year, the Summit has added driver workshops to address essential skills off the track that will help develop their overall career.

New initiatives for WWD IV include “Breakfast at the Brickyard,” hosted by Indianapolis Motor Speedway to officially kick off the Summit on Tuesday morning, and a limited-capacity tour on Monday afternoon of the Speedway, Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Andretti Global, and Ganassi Racing shops.

A luncheon will be held at the Westin Indianapolis on Wednesday with a to-be-announced keynote. Luncheon tickets for those not attending the Summit will go on sale at a future date.

“Mobil 1 is thrilled to once again join WIMNA to continue supporting the Summit,” said Michelle Hassinger, OEM Marketing Manager for ExxonMobil, manufacturer of Mobil 1 – the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. “Mobil 1 continues its commitment to nurturing female talent within the industry, both on and off the track. By supporting initiatives like the Summit, Mobil 1 not only contributes to the advancement of diversity in motorsports but also recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and skills in driving innovation and success.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about having WIMNA at PRI. This is a highly valued partnership; they bring a welcomed voice to the industry, and it is truly a breath of fresh air. The WIMNA team is doing tremendous work educating and creating opportunities of continued growth and prosperity for the industry that we all love and advocate for,” said Michael Good, President of PRI.

“We are excited to bring our fourth Women with Drive – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit to Indianapolis,” said Cindy Sisson, Executive Director for Women in Motorsports North America.  “Not only is Indy the perfect host city for events, but many of our sponsors and attendees hail from the area and are great advocates for our Summit.  We are also thrilled to partner with PRI on this event. Having a partner like PRI will no doubt enhance our event’s reach and impact, especially with the excitement surrounding their industry-wide tradeshow.  Our attendees are in for an empowering and enlightening experience.”

SCHEDULE
Monday, December 9
1:00 – 6:00 pm – Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Shop Tours (Limited to first 50 signups)
1:00 – 6:00 pm – Pre-Registration at the Westin Indianapolis

Tuesday, December 10
9:00 – 11:00 am – Breakfast at the Brickyard
1:00 – 6:00 pm – Keynotes, Panelists, Breakouts and Networking Opportunities at the Indiana Convention Center

Wednesday, December 11
9:00 am – 5:45 pm – Keynotes, Panelists, Breakouts, Networking Opportunities at the Indiana Convention Center
12:15 – 1:45 pm – Luncheon at the Westin Indianapolis

You can learn more and register for the Women with Drive IV – Driven by Mobil 1 Summit through our website: http://www.womenwithdrivesummit.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WWDSummit
Twitter:  @WWDSummit
Instagram:  @WWDSummit
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-motorsports-north-america/
YouTube:  @WomenWithDriveSummit

About Mobil 1
For 50 years, Mobil 1 has been trusted by drivers to keep their engines running longer. Our products combine the latest technology and innovation to exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops—so consumers can get the most out of their time behind the wheel, both on the road and on the track. Turn every day into an adventure with Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand.

About Performance Racing Industry
Performance Racing Industry fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting, and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses through legislative action and advocacy, its monthly business magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world’s premier auto racing trade show, the PRI Trade Show. PRI also supports businesses by providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com. 

About Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA)
WIMNA is a US 501(c)3 charitable organization founded by motorsports icons Lyn St. James and Beth Paretta. WIMNA is a community of motorsports professionals devoted to supporting opportunities for women across all motorsport disciplines by creating an inclusive, resourceful environment to foster mentorship, advocacy, education, and growth, ensuring our sport’s continued strength and successful future. More information is available at https://womeninmotorsportsna.com 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindy Sisson
Executive Director
Women in Motorsports North America
704.906.9507
379093@email4pr.com

SOURCE Women in Motorsports NA & PR Newswire