Rec Sports

Azraq Baseball5 team continues to shine at Hope and Dreams Festival in Jordan – World Baseball Softball Confederation

The Azraq Baseball5 team played another starring role at the third Hope and Dreams Sports Festival, held from 30 April to 3 May in Jordan, as the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) expanded its support for youth-focused sport-for-development programmes in refugee camps. The festival. which is organised by World Taekwondo and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, […]

Published

4 weeks ago

May 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The festival. which is organised by World Taekwondo and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, featured five sports: Baseball5, taekwondo, basketball 3×3, badminton and handball. The event, which began in 2022 as a taekwondo-only competition, has evolved into a growing multi-sport platform reaching more participants and international partners each year.

Sport demonstrations began on 30 April at the Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps, where young athletes showcased their Baseball5 skills in front of international guests. The WBSC supported the delivery of Baseball5 activities, with TeamMate donating 100 uniforms and 70 Baseball5 balls.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari and Chief Operating Officer Marco Ienna were among the visiting officials, joining World Taekwondo President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue, FISU President Leonz Eder, Olympic Refuge Foundation representative Gonzalo Barrio and UNHCR’s Maria Stavropoulou.

“I was very happy to witness once again the beautiful atmosphere generated by this annual festival,” President Fraccari said. “The vibe has been incredible, and I was also pleased to see that the Baseball5 team has grown not only in terms of participation, but also in terms of skills. I look forward to seeing an even bigger impact in the coming years.”

The programme continued with a two day Sports Day on 2 and 3 May at Amman Sports City. Baseball5 was among the featured competitions, with 230 participants from five areas in Jordan – Azraq Camp, Meqbeleh, Balila, Summa and Souf Camp. A total of 20 teams in total were divided into four age categories (U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17).

The tournament had an effective impact on integrating refugee children into local communities. President Fraccari met with all the participating teams one by one asking about their development and wishes for the future. He told the participants the importance of creating a physically and mentally healthy and strong community of passionate players, expanding grassroots in the villages while also using the schools in places like Amman as a tool for growth of sport and of communities. President Fraccari also emphasised the importance to select the best athletes to create a national team that could be trained to expand the Jordanian legacy internationally by competing at the Asian and global levels.

“I was really excited to watch the Baseball5 games. The joy of the teams was certainly the highlight and I felt that now our Azraq Refugee Team has become very close with the kids of the other teams coming from neighbouring villages,” President Fraccari said. “This means a lot to me since one of the aim of this project is to create integration and harmony between refugees and local communities. This is an incredible achievement!”

Not only was the competition on the field of play intense but the tournament also offered other opportunities such as the U-17 Azraq Team, who after receiving a Game Officials Clinic last month, could also experience the tournament from a Game Official perspective, adding another important experience in their journey.

The festival offered an opportunity for the youth to participate in structured sport and engage directly with international sport leaders in two of the largest refugee camps in Jordan. Baseball5’s minimal equipment requirement and strong youth appeal aligns with the festival’s mission to empower through sport, and with the WBSC’s commitment to promoting inclusive, values-based sport in all communities.

On the the sidelines of the Festival, President Fraccari also meet with Jordan Olympic Committee President and IOC Executive Board member HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein as well as with the Jordanian Baseball Softball Federation President Sohail Magableh and Secretary General Amjed Alatoom to speak about the development of the sport in the country. Alatoom is also the head coach of the Azraq Refugee team and with assistant coach Reem Hadroos, they discussed the development of the team and next steps, including potential participation in international tournaments to prepare for the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026.

The 2026 edition of the Hope and Dreams Festival will mark the 10th anniversary of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, with plans under way to expand the festival’s reach and provide opportunities for more international federations to join alongside existing partners such as the WBSC in deepening their engagement through sports like Baseball5.

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Rec Sports

CAYSI parts ways With Carencro Park after failing to meet city requirements

CARENCRO, La. — After decades of calling Carencro Park home, the Carencro Area Youth Sports Inc. has decided to part ways. City officials say this comes after citing administrative issues that have gone unresolved for years. Back in March, a city council meeting confirmed this when concerns were raised about the organization’s compliance with basic […]

Published

15 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CARENCRO, La. — After decades of calling Carencro Park home, the Carencro Area Youth Sports Inc. has decided to part ways.

City officials say this comes after citing administrative issues that have gone unresolved for years.

Back in March, a city council meeting confirmed this when concerns were raised about the organization’s compliance with basic requirements to continue operating at the park.

City Council members said CAYSI failed to provide necessary documentation.

“We don’t have the certificate of insurance requirements, don’t have the list of the current board members, and don’t have the IRS documents,” said officials.

Carencro City Councilman Jordan Arceneaux said the city has worked with CAYSI in hopes of resolving these paperwork issues.

“We’ve worked with them for over four years to try and make this work, and we never have,” Arceneaux said.

City officials also attempted to verify CAYSI’s nonprofit status through the IRS database for 501(c)(3) organizations but were unable to find a matching record.

A 501(c)(3) is a type of nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. This recognition is granted under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and allows the organization to be exempt from federal income tax.

At the March meeting, it was noted that the city has the legal right to terminate the existing Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, a binding contract outlining responsibilities between the city and the organization at any time without penalty.

Arceneaux explained the city offered two alternatives. CAYSI could continue using the park free of charge, including access to concession stands to raise money for the program. He also said the city has usually budgeted around $10,000 a year for the program to buy equipment. Cited by the Louisiana Auditor, CAYSI needs to have a cooperative endeavor agreement and without a signed agreement, that arrangement is no longer legally viable.

“They did not—or would not—sign the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and abide by it,” Arceneaux said. “They’re still welcome to use the park, like anybody else, but they will need to pay like everyone else does. It’s a resource of the city that they will need to pay for. I’m certain we could have come up with a very reasonable rate that they could have rented the park for, but they chose not to go that route.”

He added that while some documents were submitted, they did not meet requirements set by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, preventing the city from continuing its formal partnership with the organization.

“It’s unfortunate,” Arceneaux said. “CAYSI is an amazing organization that’s been around for decades. It’s provided a sense of community and kept kids safe. The value of that can’t be overstated, which is why we worked so hard to keep them in Carencro.”

In a statement, Mayor Charlotte Clavier says:

“The City of Carencro will establish its own parks youth program for the upcoming fall. We are looking forward to providing recreational activities for those interested. Anyone who would like to volunteer or coach can contact City Hall for more information.”

CAYSI announced recently via social media that the organization will continue.

“We are still fully operational and will continue to serve the community and grow athletes with the same commitment as always. We are opening a new chapter and plan to collaborate with Lafayette PARC, Brown Park, CSA, SATS, and SWA. Giving our kids places to express their talents.”

KATC reached out to CAYSI multiple times for an interview, but they were unresponsive.

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Rec Sports

Registered sex offender caught coaching youth basketball twice, charges say

Chesterfield police said Richard Spivey was caught for the first time in May 2024 and again this past May. CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — A registered sex offender who is prohibited from coaching minors was caught coaching St. Louis County youth basketball twice in just over a year, according to court documents. Richard Spivey, 47, was convicted […]

Published

30 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Chesterfield police said Richard Spivey was caught for the first time in May 2024 and again this past May.

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — A registered sex offender who is prohibited from coaching minors was caught coaching St. Louis County youth basketball twice in just over a year, according to court documents.

Richard Spivey, 47, was convicted in 2001 for the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl. He was 21 at the time of the crime.

Spivey is now charged with two felony counts of coaching youth sports team as a sex offender. Chesterfield police said he was caught for the first time in May 2024 and again this past May.

According to charging documents, on May 5, 2024, Spivey acted as a volunteer basketball coach for children under 17 years old.

A year later, on May 25, a police lieutenant working off-duty security for a boy’s basketball tournament at The Beal Center (formerly the Chesterfield Sports Complex) was approached by a spectator who saw Spivey coaching one of the teams.

Spivey’s bond was set at $15,000 when he was charged last year and he was ordered to have no contact with minors. The state filed a motion this week to revoke that bond after he was charged again for the same conduct.

Spivey’s bond for the 2025 case is now set at $150,000.

An arraignment hearing was set for Thursday.

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League City looking for youth basketball coaches | Local News

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51 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

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Kids learn basketball and boxing at Stick & Move camp

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Dozens of kids are learning the fundamentals of basketball and boxing at the second annual Stick & Move Youth Day Camp. The free camp organized by the Legacy Driven nonprofit organization run by former University of Virginia basketball star Travis Watson. The unique camp combines basketball with boxing. “Same components and […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Dozens of kids are learning the fundamentals of basketball and boxing at the second annual Stick & Move Youth Day Camp.

The free camp organized by the Legacy Driven nonprofit organization run by former University of Virginia basketball star Travis Watson.

The unique camp combines basketball with boxing.

“Same components and skill sets,” says Watson. “Having to use both left and right hand. We did it again to put on for the community.”

“I love basketball, my mom said I might like boxing so it’s a good way to mix both,” says camper Ian Kaufman. “Boxing is a good cross sport for basketball because it’s a cardio sport.”

“This is an impressionable age to train that mentality and be professional and find out what they like.” says Watson.

The innovative camp promotes physical fitness and mental resilience.

“Boxing is important to teach kids because it’s just like life, it’s tough,” says boxing instructor George Rivera. “When you build your confidence in your mental and physical, it’s going to prepare you for life in all sports.”

The camp is designed to instill discipline, teamwork and leadership.

“Self-defense, respecting others, it’s not just about boxing,” says camper Mohamed Androaje. “Coach also teaches us about manners and to have respect for each other in and out of the ring.”

Whether it’s a punch or a pass, it’s a meaningful summer experience.

Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here.

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Rec Sports

HELIOS Partners with NHL Rising Star Matthew Knies to Revolutionize Youth Sports Training

Matthew Knies x HELIOS PORTSMOUTH, N.H., June 04, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HELIOS, a leader in sports technology innovation, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. This collaboration aims to redefine youth sports training, starting with ice hockey player development, by delivering performance data, personalized insights, and automated shift video to players and […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PORTSMOUTH, N.H., June 04, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HELIOS, a leader in sports technology innovation, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. This collaboration aims to redefine youth sports training, starting with ice hockey player development, by delivering performance data, personalized insights, and automated shift video to players and coaches.

As the youth sports industry evolves, with projections estimating a market size of $70 billion by 2030, the demand for individualized training solutions has never been higher. HELIOS stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge technologies that empower young athletes to reach their full potential.

Matthew Knies, known for his relentless work ethic and explosive approach to the game, embodies the synergy between athletic excellence and sports science. His partnership with HELIOS underscores a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes through innovative training methodologies.

“When I was younger there wasn’t any way to track what I was doing. I always dreamed of having something like this,” Knies said. “Now, HELIOS has completely changed the landscape for developing youth hockey players. I’m excited to work with HELIOS and drive the game forward.”

HELIOS’ platform leverages cutting edge AI-wearable technology to provide objective insights on skating performance, enabling athletes and coaches to optimize training and development . This approach not only enhances performance but also prioritizes injury prevention and individualized athlete development.

“Matthew’s development pathway aligns perfectly with our mission,” stated Bill Near, CEO of HELIOS. “Together, we’re setting a new standard for how young athletes train and grow in their respective sports.”

About HELIOS

HELIOS is the leading wearable technology and data platform for ice hockey, providing coaches, players, and parents with unmatched insight into on-ice performance. Trusted across programs at all levels, from elite youth to professional, HELIOS is redefining how development is measured and achieved.

About Matthew Knies

Matthew Knies is a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the NHL’s most promising young players. A standout in the USHL and at the University of Minnesota, he earned All-American honors and helped Team USA win gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship. Off the ice, Knies is dedicated to helping young athletes train smarter and reach their potential.

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