Latest news with #Organisers


Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
Jais denies backing eHati, says organisers told to comply with Islamic teachings after 2022 complaint over ‘self-pleasure' clip
SHAH ALAM, July 19 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has today denied granting approval for the eHati programme following allegations made by the organiser in a recent media statement. Jais said a Clarification Panel met eHati organisers in November 2022 after receiving complaints from participants about activities that allegedly contradicted Islamic teachings. 'The Panel was shown a video used by the organisers, which included a method of self-pleasure for women purportedly aimed at strengthening marital intimacy,' it said in a statement. 'As a result, the Clarification Panel opined that the eHati programme could proceed, subject to the condition that any content or activities that contravene Islamic principles be removed.' It said in response, the company was instructed to regularly consult religious authorities or experts to ensure full compliance with Islamic teachings. 'Additionally, organisers were asked to include a disclaimer stating that the aforementioned video was intended for married couples only,' it added. Jais said its panel's recommendations were meant to prevent violations of Islamic principles, and did not equate to formal approval of the eHati programme or its activities. Jais stated that the organisers failed to submit the complete programme module for review after receiving recommendations in 2022. It added that had the company complied with the panel's stipulations, the incident at IDCC Shah Alam involving eHati recently would not have occurred. Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad had previously confirmed the case is being investigated under Section 7 of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995 for alleged false doctrine. Earlier this week, Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan urged members of the public who took part in the eHati 'Queen's Night' marriage motivation programme to give their statements at the Shah Alam District Police Headquarters as soon as possible. He said they have identified around 50 participants, of whom 30 have been interviewed. The remaining individuals have been asked to come forward or face arrest. The case is being investigated under Section 209 (false claims), Section 14 (minor offences), and Section 294 of the Penal Code, which includes offences committed under the guise of religion. Among those arrested are six individuals — four women and two men — believed to be married couples who participated in the so-called Queen's Night session, a four-day, three-night retreat offered under 'Package B' of the eHati programme.


CNA
16-07-2025
- Climate
- CNA
World Aquatics Championships: 25 swimmers fail to finish open water race amid afternoon heat
25 out of 150 swimmers failed to finish their 10km open water races at the World Aquatics Championships held at Sentosa in Singapore. Many described conditions as tough, after both the men's and women's events were pushed to start in the hot afternoon. Five more open water events are set to take place over the next few days, with all scheduled to start in the morning for now. Organisers said regular water testing will continue daily, after tests on Sunday showed bacteria levels exceeding standards. Nikhil Khattar reports.


BBC News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2025: What you need to know
The sky above Bristol is set to be filled with hot air balloons again as the annual International Balloon Fiesta returns. Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Ashton Court Estate from 8-10 August to watch more than 100 balloons take off and see the iconic this year, organisers announced that the fiesta is operating at a loss, following a "challenging" few years. It is the second year that the event will be shortened, taking place over three days instead of have a handy guide to help you prepare for the 47th edition of the fiesta. Do I need tickets? The event is free to attend, but the organisers charge for car parking to help cover operational costs. Those not parking at the fiesta can purchase a hospitality package to help contribute to the not-for-profit organisation, if they wish. How do I get there? There are a range of parking options but tickets must be booked online in blue car park, next to the fiesta site, opens at 05:00 BST on 8 August, ready for the morning launch. The last entry is 17:00. The red car park is the main public car parking site, which is located uphill from the main fiesta site. It opens at 10:00 on 8 August, so anybody planning to arrive sooner should book tickets for the blue car park. Those attending over the weekend can arrive from 05:00. The last entry is 17: non-refundable tickets are cheaper the earlier they are booked, and are charged per vehicle rather than per parking, at the orange gate, opens at 05:00 BST ahead of the morning wanting to use public transport can get the Stagecoach shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads station, booking in regular shuttle service will start from 10:00 BST every day. What's on at this year's fiesta? The balloons are scheduled to take flight twice a day in the mass ascents at dawn and nightglow returns on Friday and Saturday, where dozens of balloons inflate after dark and use their burners to create a light show in time to a from the balloon action, there are a range of activities and demonstrations to take part those are chances to meet some of the pilots, watch a motorcycle stunt display team or take part in family immersive attraction called In The Clouds is new for this year, offering visitors the chance to walk inside a cold-inflated balloon while hearing a soundscape that replicates the experience of pilots in exhibitors and caterers will also be on site. Anything else I should know? Parts of the festival, such as the mass ascent, are weather dependent. The decision to take to the sky is left until the pilot's briefings, which take place just before a scheduled flight. A countdown and smoke cannon reveal the decision, with green signalling for them to if the forecast does not work out in favour of the balloons, there are other activities and entertainment on are advised to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly - whether that means packing sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, wellies or a jumper.

ABC News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Los Angeles Olympics organisers reveal schedule, swapping athletics for swimming in first week
Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics have released the first look at the Olympic competition schedule, highlighting a historic reshuffling of key events and the most ambitious sports line-up in Games history. The announcement on Monday local time came as the city marked three years to go until the Opening Ceremony and celebrated a major legacy milestone: more than 1 million enrolments in the PlayLA youth sports program. For the first time in three decades, the Summer Olympics will return to the United States, with Los Angeles hosting for the third time after 1932 and 1984. The 2028 Games are set to feature 844 ticketed events designed to maximise both domestic and international viewership. Organisers revealed that the Opening Ceremony would take place on July 14, 2028 (July 15, 1pm AEST), split between the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for July 30 at the Coliseum. In a notable departure from tradition, the LA28 schedule swaps the usual order of athletics and swimming competitions. Track and field events will open the Games in the first week, with swimming moving to the second week, culminating in its finale on the penultimate day at the LA Olympic Stadium in Inglewood. Swimming is traditionally Australia's strongest sport at the Olympics, which tends to give the team a solid start on the medal table. The first Olympic champion of LA28 will be crowned at Venice Beach in the triathlon event, while the men's marathon will close out athletics on the final weekend. Day 15 of the Games is expected to be the busiest for medal events, with 16 team sport finals and 19 individual sport finals taking place. "The Olympic competition schedule has been meticulously developed to ensure the world's best athletes can compete in LA," LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover said in a statement. "We are energised by today's milestones and remain focused on the work ahead as the Road to 2028 continues." Organisers said the schedule would continue to be refined, with a more detailed breakdown to be released this year. "When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy," LA Mayor Karen Bass said. Meanwhile, Hoover joined city officials on Monday at an event at the Coliseum to celebrate PlayLA surpassing 1 million program enrolments. The initiative, backed by up to $US160 million ($244.6 million) in investment from LA28, the city's Recreation and Parks Department, and the IOC, provides affordable and inclusive sports programming for children aged 3-17 across more than 40 Olympic and adaptive sports. Reuters/ABC

RNZ News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Athletics and swimming switch as LA28 unveils Olympic schedule
USA dominated the women's long jump podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo: Photosport Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics released the first look at the Olympic competition schedule, highlighting a historic reshuffling of key events and the most ambitious sports lineup in Games history. The announcement comes as the city marks three years to go until the Opening Ceremony and celebrates a major legacy milestone: more than one million enrolments in the PlayLA youth sports programme. For the first time in nearly three decades, the Summer Olympics will return to the United States, with Los Angeles hosting for the third time after 1932 and 1984. Closing Ceremony of the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games 1984. Photo: Photosport The 2028 Games are set to feature 844 ticketed events designed to maximize both domestic and international viewership. Organizers revealed that the Opening Ceremony will take place on July 14, 2028, split between the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for July 30 at the Coliseum. In a notable departure from tradition, the LA28 schedule swaps the usual order of athletics and swimming competitions. Track and field events will open the Games in the first week, with swimming moving to the second week, culminating in its finale on the penultimate day at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Photo: Iain McGregor / The first Olympic champion of LA28 will be crowned at Venice Beach in the triathlon event, while the marathon will close out athletics on the final weekend. Day 15 is expected to be the busiest for medal events, with 16 team sport finals and 19 individual sport finals taking place. "The Olympic competition schedule has been meticulously developed to ensure the world's best athletes can compete in LA," LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover said in a statement. "We are energised by today's milestones and remain focused on the work ahead as the Road to 2028 continues." Organisers said the schedule will continue to be refined, with a more detailed breakdown to be released later this year. Erika Fairweather contests the 200m freestyle at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Photosport "When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy," LA Mayor Karen Bass said. Meanwhile, Hoover joined city officials at an event at the Coliseum to celebrate PlayLA surpassing one million programme enrolments. The initiative, backed by up to $US160 million ($NZ268 million) in investment from LA28, the city's Recreation and Parks Department, and the IOC, provides affordable and inclusive sports programming for children aged 3-17 across more than 40 Olympic and adaptive sports. - Reuters