Ministry of Sport

New Balance and New England Patriots Announce Partnership

Posted on March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 by Courtney

New Balance has signed a long-term agreement to become the Official and Exclusive Athletic Footwear and Apparel Partner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium.

The partnership marks a major homecoming for the Boston-based brand as it deepens its roots in the professional football landscape.

The collaboration will be physically anchored by a massive 160,000-square-foot facility in Foxborough.

Opening this spring, the New Balance Athletics Centre will serve as the team’s integrated performance campus, housing training, strength, and recovery operations. Surrounding practice areas will also be rebranded as the New Balance Practice Fields.

Performance Innovation and On-Field Synergy

Commenting on the partnership, brand president and CMO of New Balance, Chris Davis, said: “At the heart of this partnership are two global brands united by shared values and a deep commitment to New England.”

“This collaboration represents an enduring investment in performance, culture, and community,” Davis said.

The partnership is designed to go beyond traditional branding, focusing on technical collaboration and product development.

The new facility provides an “ecosystem” for New Balance to work directly with Patriots athletes and staff to innovate high-performance footwear and apparel. New Balance will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of Patriots Training Camp, taking a front-row seat in the team’s preparation for the 2026/27 NFL season.

In addition, branding will be integrated across Gillette Stadium LED signage, on-field placements, Patriots Place, and the team’s digital and broadcast platforms.

Community Impact and Youth Football

A cornerstone of the agreement is the investment in the Patriots Foundation. New Balance will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Patriots’ youth football programs, with a strategic focus on expanding access to both tackle and flag football.

Additionally, the partnership extends to the New England Revolution, supporting youth soccer programs and clinics throughout the region.

Commercial Context: A Brand on the Rise

The company recently reported USD9.2 billion (AUD13 billion) in annual sales for 2025, marking its fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth.

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Perth Bears Entry Sparks Unprecedented Junior Rugby League Growth in WA

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

The “Bears Effect” has officially taken hold of Western Australia, with junior rugby league registrations skyrocketing as the state prepares for the Perth Bears’ entry into the NRL in 2027.

Fresh data from NRL Western Australia indicates that the announcement of the 18th franchise has triggered a massive shift in participation, particularly among the youth demographics that will form the club’s future talent pool.

Year-on-year figures for the 2026 season reveal a remarkable 23 per cent surge in the critical 13–15 age bracket.

Overall junior registrations (ages 6–18) have climbed by 17 per cent, while total participation, including senior grades, is up 9 per cent across the state.

Building the “Pathway to Red-and-Black”

Praising the vision of the NRL and the WA Government, and noting the importance of the grassroots surge, Perth Bears head coach, Mal Meninga, said: “The Perth Bears have to provide these young players a pathway to the NRL and it’ll be great to have our first WA-born player putting on the red-and-black jersey.”

General manager of Football, David Sharpe, described the growth as a “generational shift,” noting that the visible horizon of an NRL team is changing how West Australian children view the sport.

“Kids who might never have considered rugby league before are now pulling on boots because they can see the Perth Bears on the horizon,” Sharpe said.

Perth Bears Commercial Foundation

Expressing his enthusiasm about the surge, Perth Bears CEO, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “We truly believe we’re the most exciting story in Australian sport.”

“One of our top priorities is to positively impact the growth and development of rugby league in WA,” De Ceglie said.

The participation boom follows a series of landmark commercial milestones for the club, including the unveiling of the official logo in January 2026 and the confirmation of HBF Park as the primary home ground.

The WA Government’s $85.6 million investment into the franchise includes significant funding specifically earmarked for grassroots development to sustain this momentum.

A New Era for the Premiership

The influx of players has forced an immediate expansion of the local elite competition. The NRL WA “Fuel to Go & Play” Premiership will expand to a ten-team format in 2026, welcoming three new first-grade sides:

Kwinana Titans
Kalamunda Bulldogs
Ellenbrook Rabbitohs

USA Esports Launches with Mandate to Secure National Governing Body Status

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

USA Esports has officially announced its identity as a non-profit entity, as the organisation’s primary objective is to secure official National Governing Body (NGB) status from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), positioning esports alongside traditional federally backed entities such as USA Basketball and US Soccer.

Led by president & CEO Jesse Bodony, and executive director Daniel Clerke, the venture is the culmination of a year-long discovery process.

Supported by a President’s Advisory Council consisting of university chancellors, USA Esports seeks to unify a fragmented domestic scene that spans professional leagues, collegiate programs, and K-12 initiatives.

The USA Esports Alliance: A Powerhouse Coalition

The launch is underpinned by the USA Esports Alliance, a formidable partnership between the country’s most commercially successful professional clubs and leading academic institutions.

Professional Founding Members: A “who’s who” of the industry, including Team Liquid, Cloud9, TSM, 100 Thieves, NRG, and FlyQuest.
Collegiate Partners: Major athletic and academic programs such as UCLA, University of Kentucky, TCU, and Georgia Tech.

By bridging these sectors, the organisation aims to establish a standardised “pathway to pro,” implementing rigorous safety, training, and ethical standards that have historically lacked central oversight in the United States.

A Global Shift Toward Formalisation

The formation of USA Esports mirrors international trends, notably the recent launch of the UFCEP in France.

While the French model focuses on legislative and fiscal reform, the American model is built around the USOPC framework.

Sydney FC Scores Major Retail Partnership with Sports Direct

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

Sydney FC has officially secured a partnership with global sporting giant Sports Direct, designating the retailer as the club’s Official Sports Retailer through the conclusion of the 2025–26 A-League season.

The alliance marks a commercial step for both organisations, coinciding with Sydney FC’s strong push for the Premier’s Plate.

The Sky Blues currently sit 3rd on the A-League Men ladder with 33 points, trailing league leaders Newcastle Jets as the season enters its critical final phase.

Retail Expansion

Commenting on the partnership, Sydney FC GM commercial and marketing, Matt Pound, said: “Sports Direct is a globally recognised brand and this partnership will allow us to create exciting opportunities for our Members and fans, both digitally and on matchdays at Allianz Stadium.”

The partnership serves as a high-profile platform for Sports Direct’s aggressive Australian rollout, managed by the Accent Group.

The retailer recently celebrated the launch of its first Sydney flagship store within the newly renovated Chatswood Chase shopping centre, following its successful Australian debut at Westfield Fountain Gate in Melbourne.

Sydney FC and Sports Direct Activation at Allianz Stadium

The partnership will be activated immediately, with a major fan engagement event scheduled for Sydney FC’s home match against Perth Glory on Sunday 22 March at Allianz Stadium.

Fans attending the fixture will be eligible for a series of high-value giveaways, including:

Crowd Activation: Ten supporters will win $100 Sports Direct vouchers via a big-screen interactive event.
Half-Time Challenge: One fan will compete for a $1,000 Sports Direct shopping spree.

Beyond matchday giveaways, Sports Direct will receive significant brand exposure across Sydney FC’s digital and physical assets, including LED signage and television commercial placements during both Men’s and Women’s fixtures.

The collaboration will also feature exclusive “money-can’t-buy” experiences, providing members with behind-the-scenes access and appearances from Sydney FC’s marquee players.

Tommy Hilfiger and U.S. SailGP Team Unveil Spring 2026 Fanwear Collection

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

Tommy Hilfiger has officially launched the Tommy Hilfiger x U.S. SailGP Team Spring 2026 fanwear collection.

The collection arrives as SailGP Season 6 moves into high gear, following recent grand prix events in Perth, Auckland, and Sydney, and ahead of the highly anticipated Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix in April.

The fanwear range is designed to bridge the gap between elite performance and everyday lifestyle, leveraging the “fashiontainment” trend that has revitalised sports marketing. The collection reinterprets Tommy Hilfiger’s signature red, white, and blue palette with marina striping and archive-inspired sailing jackets, graphic T-shirts, and co-branded accessories.

Commenting on the launch, Tommy Hilfiger, said: “For decades, sailing has been part of our brand story.”

“The U.S. SailGP Team are changing the way people see sailing and reaching new audiences around the world. This collection is celebrating that energy,” they said.

Emphasising the importance of supporter culture in the sport’s growth, co-owner and CEO of the U.S. SailGP Team, Mike Buckley, added: “SailGP is fast, unpredictable and full of momentum shifts—and our fans are right there with us.”

“This collection is for everyone backing the team through every turn of the season,” Buckley said.

A Broader Strategy in Sports & Culture

The SailGP launch is the latest pillar in Tommy Hilfiger’s aggressive 2026 sports business strategy, which focuses on high-visibility global platforms:

Formula 1: The brand recently debuted a massive fanwear collection for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, featuring replica team kits and limited-edition race-day drops for Miami and Las Vegas.
Football: In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Tommy Hilfiger joined Liverpool FC as a Global Partner, introducing personalised “Tunnel Walk” looks for stars like Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Spring 2026 collection is available now via Tommy.com and select global boutiques.

Countdown (20-16): Top 20 Young Guns in the Business of Sport

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

Following engagement with the Ministry of Sport audience and broader business community, we are proud to launch our inaugural Top 20 Young Guns, a curated editorial series spotlighting the rising operators shaping the future of sport.

Last month, we invited nominations for high-performing professionals under 30 who are doing great work across the industry. Those driving innovation, improving performance, and contributing meaningfully behind the scenes.

The response reflected the strength and diversity of the ecosystem across Australia and New Zealand. From commercial and marketing to operations and administration, it’s clear there is a new generation of talent stepping up and making an impact.

We have now finalised our Top 20, a group of individuals already contributing at a high level across clubs, leagues, brands, and governing bodies.

This is not an awards program. There are no judges’ tables or acceptance speeches. This is about recognition and visibility, shining a light on people who are doing the work and helping move the industry forward.

Over the next four days, we will unveil the full list.

We begin today with positions 20 through 16, our first five Young Guns:

#20: Charlie Garner – Stadium Sports Coordinator

Organisation: Belgravia Leisure

Impact: As a standout in facility management, Charlie has been optimising stadium operations and community access programmes. His work ensures that commercial efficiency meets social impact, making high-quality sporting infrastructure more accessible to local communities

#19: Millie Martin – Content & Communications Coordinator

Organisation:Netball South Australia / Adelaide Thunderbirds

Impact: Millie has elevated the digital footprint of netball in South Australia. By spearheading innovative digital engagement strategies for the Adelaide Thunderbirds, she has strengthened the connection between elite athletes and a growing fan base, driving measurable growth in audience interaction.

#18: Caleb Henty Brown – Club and Community Lead

Organisation: PitchUp

Impact: Operating at the intersection of community sport and commercial sustainability, Caleb has streamlined how local clubs connect with corporate partners. His approach at PitchUp provides grassroots organisations with the tools and visibility needed to secure vital commercial investment.

#17: Kiara Hughes – Stadium Sports Coordinator

Organisation: Perth Wildcats

Impact: Managing the complex logistics of an NBL powerhouse is no small feat. Kiara has proven herself a leader in event operations, ensuring that the Wildcats’ commercial and match-day requirements are met with precision, delivering a seamless experience for sponsors and fans alike.

#16: Jessica Green – Brand and Fan Growth Lead

Organisation: Port Adelaide Football Club

Impact: In an era where data is king, Jessica has pioneered data-driven growth strategies for the Power. Her analytical approach to fan insights and commercial trends has provided Port Adelaide with a competitive edge in audience retention and revenue diversification.

Latrobe City and Victorian Government Back Table Tennis Return to Traralgon

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

Table Tennis Australia has announced a partnership with Latrobe City Council and the Victorian State Government to bring the 2026 Table Tennis Australia National Hopes Tour – Victoria and the 2026 Table Tennis Australia Tour – Victoria back to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) this April.

The announcement reinforces Traralgon’s growing reputation as a premier regional hub for high-performance indoor sports.

Following the successful hosting of the National Championships and previous tour legs, the return to Latrobe City is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the Gippsland region through increased visitation and the utilisation of local hospitality and accommodation services.

Strategic Milestone for National Pathways

The Victorian leg of the Table Tennis Australia National Hopes Tour holds particular commercial and developmental weight this year, serving as the official finale of the 2025/26 National Hopes Tour. This series is the cornerstone of Table Tennis Australia’s talent identification strategy, designed to bridge the gap between community participation and elite international representation.

Commenting on the announcement, Table Tennis Australia CEO, Nicole Adamson, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Latrobe City Council and Victorian State Government.”

“After the success of both the National Championships and last year’s Table Tennis Australia Tour Victoria, it was clear that the Latrobe community embraces our sport and provides a world-class experience for our athletes,” Adamson said.

Economic and Community Impact

The events are supported by the Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program, which aims to drive regional tourism and showcase regional Victoria to a national audience.

The Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium is widely praised by officials and coaches for providing an elite environment that accommodates high-volume competition schedules.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, noted that the tournaments will “boost local businesses and fill accommodation providers” while showcasing the Latrobe region.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, emphasised the aspirational value for local youth, stating the events “show our kids what’s possible” by bringing the nation’s best emerging talent to their doorstep.

Hockey New Zealand Launches “CoachMate” to Support Grassroots Coaching

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

Hockey New Zealand has officially partnered with the mobile app CoachMate to digitise its coaching resources, providing a streamlined support system for the thousands of volunteers who underpin the sport across Aotearoa.

The launch marks a step in the organisation’s National Coaching Direction, a framework aimed at aligning coaching standards nationwide.

The partnership focuses on the Foundation player stage, addressing a critical gap in community sport where volunteers often step into coaching roles with limited preparation.

By integrating Hockey NZ’s coaching frameworks directly into a free, mobile-first platform, the organisation aims to lower the barrier for entry for new coaches while improving the quality of the participant experience.

Commenting on the launch, a spokesperson from Hockey New Zealand, said: “CoachMate plays a key role in bringing our National Coaching Direction to life by providing consistent, practical tools that support effective coaching.”

To incentivise early adoption, the organisation has announced that any coach who registers on the app before 20 April 2026 will enter a draw to win a $500 prize pack.

CoachMate Integration of the Coaching Framework

Key technical pillars include:

Modern Skill Learning: Utilising game-based activities and constraints-led principles to support individual and team development.
The “Kiwi Spirit” & “Hockey Ability”: Practice plans are designed to foster both technical proficiency and the cultural values central to the New Zealand hockey whānau.
Spaces and Places Strategy: Activities are adaptable to various environments with minimal equipment, ensuring hockey can be delivered in schools and community spaces as well as traditional turf venues.

Digital Tools for Grassroots Efficiency

The app provides a suite of functional tools designed to reduce administrative burden and increase coach confidence:

Bite-Sized Video Learning: Coaches can learn new activities in under 90 seconds via high-quality video demonstrations.
Session Planning: Ready-made practice plans can be linked directly to team schedules.
Integrated Communication: A secure platform for coaches to manage team chats, schedule events, and coordinate with caregivers.

Hockey NZ joins an elite group of National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) utilising CoachMate to scale their grassroots impact, including New Zealand Football, Basketball New Zealand, and New Zealand Rugby League.

Brisbane Lions Appoint Danielle Smith as General Manager of AFLW Program

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Courtney

The Brisbane Lions has announced the appointment of Danielle Smith as the new general manager of the AFLW program.

Smith, a highly decorated sports executive with over 25 years of industry experience, succeeds Bree Brock, who departed the role after a foundational ten-year tenure with the club.

The appointment underscores the Lions’ commitment to maintaining their status as a benchmark AFLW organisation.

Smith’s resume is headlined by her tenure as the inaugural CEO of the Sunshine Coast Lightning, where she oversaw back-to-back premierships in the club’s first two seasons in Suncorp Super Netball.

Her background also includes senior leadership stints with the Melbourne Storm, Geelong Cats, and the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, as well as her most recent role as CEO of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Commenting on Smith’s appointment, Brisbane Lions CEO, Sam Graham, said: “Danielle has a deep passion for the code and importantly has significant experience in successful high-performance environments.”

He noted that Smith’s expertise would be vital in evolving the AFLW program alongside senior coach, Craig Starcevich.

Experssing her enthusiasm on the new position, seasoned sports executive, Smith, shared: “I’m incredibly honoured to join the Brisbane Lions to lead its AFLW program and build on the outstanding legacy of Bree Brock.”

“The opportunity to work with Craig Starcevich, our talented playing group, and high-performance staff is incredibly exciting.

“I’m passionate about continuing to grow and elevate elite women’s sport,” she said.

Smith, who was named QSport’s Sport Administrator of the Year in 2021, takes the helm at a time of significant commercial and structural growth for the AFLW.

Her focus will likely involve leveraging the Lions’ high-performance facilities at Springfield to further diversify revenue streams and enhance athlete development pathways.

Smith is scheduled to officially commence the role on 30 March 2026.

Collingwood and Breitling Unveil Luxury Partnership with Limited-Edition Timepiece

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Collingwood has officially announced a multi-year partnership with Swiss watchmaker Breitling.

The partnership, which sees Breitling join as an Official Partner of the Magpies, was launched alongside the unveiling of the Superocean Automatic 44 Collingwood Limited Edition, a timepiece designed to bridge the gap between high-performance horology and Australian sporting tradition.

A Partnership Anchored by Values, Prestige, and Heritage

Breitling, a brand with a 140-year history of innovation, has established a significant presence in Melbourne through flagship boutiques in the CBD and Chadstone. This collaboration marks its most direct foray into the AFL landscape, leveraging Collingwood’s massive commercial reach and highly engaged supporter base.

Commenting on the partnership, Collingwood CEO, Craig Kelly, said: “Collingwood and Breitling are the perfect pairing. Both organisations have a long and great history and are always looking to be innovative and advanced in the pursuit of success,”

He noted that the partnership allows fans to celebrate the club’s iconic black-and-white identity through a premium, wearable heirloom.

Collingwood midfielder and Breitling ambassador, Nick Daicos joined the launch, highlighting the synergy between elite sport and precision timing.

“In sport, timing and precision are so important, not only to how we prepare but also to everything we do out on the field,” Daicos said.

Breitling Oceania Managing Director Lars Summers added that the watch was designed as a legacy piece for supporters.

“It’s designed as something supporters can wear with pride today and ultimately pass on to the next generation,” Summers stated.

The Superocean 44 Collingwood Limited Edition is retailing for $8,290 and is available via pre-order through Breitling’s official channels and boutiques.

The limited-edition watch is built on Breitling’s robust Superocean 44 platform, featuring:

Design: A monochrome black-and-white dial reflecting the club’s stripes, accented with 18k red gold to symbolise championship success.
Exclusivity: Strictly limited to 125 pieces available only in Australia.
Authenticity: The Collingwood Magpie crest is engraved on the caseback, while the technical specifications include 300-metre water resistance and COSC-certified accuracy.

Basketball Australia and Basketball New Zealand Launch Trans-Tasman Integrity Partnership

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Basketball Australia (BA) and Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) have today entered into a five-year shared services partnership, marking a new era of regional cooperation in sporting governance.

Under the landmark agreement, Basketball Australia’s specialist Integrity Unit will extend its operational capacity to support BBNZ in managing integrity, safeguarding, and compliance matters across the New Zealand basketball ecosystem.

The partnership represents a proactive shift toward cross-border standardisation in participant protection and ethical conduct.

Under the arrangement, BA Integrity will provide BBNZ with high-level support in critical areas including child safeguarding, investigations, match-fixing prevention, and anti-gambling education.

The collaboration also includes the implementation of advanced reporting mechanisms, whistleblowing protocols, and professional case management systems.

Emphasising that the move reflects the maturity of the sport’s internal systems and a commitment to collective leadership, Basketball Australia CEO, Matt Scriven, said: “Integrity, safeguarding and trust sit at the heart of our sport.”

“This partnership recognises that we are stronger when we work together, share expertise and invest in robust systems that protect everyone involved in basketball,” Scriven said.

Echoing his comment about the partnership, BBNZ CEO, Belinda Edwards, said: “This partnership allows Basketball New Zealand to strengthen our integrity capability by working closely with an experienced and highly regarded integrity team.”

“It reinforces our commitment to safeguarding participants, upholding ethical standards and ensuring basketball remains a safe, fair and trusted sport at every level,” Edwards said.

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for both organisations as they navigate the 2026–2030 strategic cycle.

For Basketball New Zealand, the agreement provides immediate access to world-class expertise and established infrastructure without the overhead of building an independent large-scale integrity department from the ground up.

The shared services model will involve regular reporting to BBNZ leadership and ongoing trend analysis to identify emerging risks within the Pacific region.

The initial five-year term includes scheduled reviews to ensure the partnership continues to meet the evolving needs of the broader basketball community.

Cook Government Launches $6 Million ‘Game On, Girls’ Initiative to Combat Teenage Dropout Rates

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Cook Government has officially launched Game On, Girls, a $6 million investment aimed at reversing the sharp decline in sports participation among teenage girls across Western Australia.

Over the next four years, the initiative will provide direct financial support to community sporting clubs to foster more inclusive and retention-focused environments for athletes aged 13 to 17.

As part of the rollout, local clubs can now apply for grants of up to $5,000. These funds are appropriated for the design and delivery of “girl-friendly” programs that address the specific psychological and physical barriers identified in recent state research.

The program addresses a critical commercial and social challenge within the WA sporting ecosystem.

While participation remains high at 83 per cent for nine-year-olds, it plummets to just 23 per cent by the age of 15. This “participation cliff” represents a loss of future talent, volunteer bases, and membership revenue for local organisations.

Commenting on the program, Sport and Recreation Minister, Rita Saffioti, said: “Game On, Girls is about helping local clubs create environments where young women feel supported, safe and confident to participate.”

She noted that a lack of confidence and self-belief remains a primary barrier to keeping young female players engaged as they transition through adolescence.

The initiative delivers on a key Cook Labor Government election commitment and operates under the broader Power Her Play campaign, a state-wide strategic push to celebrate and professionalise women’s roles in sport.

Minister for Women, Simone McGurk, emphasised that the grants will equip clubs with “practical, on-the-ground support” to transform club cultures from the grassroots up.

Boston Celtics and Amica Launch ‘Game Changers’ Grant for New England Early Education

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation (BCSF) and Amica Companies Foundation have announced an expansion of their community investment portfolio with the launch of the BCSF Game Changers Early Education Grant program.

This initiative is designed to bolster high-quality learning environments for children aged zero to five in under-resourced communities across New England.

In its inaugural year, the program will award two grants of USD50,000 (AUD71,000) each to selected early education providers.

The funding is specifically reserved for critical infrastructure and capacity-building projects, including health and safety repairs, the reconfiguration of existing spaces to enhance capacity, and the development of new facilities through construction or the rehabilitation of vacant properties.

The “Game Changers” program further cements the partnership between the Celtics and Amica, which recently saw the groundbreaking of a major early education centre in Providence’s Manton Heights.

The program is administered in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) via the Rhode Island Child Care and Early Learning Facilities Fund (RICCELFF).

This collaboration ensures that the capital is deployed effectively, with projects expected to reach completion within one to two years of disbursement.

Feature	Details
Grant Amount	$50,000 (AUD71,000) per recipient (2 recipients total)
Application Window	15 March 2026 – 15 April 2026
Eligible Regions	ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, and select CT postcodes
Target Demographic	Non-profit providers serving children ages 0–5
Disbursement	Single advance installment upon agreement execution

To qualify, applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) public charities and demonstrate the operational capacity to begin their proposed projects within six months of receiving funds.

The selection criteria focus on four strategic pillars: expanding access, supporting school readiness, enhancing family engagement, and building the early childhood education workforce.

Applications are processed through the LISC portal, requiring a comprehensive narrative document and site-specific project plans.

Following the 15 April deadline, LISC will conduct due diligence and site visits before BCSF and Amica finalise the grant recipients.

Milano Cortina 2026 Sets Global Benchmark for Winter Paralympic Sport

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have concluded as the most commercially successful and widely viewed edition in the event’s 50-year history.

Surpassing all previous benchmarks for participation, broadcast reach, and digital engagement, the Games have fundamentally redefined the market value of winter Para-sport for National Paralympic Committees and global media partners.

The 2026 Games featured a record 611 Para-athletes from 55 National Paralympic Committees, eclipsing the previous high of 564 athletes set at PyeongChang 2018.

Commenting on the record breakers,International Paralympic Committee spokesperson, said: “Milano Cortina 2026 broke multiple records, setting benchmarks for all future Games.”

The competitive depth of the tournament was evident as a record 27 National Paralympic Committees secured medals, with Brazil notably earning its first-ever Winter Paralympic silver through Christian Ribera in Para cross-country skiing.

The commercial appeal of the Games was further bolstered by the debut of five nations, El Salvador, Haiti, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Portugal, while female participation reached an all-time high of 160 competitors, representing an 18 per cent increase from Beijing 2022.

In a significant boost for the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) digital strategy, video content on the official YouTube channel generated over 414 million views. This figure represents a staggering 712 per cent increase over the total views recorded during the Paris 2024 Summer Games, highlighting a massive shift in global audience appetite for winter disciplines.

Broadcast Level Reached New Heights

Milano Cortina 2026 was the most widely covered Paralympic Winter Games in history, with 20 Media Rights Holders delivering the action to a record 126 countries.

Host nation Italy capitalised on the home-ground advantage to secure its best-ever performance, winning 16 medals, including seven golds.

The commercial boom of the event was best illustrated at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, where the Para ice hockey gold medal match between the USA and Canada attracted a bumper crowd of 11,000, breaking the previous attendance record of 8,462 set in 2002.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Cancelled in April

Posted on March 16, 2026 by Courtney

Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April 2026.

The decision follows a rigorous evaluation of the escalating security situation in the Middle East, with both the governing body and the Formula One Group citing the safety of personnel and the broader sporting community as the non-negotiable priority.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was slated for 12 April at the Sakhir circuit, followed immediately by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on 19 April.

In a coordinated statement, the FIA confirmed that several alternatives were explored to fill the vacancies; however, it was ultimately determined that no replacement races will be scheduled for the April window. This leaves a significant five-week gap in the 2026 calendar between the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March and the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May.

Commenting on the announcement,FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first.”

“After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind.

“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow,” he said.

The cancellation extends to all support categories, with FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and the F1 Academy rounds also scrapped for the April period.

President and CEO of Formula One Group, Stefano Domenicali, expressed gratitude to the local promoters for their total understanding, describing the move as difficult but unfortunately the right one.

The regional instability has created significant logistical hurdles, with disruptions to freight shipping and Middle Eastern airspace making the safe transport of cars and technical equipment impossible.

The decision also carries a heavy commercial toll, with the loss of two high-fee events expected to impact the league’s annual revenue by over $130 million.

With the 2026 season now reduced from 24 to 22 rounds, teams will likely utilise the unexpected April hiatus to refine their technical packages following the introduction of the sport’s new engine and chassis regulations earlier this year.