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Olympic Solidarity and ANOCA support Dakar 2026 Learning Academy opportunities for African NOCs

Learning Academy opens doors for African NOCs at Dakar 2026 Recognising the potential impact of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy NOC programme on the next generation of sports professionals in Africa, and in line with Olympic Solidarity’s objective to strengthen NOC capacities, Olympic Solidarity and ANOCA will jointly contribute funding for Learning Academy scholarships. These […]

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Learning Academy opens doors for African NOCs at Dakar 2026

Recognising the potential impact of the Dakar 2026 Learning Academy NOC programme on the next generation of sports professionals in Africa, and in line with Olympic Solidarity’s objective to strengthen NOC capacities, Olympic Solidarity and ANOCA will jointly contribute funding for Learning Academy scholarships. These scholarships will contribute towards travel and accommodation costs, ensuring broad engagement from African NOCs and potential participants. Details on the application process will be shared with NOCs after the summer, with selected participants expected to begin the Learning Academy in early 2026 before starting their roles within the YOGOC.

The Learning Academy is designed to give promising young professionals from across Africa hands-on experience in sports management and event delivery. Each African NOC will be invited to nominate young professionals to join the Learning Academy. Selected participants will receive intensive two-week training in Dakar and then take up roles within the Organising Committee, helping to strengthen NOCs and building capacity across the continent. Over the next 16 months, a total of up to 400 young professionals, including the 53 candidates selected via the African NOCs, will be trained and integrated into the YOGOC – the first 41 participants have already taken up their roles.

Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange said: “Through the Learning Academy, we are creating a lasting legacy for the Olympic Movement, and one that could serve as a model for future host cities of the Youth Olympic Games or the Olympic Games, beginning here in Dakar.”

The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.



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Trash Pandas to host “Youth Sports Night” this Saturday

Youth Sports Night is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 at Toyota Field as the Trash Pandas host its’ special night where local youth teams can attend a game and have a night to remember. Madison County Record, News, Sports, The Madison Recor, Z – News Main  By Bob Labbe   Published 6:03 am Wednesday, […]

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Trash Pandas to host “Youth Sports Night” this Saturday

Youth Sports Night is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 at Toyota Field as the Trash Pandas host its’ special night where local youth teams can attend a game and have a night to remember.


Madison County Record, News, Sports, The Madison Recor, Z – News Main

 By Bob Labbe  

Published 6:03 am Wednesday, July 30, 2025





MADISON – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are hosting its tenth home stand of the 2025 season as they face the Birmingham Barons through Sunday, Aug. 3. The week of Minor League Baseball will include numerous promotions with Saturday, Aug. 2 the official Youth Sports Night.

Local youth sports teams of any sport are encouraged to attend for a night of baseball and fun. Group tickets are available for each youth team with $2 of ballpark credit with each ticket. Details on the special night or questions can be found through Tonia Wigginton, manager of Corporate Sales for the Trash Pandas. She can be contacted at 256-325-3871 or by e-mail at twigginton@trashpandasbaseball. com. The special evening is certainly more than baseball with the Trash Pandas facing the Barons, as the 6:35 p.m. start time will feature those youth teams who purchase 20 tickets receiving the team/ league announcement by the stadium announcer and a dream team experience provided by the Trash Pandas. Teams which purchase at least 50 tickets receive in addition the chance to participate in the ceremonial first pitch. Those squads with as many as 250 tickets sold can also have a special Trash Pandas Mascot appearance just for that team.

Tickets for the Youth Sports Night start at $17.44. It should be a night the attending youth will never forget and be a great way to sort of end the summer before heading back to school.

Saturday’s official promotion for the evening is Dinosaur Weekend featuring a Jurassic-sized adventure. The prehistoric fun includes life-sized animatronic and static dinos, dino-themed activities and interactive photo ops that will transport each person back in time. Special giveaways will also be included. The evening will be topped off by some dinosaur guests and a hatching baby Dino Egg.






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Popular Kalamazoo County sports dome unveils new name

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — A 68,000-square-foot sports dome that reopened in late 2024 after a $4 million expansion and renovation has been given a new name. Previously known as the Next Level Sports Center, the facility at 12733 U.S. 131 in Schoolcraft, will now be called The Kalsee Dome at Next Level Sports Center. Discover […]

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KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — A 68,000-square-foot sports dome that reopened in late 2024 after a $4 million expansion and renovation has been given a new name.

Previously known as the Next Level Sports Center, the facility at 12733 U.S. 131 in Schoolcraft, will now be called The Kalsee Dome at Next Level Sports Center.

Discover Kalamazoo announced the new community-focused partnership between Kalsee Credit Union and Next Level Sports Center in a Wednesday, July 30 news release.

The collaboration reflects the shared values of both organizations, which include supporting youth development, promoting wellness and investing in the Southwest Michigan community, the release states.

Schoolcraft's well-known sports dome reopens
Scenes from Next Level Sports Center’s grand reopening on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in Schoolcraft, Mich.(Matthew Ehler | MLive.com)

The dome, which originally opened in 1998, was deflated in July 2024 as it underwent a massive four-month renovation project.

RELATED: Dome deflation: Well-known sports facility deflates dome, shares plans for future

RELATED: Familiar sports dome in Schoolcraft reopens twice the size after $4 million project

After reopening in November with a plethora of new amenities, its name was changed from The Dome Sports Center to the Next Level Sports Center.

Adding “Kalsee Dome” to the beginning of the name represents more than just a name change, said Josh Baird, who has owned the facility since 2015.

“It symbolizes our joint effort to enhance the experience for everyone who visits our facility,” Baird said. “Kalsee helped make our expansion project possible, and we look forward to their continued positive impact on our athletes and families.”

Kalsee Dome at Next Level Sports Center
The Next Level Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan, has partnered with Kalsee Credit Union and changed its name to Kalsee Dome at Next Level Sports Center.Provided by Discover Kalamazoo

With the support of Kalsee Credit Union, Next Level Sports Center will continue to grow its offerings with a goal of making a lasting difference in the lives of athletes across the region. The facility — which serves thousands of local families a year — has a mission of creating 1 million moments of fun through youth athletics, camps, leagues and inclusive programs.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement,” said Matt Lahman, CEO of Kalsee Credit Union. “We are especially proud to be part of Next Level’s facilities and programming expansion following the recent installation of their much larger dome with new volleyball and pickleball courts.”

As part of this partnership, a Kalsee Interactive Teller Machine will also be installed on campus, offering banking services for visitors.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLive’s local Kalamazoo news page.

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PeacePlayers Friendship Games brings global youth together in Detroit

DETROIT (WXYZ) — A week-long celebration of basketball and culture has descended upon Detroit as the city hosts the PeacePlayers Friendship Games, uniting youth from around the world through sports. Watch Demetrios Sanders’ video report: Celebration of basketball and culture Since 2001, the international peace-building non-profit PeacePlayers has used sport and movement to unite divided […]

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DETROIT (WXYZ) — A week-long celebration of basketball and culture has descended upon Detroit as the city hosts the PeacePlayers Friendship Games, uniting youth from around the world through sports.

Watch Demetrios Sanders’ video report:

Celebration of basketball and culture

Since 2001, the international peace-building non-profit PeacePlayers has used sport and movement to unite divided communities that have experienced conflict.

“We have sites in the Middle East, in Israel, in Northern Ireland, South Africa,” said Jasmine Cooper, director of PeacePlayers Detroit.

In the U.S., PeacePlayers also has sites in cities like Detroit, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

The Friendship Games brings youth from around the world to one location for a week of cultural exchange, leadership training, and basketball — and this year it’s in the Motor City.

“Being able to elevate this and put it on a platform that no other city could really do like Detroit is just so meaningful and so important to the city,” said Chris Economeas, Pistons Senior Director of Community and Social Responsibility.

The Friendship Games include an opening and closing ceremony, a basketball tournament, and children will even get to meet Detroit Piston Ron Holland.

Wednesday was “Detroit Day” at Wayne State University, where dozens of Metro Detroit middle schoolers got to interact and play games with PeacePlayers participants from international sites.

“Hopefully it’ll change their perspectives and spark their interest and recognize that the world is beautiful and people that are different are also beautiful as well,” said Cooper.

FULL INTERVIEW: Jasmine Cooper talks about PeacePlayers Friendship Games

FULL INTERVIEW: Jasmine Cooper talks about PeacePlayers Friendship Games

A teen from South Africa says visiting Detroit — his first trip to the U.S. — has been an eye-opener.

“It feels like home, it feels like I’m back home, but then there’s these key differences like the cars you see around, driving on a different side of the road,” said Lebogang Keti, with PeacePlayers South Africa.

Another participant from Northern Ireland says it’s also been a pleasure to share what his country is like.

“We have a reputation for being some of the nicest people in the world despite the past, and it’s because we’ve learned to grow and expand our culture in every different way,” said Declan Curran, with PeacePlayers Northern Ireland.

And a Cass Tech student involved with PeacePlayers Detroit says there’s a lasting message he will take with him.

“Just because history doesn’t mean everywhere is bad. You have to go and look at people’s hearts,” said Ransom Thomas, with PeacePlayers Detroit.

The Friendship Games will continue through Saturday.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.





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Youth basketball camp offers skills for on, off the court

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A youth basketball camp is dropping dimes on more than just how to win at the game of basketball, but how to win at the game of life. The camp provides valuable life lessons to young athletes who want to score both athletically and personally. Youth basketball camp offers skills for […]

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A youth basketball camp is dropping dimes on more than just how to win at the game of basketball, but how to win at the game of life.

The camp provides valuable life lessons to young athletes who want to score both athletically and personally.

Youth basketball camp offers skills for on, off the court

The nonprofit Faces of the Future, in collaboration with the Hickman Mills School District, held its second annual youth basketball camp this week.

The camp featured former Dallas Mavericks star Jason Terry, who offered his expertise as an NBA player and mentor.

Cyrus Rodgers is the founder of Faces of the Future.

Cyrus Rodgers, Founder Faces of the Future

La’Nita Brooks

Cyrus Rodgers, Founder Faces of the Future

“These kids have a bright future ahead of them,” said Rodgers. “They’re all smart, and they just need someone to show them the way — someone who looks like them and who is at the level they aspire to reach.”

Kamron Simons, a student-athlete from Ruskin High School, talked about the impact of meeting someone he looks up to.

Kamron Simons, Ruskin student-athlete

La’Nita Brooks

Kamron Simons, Ruskin student-athlete

“It means a lot,” Simons said. “It’s my first time seeing a professional basketball player like Jason Terry. It means a lot.”

Terry, known for his impressive 19-year career in the NBA, emphasized the importance of mental health and how that goes hand in hand with physical health.

Jason Terry, Former Dallas Mavericks player

La’Nita Brooks

Jason Terry, Former Dallas Mavericks player

“It’s all about mental health awareness and basketball skill training,” said Terry. “And I think the two are married together. A lot of these kids are talented and skilled, but the thing that sets them apart from being just a good player to an elite player is their mental toughness.”

Byron Townsend, Vice President, Hickman Mills School Board

La’Nita Brooks/KSHB 41

Byron Townsend, Vice President, Hickman Mills School Board

Byron Townsend, Vice President of the Hickman Mills School Board, says the camp served as a safe space for youth.

“Our children in our district have a lot of social issues that go unaddressed,” Townsend said. “As a district, we try to create outlets for them where they can get help from different directions.”

The camp also brought in mental health experts and allocated time for classroom activities alongside basketball drills.

Elijah Curtis, Rockhurst student-athlete

La’Nita Brooks/KSHB 41

Elijah Curtis, Rockhurst student-athlete

“This game is not only just basketball; it’s also your mental health,” said Elijah Curtis, a student-athlete from Rockhurst High School. “So I learned that.”

Paige Edwards, another young athlete, shared her takeaway from the camp.

“Even when you’re tired, just keep going and never give up,” said Edwards.

Paige Edwards, student-athlete

La’Nita Brooks/KSHB 41

Paige Edwards, student-athlete

The three-day camp is a crucial part of Faces of the Future’s mission to help young athletes understand the importance of perseverance, mental health, and social awareness, both in sports and in life.

“I tell them all the time, it don’t matter where you start, it’s where you finish,” said Rodgers.

The camp will continue to be an annual event.

KSHB 41 reporter La’Nita Brooks covers stories providing solutions and offering discussions on topics of crime and violence. Share your story idea with La’Nita.





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Northwest Sports Update: Mariners bolster bullpen, Seahawks extend Schneider, Lynden youth baseball team makes nationals and more

Mariners News The Mariners are bolstering their bullpen with less than 24 hours to go until the trade deadline. Seattle sent pitching prospect Jeter Martinez to the Pittsburgh Pirates today in exchange for left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson. The 29-year-old has a 3.74 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 14 walks in just over 43 innings with […]

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Mariners News

The Mariners are bolstering their bullpen with less than 24 hours to go until the trade deadline. Seattle sent pitching prospect Jeter Martinez to the Pittsburgh Pirates today in exchange for left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson.

The 29-year-old has a 3.74 ERA with 34 strikeouts and 14 walks in just over 43 innings with the Pirates this season. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Martinez is the Mariners 13th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline.

The Mariners are reported to still be making a push for a reunion with third baseman Eugenio Suarez from the Diamondbacks. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, some rival executives even see the M’s as the favorites to land arguably the league’s most sought-after trade deadline target in Suarez.

The Mariners still have their eyes on the field for tonight’s rubber match against the Athletics. Seattle fell to the A’s 6-1 last night as rookie Logan Evans got lit up for six runs in four and two-thirds innings in the start.

Julio Rodriguez picked up a pair of hits in the loss, his 8th multi-hit performance in the last 14 games.

The team also announced today that it’s promoting first baseman Tyler Locklear from Triple-A Tacoma and placing Luke Raley on the injured list with a back issue. Locklear returns to the majors amid a torrid streak with the Rainers, hitting .425 with 9 home runs and 33 RBI in just 20 games this month.

All-Star Bryan Woo will look to get the Mariners a series win in West Sacramento tonight. Coverage begins at 6:00 and first pitch is at 7:05 on KPUG.

Seahawks News

The Seahawks have signed general manager John Schneider to a four-year contract extension.

Schneider, the longest-tenured and most successful GM in franchise history, is now signed through 2031. He’s also held the title of president of football operations since January 2024, when Pete Carroll was ousted.

Seattle has won over 60% of its games since Schneider took over in 2010, good for the sixth-best percentage in the NFL since then.

Bells News

The Bells are in for a rubber match themselves tonight. They’re hosting the Kelowna Falcons in the deciding match of their three-game series.

The Falcons bounced back from a blowout loss on Monday to beat the Bells 5-2 last night. All-Star Preston Watkins began the game with nearly four perfect innings, but with two outs in the fourth, he walked two batters and gave up two singles for three runs.

Even though the Bells have clinched a playoff spot, every game counts since they’re still fighting for home field advantage throughout the rest of the playoffs. They currently hold a one-game lead over Edmonton in the North Division standings for the overall season.

First pitch for tonight’s decisive Game 3 against Kelowna is at 6:35 from Joe Martin Field.

WWU Vikings News

There’s a new hub to catch all of Western Washington University’s sporting events. The Great Northwest Athletic Conference, or GNAC, announced yesterday that it’s partnered with Hudl to create the GNAC Network beginning this fall.

The network will offer access to live video streams for all 10 conference members, including the Vikings.

All GNAC live streams will be available on a pay-per-view basis for the first 48 hours following each contest. After that window, on-demand access to the events will be available free of charge.

Month-long and season passes will also be offered on the network, which is accessible online or via its mobile app on most any platform.

All WWU hosted athletic games and events can be found at www.gnacnetwork.com/wwuvikings.

Youth Sports News

A local youth baseball team is heading to nationals. The Lynden Tribune reports the Lynden Lobos 10U baseball team is going to the Cal Ripken World Series after winning the West Regional Championship in Montana.

The Lobos went 6-0 at regionals to secure their spot in the World Series, which runs from Aug. 6-17 in Indiana. It will be the program’s first appearance in the event since 2005.

The team is working to raise about $40,000 for the players’ families to fund the trip. Donations can be made online at www.lyndenlobos.com/get-involved.





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Ellisville Youth Sports to call Merchant Park home

ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) – South Jones High School has been home to Ellisville Youth Sports for more than 50 years. The group is now looking forward to having a space of its own. “Wanting a football field for the youth of Ellisville has been talked about for years, but it’s never really been pursued,” Ellisville […]

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ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) – South Jones High School has been home to Ellisville Youth Sports for more than 50 years.

The group is now looking forward to having a space of its own.

“Wanting a football field for the youth of Ellisville has been talked about for years, but it’s never really been pursued,” Ellisville Athletic Booster Club President Tad Walters.

“Most of all the booster clubs in the county have their own facilities to practice and play games.”

Walters said over the years, the organization had run into the occasional issue playing games at South Jones.

After asking the Jones County Board of Supervisors for help earlier this month, Ellisville Youth Sports now has a solution.

Walters said that Field 10 at Merchant Park will be the new area for Ellisville Youth Sports, but there’s still lots of work to be done.

The field will be designated mainly for football, but Walters said it can also be used for baseball in the spring.

“It already has a concession stand and restroom,” Walters said. “The park association is working now to remodel the restrooms, but still needs a scoreboard and storage building and press box.”

Leaders said the project will cost around $10,000. They said donations and fundraisers can get them there.

“If we can get donations to get a scoreboard in place, they can go ahead and start day one of the season this year,” Beat 4 Supervisor Joey Bradshaw said.

Until the field is ready, the kids will continue to play at South Jones High School.

Walters said the organization was looking to have six teams this year.

If you’d like to help with the project, you can reach out to the Ellisville Athletic Booster Club on its Facebook page.

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