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Ho ho ho, uh-oh. Here’s a little present from THG to get you in the festive spirit. Help Santa hurdle his way to Olympic glory. Reach the finish line and win a special bonus for our sports spectaculars. Have a golden 2012 – and don’t forget to let your friends and colleagues have a go at “Santa vs Rudolph” too. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Click on the banner to play the game.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup now seems like a distant memory, but for fans and teams alike the time is closely approaching when countries will be able to prove their ability once more. It February of 2012 France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England will once again meet in the annual 6 nations tournament to compete against one another for the title of European Champions. The competition itself has a different layout than the world with countries playing a combination of home and away games over the period of several weeks in an attempt to rack up the most points at the end to see who has performed best. THG Sports will be providing hospitality to 6 different matches in 4 different countries to see some of these tests.

The question that everyone is going to be asking themselves is how certain European countries will fare in this competition compared to the battles they had in New Zealand only a few months ago. Countries were in a position in 2011 where they were able to warm up against weaker competitors , like the US and Russia, but in the 6 nations each match will be against a decisive and powerful team. On the other hand, the teams will have more time to recuperate after their matches. A final component that will change the dynamics of this tournament as opposed to the world cup will be the fact that the 6 competing teams will not have to worry about facing giants like South Africa, Australia and reigning world champions The All Blacks.

Make this Christmas extra special for a work colleague or business associate by providing them with a THG sports package. THG are specialist in providing corporate hospitality with excellent service and a committed team of event organizers. For business people, THG events allow you to reward your colleagues or strengthen relationship with business associates. Don’t hesitate and book now to guarantee the sporting experience of a lifetime!

This year at the Rugby World Cup final in Auckland New Zealand, THG Sports were able to organize an appearance by Zinzan Brooke at the hospitality venue. Rugby fans will know Zinzan as one of the most talented No.8’s to ever play the game who retired from international rugby in 2001.The kiwi has the strong and powerful build of an intimidating back-row player, however, what made him special however was the addition of skill, agility and speed of a front row player. The most shining example of this skill was displayed in 1995 when Zinzan scored a 40ft drop kick against England in the semi-final. In 2007 Will Carlin, former England captain, wrote a article in Telegraph newspaper where he voted Zinzan as No.8 on the top 50 Rugby players of all time.

Few may know him another reason as well, since retirement the New Zealand rugby sensation has relocated to the town of Windsor in the United Kingdom. Here, along with his wife Alison, Zinzan has acquired an old Bed and Breakfast and has aimed to renovate it with a personal touch. The Frances Lodge is a quaint and refurbished old Victorian property that occupies Zinzan’s time when he is not playing for the amateur rugby team in his village.

Here are a few snippets from Zinzan’s interview and his opinions on a few matters:

On children and playing sports:

“I followed a long ambition of every kiwi boy.”

“I’m a firm believer of what my mom and dad did, which was to sewn the seeds of giving your kids all the opportunities you can and at the end of the teenage level here the sport will find you.”

On the world cup being hosted in New Zealand:

“It’s the fact that the all blacks have a proud tradition, and the success on the field accounts for that. It’s the players that have worn the jersey before that have raised the crossbar for the guys that are there now.”

“Alot of commercial people are involved here- its something that all the players, people the fans appreciate.”

Zinzan was welcome addition to the venue and was excited for the big match in Eden Park only a few hours later when the All Blacks would be in the final against France. Brooke believed that he though New Zealand could win it, but that France had been “banana peels” in past tournaments who could miraculously gain victories when they needed to. Ultimately, the host nation would proudly go on to win the tournament in front of ecstatic home fans at Eden Park. 

Simon Clegg, former Team GB Chef de Mission and currently Chief Executive at Ipswich Town Football Club, was yesterday awarded an Honorary Doctorate from University Campus Suffolk (UCS).  

Simon led Team GB to its most successful Olympic Games for 100 years at Beijing in 2008 and the seven year campaign to persuade the government and Mayor of London to mount a bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.  

Professor Brendon Noble, Head of the School of Science, Technology and Health at UCS, said: “We are delighted to recognise Simon’s unique contribution to British sport with this award. Our Sports and Exercise Science, Science of Health Ageing and Regenerative Medicine courses are all related to Simon’s industry and we value his input. I know that our students will be inspired by his achievements and commitment in supporting some of our country’s best athletes achieve their full potential across British Skiing, the Olympic movement and now football.”  

Commenting on receipt of his honorary doctorate, Simon Clegg said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be recognised by this august academic institution. My career in sports management has been hugely rewarding in itself but I am extremely flattered to receive this award.”  

Simon’s career included the management of the British Biathlon team and Team GB athletes at 12 Olympic and Olympic Winter games, six of which were as Team GB’s Chef de Mission (overall team manager). He was Chief Executive of the European Youth Olympics in Bath in 1995, the largest multi-sport international youth event ever staged in the UK and was the British Olympic Association’s first Chief Executive from 1997 to 2008 before being appointed to a similar position at Ipswich Town Football Club in 2009.  

He was awarded an OBE in 2001 after leading the British team at the Sydney Olympics Games to its most successful performance since the Antwerp Olympic Games in 1920 and subsequently a CBE in 2005 for his contribution to the British Olympic bid. In 2008 he was awarded the British Sports Journalists Association’s annual JL Manning award for the greatest contribution to British Sport off the field of play.

In the capital of Dublin last night, 51,000 fans celebrated in the Aviva stadium as their football team tied against Croatia to guarantee qualification for Euro 2012.This tie at home was the teams 11^th straight game they played without losing and suggest that the sides manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, has devised a squad that has the discipline to compete with consistency and determination. During the post-match press conference, and possibly in victorious exuberance, the manager encouraged fans not to rule anything out in the 2012 tournament- claiming that anything was possible and even drawing a parallel to the Greek football teams victory in 2004. Could the Irish football squad be a sleeping force that miraculously slides its way through the group and knockout stages next year in The Ukraine and Poland? Ireland’s qualifying campaign has not been a performance of powerful or glitzy football- but it has been consistent.

Whatever the case, the atmosphere in the Aviva stadium last night suggest that the squad have well and truly banished the sour memory of the 2010 world cup qualification where Thierry Henry denied the country a place at competing in South Africa. Furthermore, with Irelands economy on its knees in a time of grim economic climate in Europe- Irelands qualification for this competitive and honored tournament will no doubt provide the country with a timely dose of patriotism.  

THG Sports specializes in providing top-tier corporate hospitality at sporting events around the world and is the exclusive provider at the Aviva Stadium. For more info, please contact: info@thguk.com.

This weekend the world of Formula 1 travelled to Abu Dhabi for the 18^th race of the season at the Yas Marina circuit. The 3.5 mile track in the middle of the desert is surrounded not only by a 5 star hotel but also by a Marina, allowing for luxurious yachts to perch themselves during the race- which has led to some people to refer to the Abu Dhabi GP as the “Arabian Monaco.”

Despite the fact that the racers and constructors championship has already been determined, the race over the weekend was an entertaining and exciting one. In the first lap reigning world champion, Sebastian Vettel, spun off the track after one of his tires puncturing. By the time he had brought his Red Bull Vehicle back into the pits, too much damage had been inflicted and he was forced to retire from the race for the first time this season. Though unfortunate for Vettel and his team, its plain to see that his absence from the circuit cracked open the race for some exciting competing amongst other drivers. As the sun began to set after the twilight opening of the race, Hamilton defended from Alonso- skillfully blocking the Spaniard on several occasions. Behind the duo, Jenson Button contended with a malfunction in his car but was still able to stay hold off Mark Webber who applied constant pressure to the leaders. Hamilton came out on top of the race for the first time since the German Grand Prix and was followed by Alonso and Button.

All told, the second Abu Dhabi race was an interesting and exciting event to watch. It has prompted pundits to consider whether or not Hamilton’s victory is a sign that he is on track to recovering from controversial season characterized by race retirements and collisions. The Brit was accompanied by his mother this weekend, who was celebrating her birthday, and in an interview for BBC he gave the impression that he was in a positive attitude. “It’s my mum’s birthday this weekend. It’s great to be able to win while she is here. I feel fantastic. It’s one of my best races. I said that to myself as I slowed down. Being able to hold one of best drivers in the world [Fernando Alonso] is something that is tough to do. I was looking after tyres and managing the gap. The team did a great job with the stops.

THG Sports were providing corporate hospitality at this motor racing event and are involved with a number of F1 racing events over the season. Book now to guarantee a spot at the Abu Dhabi 2012 race or choose from another one of our Motor Racing options. Don’t miss the chance to see exciting racing drama unfold before your eyes.

For more information please contact mktg@thguk.com.

Ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games, The Irish World newspaper recently reported on why the Olympic Council of Ireland appointed the marcus evans THG Company as its official ticket reseller.  

According to the paper, Patrick Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland said: “We decided to go with one of the big international companies. We searched around the globe and discovered that the marcus evans group is the best known and the most professional.”  

THG specialises in sports ticketing services and corporate hospitality programmes at sporting events around the world, and is working with the Council to secure the best possible ticket allocation for London. THG is also organising the Irish House in London.  

Hickey added: “With such a large Irish community in the UK, public and corporate interest for attending the Games is projected to be very high.”  

To read The Irish World article “Hickey has high hopes for London 2012” click here (Fagan, Ciaran. “Hickey has high hopes for London 2012.” The Irish World 29 October 2011, Pg 54)

Today people will be returning home from India after a successful and exciting premier of the Indian Grand Prix 2011.  Days after the Diwali holiday, a total of 95,000 ecstatic spectators travelled to the Buddh International Circuit, 24km outside of the Delhi, to see the 17^th F1 race of the 2011 season. Amid concerns that the track would not be completed in time, spectators and drivers were pleasantly surprised by the smooth running of the event and the jubilant atmosphere. Principle of McLaren Martin Whitmarsh commented that “I think the response from the circuit people here has been great and I believe this will be a successful event because you sense it in Delhi, you sense it in the people, and there is a sporting passion here. We have to work with them to build it up.”

In addition to the positive atmosphere, drivers were also very pleased with the design of the race track itself. The circuit contained very interesting elements including an incline, a right angled turn, long bends and an enormous straight which allowed for the F1 vehicles to reach up to 320km/h. Sebastian Vettel convincingly held his lead throughout the race and even clocked the fastest lap of the race despite encouragement from his team to play it safe. Behind Vettel Jenson button skilfully fought for second place after displays of cunning overtaking and persistent defending. In the 24^th Lap, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa were involved in their sixth collision of the season together, resulting in Massa having to retire from the race early. The Indian owned team, Force India, obtained a place in the top ten drivers with Adrian Sutil coming 9^th, furthermore, the only Indian F1 Driver Narain Karthikeyan made an appearance before his homes fans finishing in a modest 15^th.

All things considered, the debut Indian race should be considered a success. The move of the F1 enterprise into the India, the country of 1 Billion people, will only bring interesting developments to the sport. Book now and make sure that you guarantee your chance to see the Indian Grand Prix next year in luxurious and exciting surroundings. THG Sports have a history of providing excellent hospitality at premier sporting events and are dedicated to making sure all clients truly enjoy their experience. Watch a one of the many client testimonials we have online now: http://www.youtube.com/user/thgsportshospitality.

For more information please contact mktg@thguk.com

One of our event cordinators, Ivy Chan, with world champion Sebastian Vettel at the Korean GP.

With no promising signs arising from the NBA lockout dispute, the NBA’s 2011-2012 season is looking increasingly more unlikely with the day. Amidst this confusion and disappointment there may be one beneficiary: European Basketball fans. Taking after Ice Hockey players during the 2004 NHL Lockout, NBA players have decided to travel to Europe to occupy themselves during what looks like an absentia season. Dirk Nowitzki, Anadolu Efes and Sasha Vujacic are some of the first players to participate in the European equivalent of the NBA, the Euroleague. With repeated delays to the start of the season can Europeans expect an increasing stream of top flight basketballers to come play in the second most popular basketball league in the world?

Despite the obvious short term benefits that this migration of NBA talent may have for European basketball, there remains the possibility that disputes in the United States may be resolved therefore draining European teams and fans of the basketball talent it had become accustomed to. Ultimately the fact remains that NBA players are being given a chance to play basketball and European fans are being given the chance to see new players showcase some of their skills. If you are interested in seeing the top four European teams compete in the “Final Four” leg of the Euroleague, don’t hestitate to book now with Thg Sports.

For more information please contact mktg@thguk.com

Nedzad Sinanovic of Unicaja fights for rebound with Cemal Nalga of Lietuvos Rytas during their Euroleague TOP16 Group E game in Vilnius

The Rugby World Cup has come to a climatic and decisive end after The All Blacks narrowly defeated opponents France in Aukland this weekend. If anything, the host team deserves the victory as a means of thanking the country of New Zealand for a spectacular and exciting tournament that was followed by fans from all 20 participating countries. The competition attracted its share of travelers with an expected 100,000 fans making the trip to the south pacific to cheer on their teams. Bernard Lapasset, Chairman of the International Rugby Board, commented that “New Zealand 2011 will be remembered as an exceptional Rugby World Cup. It has been a tournament where New Zealand’s rich culture and heritage has gone hand in hand with Rugby’s tradition and values.”

Yesterday the Rugby World Cup’s tournaments site published what they thought were the Top Five Players of the tournament. It’s impossible to distill to an incredible string of matches, dozens of talented players and an overall exciting competition into a list of 5 athletes… nonetheless the officials make a fair and balanced assessment. The website concluded that Israel Dagg (NZL), Jerome Kaino (NZL), Jamie Roberts (WAL), Sean O’Brien (IRE) and Jacques Burger (NAM) were the top rugby stars to compete in the tournament.

After the strong performance of the European teams in New Zealand, why not see how book now to see who will come out on top in next year’s Six Nations tournament? In February and March 2012 guarantee your spot as the European Giants clash head to head in a series of matches across Europe.  Watch the client testimonials from our package at the France versus England Six Nations Fixture which was attended by Gavin Hastings and Jeremy Guscott: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrlThznZaDA. Book now and don’t miss the rugby event of 2012!! 

For more information please contact mktg@thguk.com