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UNG’s Opata Named D2CCA Third Team All-American

Story Links DAHLONEGA – University of North Georgia (UNG) baseball junior center fielder Andrews Opata was named a Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Third Team All-American.  Lander’s Grant Sherrod was named honorable mention. Opata earned the first all-American honor of his career Wednesday. The superstar center fielder has now added all-american […]

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DAHLONEGA – University of North Georgia (UNG) baseball junior center fielder Andrews Opata was named a Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) Third Team All-American.  Lander’s Grant Sherrod was named honorable mention.

Opata earned the first all-American honor of his career Wednesday. The superstar center fielder has now added all-american status to his Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors along with thrice being named First Team All-Region by the D2CCA, National College Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). 

Opata finished the regular season ranked fifth nationally in runs (87) and hits (96). Both marks rank as the third-most single season totals in program history in their respective categories. He also ended the year ranked ninth in NCAA Division II in stolen bases with 42 swipes on the year, which ranks as the second-most in a single season in program history. 

A hitting machine with a regular-season batting average of .380, Opata led the team with 31 multi-hit games this year. A menace for opposing pitchers, the Lawrenceville, Ga. native also ranked second on the team in on-base percentage (.450) and slugging (.574).

Opata had 15 multi-RBI games this season which also ranked second on the team. His 62 RBIs ranked among the top 65 hitters nationally. 

The center fielder smacked a career-high 11 home runs in 2025 as well.

Opata became the third D2CCA All-American in program history and the first since Crews Taylor in 2022 with Wednesday’s honor. 

 



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Minecraft laces up with Adidas in pixel-perfect digital drop

Free companions, wearable kicks, and a player-powered map put the spotlight on Minecraft’s newest crossover Minecraft x Adidas drops free fashion-fueled update Jump into the gaming fashion frontier Minecrafters can now express and build their in-game character thanks to a major collab with Adidas that combines blocky creativity with streetwear fashion. Launched April 1, 2025, […]

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Free companions, wearable kicks, and a player-powered map put the spotlight on Minecraft’s newest crossover

Minecraft x Adidas drops free fashion-fueled update

Jump into the gaming fashion frontier

Minecrafters can now express and build their in-game character thanks to a major collab with Adidas that combines blocky creativity with streetwear fashion. Launched April 1, 2025, the “Minecraft x Adidas” crossover is not a skin pack or merchandise collection; it’s a digital expansion for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition that includes companions, functional gear, and narrative-based gameplay.

At first glance it doesn’t feel like branded product placement; it feels like a natural extension of the player-first philosophy that’s at the heart of Minecraft. Players aren’t just wearing Adidas they’re creating with Adidas.

Jump into the gaming fashion frontier
Pic By Minecraft

Free DLC is part style, part functionality

The partnership kicks off with the Adidas Adventurer Add-On, free downloadable content from the Minecraft Marketplace. This isn’t just a reskin of jerseys and leggings. This drop comes with new gameplay systems, functional companions, and movement-based gameplay for player-driven exploration.

Here’s what’s in:

  • Three in-game Adidas-themed companions:

    • The Coach: Finds ore, boosts mobility, and tracks quests.

    • The Mascot: Gathers food and resources while managing player hunger.

    • The Teammate: Provides combat support, buff effects, and lava protection.

  • Digital sneakers and armor inspired by real-world Adidas shoes.

  • • Loot boxes with collectible gear:

  • A playable map called “Play at the Speed of You, with parkour zones, puzzles, and exploration quests.

These aren’t just cosmetic. Companions actually affect gameplay, offering everything from pathfinding to inventory management. It’s a low-key but effective way to marry fashion with function.

Beyond branding: A nod to Gen Z values

This collaboration does more than just get Adidas into Minecraft. It acknowledges how gamers think about identity, mobility, and customization today.

For Adidas, this is part of its Originals initiative a campaign aimed directly at Gen Z players who value digital self-expression. For Mojang, it’s an experiment in player-led storytelling. And for the Minecraft community, it’s another example of how the game continues to evolve with you.

The real-world apparel drop reflects that, with Adidas tracksuits, T-shirts, and sneakers featuring Creeper eyes, Enderman prints, and pixel-themed colorways.

Beyond branding: A nod to Gen Z values
Pic By Minecraft

 Real style makes real steps

Notice the difference? Unlike other brand partnerships that had visuals only, this DLC directly affects how the game feels. Each companion has its own AI behaviors and abilities in-game. Each quest system has been reworked to account for the new objects. The map itself has been designed for replayability with challenges that are shaped by the player’s speed.

This is not another collaboration; it’s a playable sneaker campaign.

Now even the loot boxes are tied to movement. When a player moves, they get loot the faster they run, the higher the loot box gain. Complete the parkour zones to earn gold tier loot boxes. The way a player moves in the game is dictated by the physical game system, not the branded environment.

What this means for gaming x fashion collaborations

Brand collaborations like Minecraft x Adidas are becoming a regular thing, but very few are actually a true experience between brand visibility and overall gameplay value. With them adding this DLC for free, it shows that Mojang has left you, the player, be and not turned you into a customer. Instead of dollars earned, it might mean endorsements as a result of community creativity and self-expression.

For Adidas, the only repayment they cared about was relevance. For Minecraft, it’s just another feather in the cap. For the players it’s simple: just download the game, get some gear, and start running!

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Craft and conquer Minecraft’s May update finally lets you build your own saddle

How to survive your first night in Minecraft without getting wrecked 

Top Minecraft minigames to play with friends online

 





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Hacksaw Gaming Going Public | iGaming IPO & Growth

Hacksaw Gaming — a Malta-based game developer — is planning to go public on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, a move that signals robust confidence following a period of sustained expansion. The company, known for its innovative slot and instant win games, is looking to capitalize on its significant market penetration and increasing financial success. Strategic […]

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Stock Market, Hacksaw Gaming IPO

Hacksaw Gaming — a Malta-based game developer — is planning to go public on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, a move that signals robust confidence following a period of sustained expansion. The company, known for its innovative slot and instant win games, is looking to capitalize on its significant market penetration and increasing financial success.

Strategic Move Reflects Strong Market Position

This anticipated initial public offering (IPO) comes as Hacksaw Gaming continues to solidify its footprint in the highly competitive iGaming sector.

Hacksaw Gaming has carved out a stylistic niche, focusing on distinctive art, innovative features (like “Dare2Winscratchcards and unique slot mechanics), and high-volatility gameplay that appeals to a specific segment of players. This has allowed them to grow in a highly competitive market that features developers such as NoLimit City, Push Gaming, and Relax Gaming.

“Hacksaw’s Board of Directors and management consider the IPO on Nasdaq Stockholm to be a logical and important step in Hacksaw’s development.” — Hacksaw official statement

Hacksaw Gaming’s consistent performance and growing portfolio of popular titles like “Wanted Dead or a Wild” and “Stack ‘Em” likely played a role in this decision. The platform was also well-poisitioned to expand The company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, mobile-first content has resonated with operators and players alike, securing key partnerships and expanding its global reach.

This strong market position provides a solid foundation for a public offering, enabling Hacksaw Gaming to leverage increased financial flexibility to accelerate product development, enhance its technological infrastructure, and pursue new strategic partnerships that will further cement its standing as an industry leader.

Implications for Sweepstakes Casino Platforms

Hacksaw Gaming’s public offering could also have significant implications for the burgeoning sweepstakes casino market. Hacksaw titles are already featured on several prominent sweepstakes platforms, including Stake.us, McLuck, High 5, and RealPrize.

With the increased capital and visibility from an IPO, Hacksaw Gaming could further invest in developing content specifically tailored for this fast-growing sector. This might involve creating more games optimized for the sweepstakes model, or even exploring exclusive partnerships that could give sweepstakes casinos a competitive edge.

Enhanced financial stability could also allow Hacksaw to dedicate more resources to compliance and legal navigation within this complex and evolving market, potentially leading to more secure and diverse game offerings for sweepstakes players.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

Hacksaw Gaming’s journey to the public market is expected to generate considerable interest within the gambling industry. A successful IPO could provide the company with substantial resources to accelerate its development pipeline, explore new sweepstake casino markets, and potentially pursue strategic acquisitions.

This move could also set a precedent for other privately held iGaming providers experiencing similar growth trajectories, highlighting the increasing maturity and investment potential of the online gambling landscape.

Beyond immediate financial gains, a public listing will elevate Hacksaw Gaming’s brand profile, making it an even more attractive partner for operators and a magnet for top industry talent. The capital raised could be instrumental in funding ambitious new projects, including the integration of emerging technologies like VR/AR into their game offerings or venturing into new gaming verticals.

Ultimately, Hacksaw Gaming’s foray into the public market signifies a significant milestone for the company and underscores the dynamic evolution of the global iGaming sector.



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ParleG Partners with Inspire Institute of Sport to power Wrestling Champions Programme

Bengaluru: In a partnership that will provide a major fillip to the sport of wrestling in India, iconic biscuit brand Parle-G has joined hands with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to support the Wrestling Champions Programme, an initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing talent in the sport. The collaboration extends across IIS campuses in […]

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Bengaluru: In a partnership that will provide a major fillip to the sport of wrestling in India, iconic biscuit brand Parle-G has joined hands with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) to support the Wrestling Champions Programme, an initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing talent in the sport.

The collaboration extends across IIS campuses in Vijayanagar and Hisar and is already off to a strong start. Earlier this year, the two joined forces to host the Haryana Dangal Championship in Hisar — a first-of-its-kind wrestling tournament organised by IIS in the state. The event drew a strong local turnout and was seen as a key step in boosting the wrestling ecosystem in Haryana, a region with a rich history in the sport. The state has been the highest medal contributor for the country in multi-sport events, and the presence of the Wrestling Champions Programme will go a long way in building upon Haryana’s success.

In fact, IIS’s first Olympic success came from a Haryanvi wrestler, when Sakshi Malik beat the odds to win a historic Bronze in the 2016 Rio Games.

“Parle-G is a legacy brand, and wrestling is a legacy sport. This partnership brings together two icons of Indian culture to build something truly meaningful. With a deep focus on Haryana — the hotbed of Indian wrestling — we are not only strengthening grassroots engagement but also enhancing high-performance pathways for future Olympic champions,” Manisha Malhotra, President IIS, said.

Mayank Shah, Vice President, Parle Products, shared his thoughts on the partnership,“Wrestling is more than a sport; it’s a symbol of India’s grit and grassroots glory. At Parle-G, we have always believed in nurturing potential, and through this partnership with IIS, we are proud to support the next generation of champions. Just like Parle-G has been a part of every Indian’s childhood, we now hope to be part of every wrestler’s journey to greatness.”

The partnership between Parle G and IIS will provide world-class training support to over 150 wrestlers (both freestyle and Greco roman) across the two centers, which includes access to Asia’s only BASES Accredited Sports Science Laboratory along with technical support from United World Wrestling, the global governing body for Wrestling.

The collaboration also saw Parle-G shoot an announcement video at the IIS campus in Vijayanagara The shoot involved IIS coaches and athletes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at daily life at one of India’s top training centres.

“It was refreshing,” said a wrestler. “We got to share what it’s like to train here, and to do it with a brand we’ve grown up with made it even more special.”

Parle-G’s involvement signals a growing interest among legacy Indian brands to invest in high-performance and grassroots sports. For IIS, the partnership is part of a larger effort to bring private players into the fold and build sustainable, athlete-first programmes.

-Based on Press Release



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FIFA Rivals Taps Adidas To Meet Football Fashion With Fierce Digital Gameplay

Table of contents 1. adidas to Solidify its Reputation in Digital Football 2. FIFA Rivals and Mythical Games to Revive the Future of Football Show more FIFA Rivals has recently announced its strategic alliance with iconic sports brand adidas to experience a revolutionary shake-up in football gaming. This multi-year licensing collaboration aims to empower FIFA […]

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FIFA Rivals has recently announced its strategic alliance with iconic sports brand adidas to experience a revolutionary shake-up in football gaming. This multi-year licensing collaboration aims to empower FIFA Rivals with exclusive in-game content.

adidas is a lifestyle brand and global sportswear company that has joined forces with FIFA Rivals, a highly anticipated arcade-style mobile game. This game will be launched on the 12th of June globally, powered by Mythical Games. 

adidas, by combining efforts with FIFA Rivals, is set to introduce its legendary heritage to the partner’s platform. In this way, adidas strives to give players access to premium digital gear, leveled up by jerseys, real-world kits, and boot releases. Through this immersive integration, the fans will be allowed to deliver their expressions about the game utilizing official three-stripe styles. This advanced move will merge the excitement for football with that of groundbreaking digital innovation.

A few features that players can experience include classic-to-future-forward jersey drops, limited-edition match balls, and a dynamic adidas Training Facility. The assets are not just cosmetics, highlighting the performance of real-world players along with brand partnerships. These cutting-edge assets provide the sport’s culture with a tangible connection.

FIFA Rivals is constructed on the Mythical Marketplace to allow users complete ownership of their in-game digital collectibles. Through these advancements, the players can now buy, sell, and trade cards. They can also compete in real-time PvP matches while assembling squads from top football stars.

Besides the innovation designed for hardcore football fans, the platform also serves mobile gamers searching for high-speed and competitive gameplay. Powered by Mythical, adidas is poised to step into the digital arena to introduce a bold new era in mobile football, linking authenticity with creativity.



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Evans, 49ers corner returns kids camp

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -Derrick Canteen is preparing for a trip home after his first round of OTA’s with the San Francisco 49ers. Later this month, Canteen will bring back his kids camp to the CSRA. On June 28, the former Cincinnati football captain will hosts ages 8-17 from 8a.m. to 2p.m. at Greenbrier High School. […]

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -Derrick Canteen is preparing for a trip home after his first round of OTA’s with the San Francisco 49ers.

Later this month, Canteen will bring back his kids camp to the CSRA.

On June 28, the former Cincinnati football captain will hosts ages 8-17 from 8a.m. to 2p.m. at Greenbrier High School.

This past May, the undrafted free agent signed a 3-year deal with San Fran. To make room for the rookie on the roster, the 49ers waived safety Quindell Johnson.

This is the fifth camp that Canteen has hosted in the area. He previously hosted camps at Evans High School and Richmond Academy.

To sign up for Canteen’s kids camp, click here. Kids are asked to bring cleats and tennis shoes.



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Minecraft and Adidas Drop Free Adventurers Add-On with Ultimate Sidekicks

Minecraft is teaming up with Adidas for the craziest FREE add-on that players are already losing it over. The Adventurers Add-On brings in utility companions that actually will find ore, auto-farm, and record your death point. Those little guys are the perfect little helpers for any Minecraft player wanting to boost their gameplay. The announcement […]

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Minecraft is teaming up with Adidas for the craziest FREE add-on that players are already losing it over. The Adventurers Add-On brings in utility companions that actually will find ore, auto-farm, and record your death point. Those little guys are the perfect little helpers for any Minecraft player wanting to boost their gameplay.

The announcement tweet was all about the visuals, with fancy and elaborate balls thrown in to tease the funky things these companions would be able to do. The replies, of course, oscillated between hype, confusion, and pleas for other updates. Gotta love the Minecraft community.

Some were down for the collab, with one user reminiscing of how the kickball was their “favorite childhood game,” whereas others… were definitely not pleased. One just said, “Corporate sponsorship in Minecraft? Gross 🤢🤮,” whereas another called for Minecraft to cease all brand partnerships and return to working with JINX and 4JStudios. Ouch.

Others even forgot the mention of the add-on and hopped straight on their wish update, including ray tracing for consoles, the Aether update, and even Switch 2 (which, let’s be real, aren’t even announced, officially). Another joked, “Meanwhile, I’m just here waiting for Minecraft 1.21.6 to drop,” so relatable.

The actual crazy question lingering in people’s minds: Can they do what Iron Golems cannot? Really attack Creepers? Because honestly, watching a Creeper blow up all your hard work while the Iron Golem just chills and does not would rustle some serious jimmies.

The add-on sounds like a legit game-changer though: Auto-farming, saving death points, and ore finding so you don’t have to spend hours digging? Sign all of us up. Some even think “it doesn’t fit Minecraft,” but hey, it’s free so, why not?

Now, determine whether ball kick is just an emote or an actual weapon in the game is another question. We haven’t heard anything officially about that, but fingers crossed for the latter. The thought of kicking a creeper out of existence with a soccer ball is just too funny. Maybe chaos is what we actually need.

Depending on who you ask, you either love this or you hate it. What is certain, however, is that Minecraft players do always have opinions, and this is certainly no exception. Go ahead and grab a free copy of The Adventurers Add-On and decide if these sidekicks are an ultimate must-have for you.

And for the record—no, this ain’t a football update. Sorry KillerB.



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