UTS is on a mission to revamp tennis by launching a global series of showdown events aimed at drawing in younger fans. They believe traditional tennis lacks personality and hasn’t kept up with the times, leading to a need for fresh rules and formats to appeal to modern audiences. It’s all about injecting new energy into the sport and making it more engaging for the next generation.
Sports
Exclusive: New York Giants Tight End Lawrence Cager Talks Recent Signage To Summit Models Management Agency
NFL star Lawrence Cager (#83 on the New York Giants) seamlessly transitions into the world of modeling while maintaining his illustrious football career, leveraging his interests in entertainment and fashion with his recent signage to Summit Models Management.
Drafting Dreams: The Medea Charitable Foundation Celebrity Draft & Dine Soars, Raising Over $100K for Children
Celebrity athletes, community leaders, and philanthropic enthusiasts gathered on the evening of November 20th at Mission Bay Wine & Cheese to celebrate the first annual Medea Charitable Foundation (MCF) Celebrity Draft & Dine. This unique event brought together sports icons, including NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Mullin, MLB luminaries like Dusty Baker and Barry Bonds, NFL star J.J. Stokes, and renowned winemaker Dan Kosta, to be auctioned off for exclusive dining experiences—all in support of MCF’s mission to benefit children’s athletic, educational, social, and community activities.
The energetic atmosphere at the reception was filled with laughter and excitement as bids were placed on the celebrity athletes for one-of-a-kind dining experiences scheduled for the same evening. The successful auction raised over $100,000, a testament to the generosity and commitment of those in attendance.
Winning bidders were treated to unforgettable dining experiences at some of the Bay Area’s top restaurants, including Alexander’s Steakhouse, La Mar, Morton’s Steakhouse, One Market, Ozumo, and Waterbar. Additionally, a select group enjoyed an exclusive dining experience at Chase Center, complete with a breathtaking view overlooking the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets game.
The over $100K that was raised during this spectacular evening will contribute to Medea Charitable Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support children’s athletic, educational, social, and community activities in the Bay Area and across the nation. Founded by Former MLB Player Randy Winn and Medea Inc. CEO Brandon Laidlaw, MCF is dedicated to helping children become more active in sports and programs, fostering community engagement and development.
Reflecting on the success of the first MCF Celebrity Draft & Dine, Randy Winn expressed gratitude and excitement, stating, “Although we knew it was a unique experience that people would enjoy, and that youth sports programming is as close to the hearts of our guests as it is to ours, we didn’t know what to expect. We are extremely thrilled and grateful for the funds raised to support a very special cause, and we’re looking forward to this being an annual event.”
The inaugural Medea Charitable Foundation Celebrity Draft & Dine not only brought together sports legends and philanthropists but also demonstrated the power of unity and generosity in making a lasting impact on the lives of children. As the event concluded, the spotlight shines on MCF’s commitment to fostering positive change, one memorable experience at a time.
Check out our interview with former MLB player and founder of Medea Charitable Foundation as well as our recap of the amazing night!
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With the impending TCS New York City Marathon, a long-distance run that sprawled all five boroughs of NYC and over 26.2 miles, New Balance decided to host an event to spotlight specific individuals that had signed up for the marathon, and with the help of New Balance, had taken their game and motivation to the next level. These individuals came from all walks of life and had varying levels of expertise running, and they therefore served as the perfect panelists to channel motivation and generate excitement for the upcoming event.
The event space itself was exuberant and lively, with a bar serving champagne, beer, and wine, and cater waiters walking around with hors d’oeuvres, such as spicy rigatoni vodka and vegetable dumplings. The surrounding walls were emblazoned with the words, “Run Your Way.”
Along the back of the room was also a display of some of New Balance’s newest creations in terms of footwear, specifically focusing on the 1080 line. A visual diagram of the shoe’s history over 12 iterations was also displayed. I walked around and examined each one while trying a rice ball from the kitchen, and soon enough, the interview with the panelists was announced to begin soon.
Walking onto the stage first was Greydy Diaz, who would serve as the moderator and interviewer for the event. Her backstory was interesting because she had a natural connection with New Balance; she grew up extremely close to a New Balance factory, and could see first hand the impact that brought onto her community. Now, she works as a journalist, producer, and host of the show “Test Run”. She quieted the audience, introduced herself, and ushered in the individuals that would be interviewed.
Jess Movold, Tommie Runz, Harry Hudson, and Marlon “Chito” Vera walked onto the stage, each person with their own special connection to New Balance and running, and each a participant in the upcoming marathon. Through the interview process, I was able to learn about what motivates each individual, and their unique stories that allowed them to discover running. Jess Movold is an elite runner that is focused on using running as a way to build a community for others, and connect newcomers to the sport. Working as an athlete, coach, creator, and journalist, she works to spread awareness about the benefits of running and make it as assessable as possible.
Tommie Runz used running as a way of coping with his struggles growing up in Detroit while battling addiction, sobriety, and fatherhood. He now works as a content creator and hosts his own Youtube series, which he uses to bring people together and maintain inclusivity, and also uses the platform to talk about his vulnerability and how running has helped him.
Harry Hudson is the most recent advocate of running from those on stage, having only started several months ago, but his story was no less powerful. He battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma early in his life, and as a musician, he used music and running to maintain his physical and mental health. He will be participating in the TCS marathon for the first time this year, and raising money for his charity.
Lastly was Marlon “Chito” Vera, an Ecuadorian UFC fighter who utilizes running to build mental and physical strength, by running thirteen miles each Sunday as part of his training. With this increasing his stamina in and out, he can stay more focused during fights and last much longer than his opponents. The most unlikely out of the panelists to be thought of as a runner, he demonstrated to us that anyone could run.
I truly felt inspired after hearing the panelists’ stories, and I began to reflect on my own workouts and how I may incorporate running to be a part of them. I have traditionally overlooked cardio exercises, but after learning about the overwhelming benefits to the heart, body, and mind, I decided that I would take the initiative to begin running.
I could not run in the TCS marathon this year, but I really want to do so next year, and this would only be possible after becoming comfortable with running. Of course, New Balance would be there with their amazing products along the way.
At the end of the night, we were greeted by a performance by Queens-based rapper Action Bronson and his band, who played a myriad of covers, original pieces, and Action Bronson’s own music. Donning New Balance 990s, his energy and care towards lyricism were truly a sight to behold. On the way out, New Balance employees were giving sneakers to all media attendees, much to my surprise. Internally acknowledging that I had no excuse to avoid running now, I added a reminder to my phone to go on a run the next day. I no longer felt threatened by the prospect, because after all, I would be running my way.
Loud music, laughs, and congratulations echoed through The House of Cannabis in SoHo for the launch of the new Starter X Cookies capsule collection. “ALL CITY.”
The recently released collaboration is a match made in heaven, as the two businesses are titans in their respective fields. Starter was launched in 1971 and has since changed the sports apparel game forever with licensing deals with every prominent American sports league and more professional sports teams than other brands donned Starter. Not to mention, megastars, including Justin Bieber, LL COOL J, Missy Elliot, Jay-Z, Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, Run DMC, and many more have sported the brand.
On the other hand, rapper and entrepreneur Berner founded Cookies, whose street credit has made them highly sought-after in the global market.
“ALL CITY” features the Cookies X Starter II jackets. They currently come in black and gray, blue and orange, red and gold, and purple and gold, definitely a design for everyone. The designs and silhouettes are derived from the early ’90s style, combining streetwear, sportswear, and nostalgia, sure to turn heads on the subway.
After striking up a few conversations with influencers and business owners, we concluded that they projected the collection to see success. The preparation of the carefully thought-out design, with the right timing, as the 90s/Y2K isn’t going anywhere, soon, makes the “ALL CITY” jackets a closet staple.
The “ALL CITY” collection was enough to keep people talking all night, but the music by Scream Jones and the food by PLNT Burger were the perfect complement to keep the vibes going all night and then some.
The Cookies X Starter “ALL CITY” capsule collection is selling out fast, so be sure to grab yours for the fall here.
CityPickle, the urban home for pickleball, opened its first pickleball club in Long Island City on September 15. The new 10,100 sq foot facility with 21-foot-high ceilings features four courts, a restaurant, bar, and retail shop, is waiting for you to come play.