GEES 2019 to be held in Busan, Korea, 29 to 31 August 2019

Busan again plays host to the Global Esports Executive Summit.

International Esports Federation (IESF) is delighted to announce the Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES) 2019 is taking place on 29 and 31 August 2019. The fourth edition of IESF’s GEES 2019 will take place in the dynamic city of Busan, Korea for the third consecutive year and bring the combined knowledge, experiences and ideas from all key esports stakeholders to the fore. GEES 2019 is being financially supported by the Busan Metropolitan City and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Since 2016, GEES has been the platform to share ideas, create synergies, and most of all, to reach a mutual consensus for esports development. 2018 saw 181 key decision makers from National Esports Federations, Publishers, Esports Media and others take part in GEES 2018 from 57 nations to openly discuss on how esports can generate synergies with traditional sports.

According to Colin Webster, IESF President, “GEES represents the spirit of openness, transparency, and willingness that is IESF’s culture to work with all role-players who are already immersed in the world of esports, as well as those who wish to become role-players in this fast growing and fascinating sport”.

GEES2019 will thus continue to enhance dialogue between esports stakeholders, and to openly discuss various issues in esports. GEES 2019 will also continue the integration with Esports Academic Seminar as a parallel program, sharing the latest academic research in the esports industry. It was in 2018 that IESF announced its vision of the Global Esports R&D Center to support Esports researches through the Academic Research Center which IESF continues to promote. (Reference: https://www.ie-sf.org/news/iesf-launches-global-esports-rdcentre-for-further-esports-development/).

Further detailed information for GEES 2019 and Academic Seminar will be announced with the opening of the registration website in the near future.

REMINDER: CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR WADA's 2020 SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM

REMINDER: CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR WADA's 2020 SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM

THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS IS 14 JULY 2019

Montreal, 13 June 2019 Dear Colleagues, Further to our communication of 14 May, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) wishes to remind you of the upcoming deadline to submit proposals as part of the Agency's Call for Proposals for its 2020 Social Science Research Program. All proposals must be received, via the Agency’s WADAGrants platform, no later than 14 July 2019 (23:59 GMT). Proposals can be submitted from universities, colleges, small businesses, for-profit and not-profit organizations. ‘Increasing and enhancing research-led anti-doping education’ is one of WADA’s strategic priorities. Accordingly, WADA’s Education Committee is tasked with identifying relevant areas of social science research in the field of anti-doping to inform more effective doping prevention strategies. WADA-supported research requires that anti-doping education programs and initiatives are grounded in scientific knowledge and evidence. There are two categories to the Call, an open call and one that specifically ‘measures the effectiveness of existing anti-doping strategies and interventions for athletes and for athlete support personnel’. It should be noted that, proposals that demonstrate partnerships and collaboration between research institutions and anti-doping organizations will be looked upon favorably during the decision-making process. Similarly, interdisciplinary proposals drawing from multiple social science fields (e.g., sociology, psychology, law, economics, and management science) are encouraged. All proposals responding to the terms and conditions of this Call will be evaluated by external peer-reviewers, whose recommendations will be reviewed by WADA’s Social Science Research Project Review Panel and the Education Committee for recommendation to the Agency’s Executive Committee. Applicants will be notified of the results at the end of 2019. For further information regarding the 2020 Program, including the application process and guidance on topics for research, please refer to the Application Guidelines and FAQ section of the WADA Grants platform. Best regards, World Anti-Doping Agency

Ramil Aliyev has been co-opted onto International Esports Federation’s Board.

Ramil Aliyev of Azerbaijan has proven his worth over the years.

In order for International Esports Federation (IESF) to operate at full capacity, it is essential for IESF to fill the vacant positions on the Board so that all the various portfolios are filled.

Since all positions on the Board require the members to put in a great deal of time, effort, and vision, it is vital that the Board finds the right people for the tasks.IESF’s Board is confident that it has found the right man for the job.

Ramil Aliyev has a proven track record in esports, and his work ethic is beyond compare.

Born on November, 28, 1979, and having graduated from the faculty of Law. Ramil is currently president of Azerbaijan Cybersport Federation. Azerbaijan Cybersport Federation was recognized in 2013 as the National Federation governing esports in Azerbaijan by the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Republic.

Under the leadership of Ramil Aliyev, Azerbaijan Cybersport Federation (together with the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Republic) hosted a very successful 6^th Esports World Championships in Baku (2014).

IESF President, Colin Webster, stated, “There is no doubt that Ramil Aliyev with his experience and attention to detail will be a great asset to IESF’s Board. I, together with all the other Board members, look forward to working with Ramil.”

It should, however, be noted that the co-option is only in force for the period from co-option up until the Ordinary General Meeting in December 2019.

HeronBridge College affiliates to Mind Sports South Africa

The College with heart.

It is with great pleasure that Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) welcomes HeronBridge College into membership.

At HeronBridge College, the College believe that all children are gifted and talented by God in different areas but still need to learn life skills. Thus the College aims to educate children in such a way so as to achieve their personal best while allowing them to honourably face the challenges that life places in their paths, thereby glorifying God.

There is no doubt that HeronBridge College will have a long and fruitful relationship with MSSA.

Also read:

• Reminder: MSSA's Annual South African Schools National Championships - 15 & 16 June 2019 
• Closing date for entries for MSSA's Inter-School League.
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports.
• New National Team Selection Criteria
• 2019 Calendar of Events
• Important notice: MSSA drops the esports title 'Fortnite' from its provincial and national events.

Coverage received from 'The Star'

Just one of the full-page articles printed on MSSA's news and events.

It is always important for any organisation to continually push the boundaries in terms of creating a greater  awareness of its activities and of the people participating in its events.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has a long history of actively obtaining press coverage.

However, such press coverage is not possible without real events, as well as, and probably more importantly the buy-in from major media houses.

The Star, is a daily newspaper based in Gauteng, South Africa. It is one of the titles under the Independent News & Media South Africa group, and the paper consistently gives regular coverage to Mind Sports South Africa.

There are few major newspapers in South Africa that have given such extensive coverage to all the various disciplines that fall under the jurisdiction of MSSA.
The Star regularly publishes MSSA's news items in its school sport section which has assisted MSSA to enable many more schools to establish clubs at their schools.

The co-operation of the media is thus, seen by MSSA, to be vital to the continued long-term growth of its various disciplines.

Pyromania Esports affiliates to Mind Sports South Africa.

Pyromania Esports - fired with passion for developing esports.

Pyromania Esports is based in Cape Town, South Africa and is dedicated to the development of Esports in South Africa as well as the development of players and teams from previously disadvantaged areas. 

Bryan Banfield and Clinton Futter have been involved with Esports since 2006 and have run tournaments around the country. They are both focussing now on building and supporting Esports teams and developing new players are they show interest and aptitude towards Esports.    

Bryan and Clinton are dedicated to using the experience they have gained over the years to help raise Pyromania Esports to level and standard that assists in creating the standard that Esports has the potential to achieve in South Africa.

Also read:

• 2019 Calendar of Events

Closing date for booking accommodation at Fakkel School of Skills fo SA Schools.

IESF banners proudly displayed in Fakkel School of Skills gaming lounge.

MSSA's S A Schools' National Championships

Please note that the closing date for the booking of accommodation at the hostel  is Friday 7 June 2018, which will have to include proof of payment, so that the hostel can plan the rooms accordingly.

To assist all member clubs, Fakkel School of Skills shall be providing accommodation as follows:

• Bed with bedding - R140.00 per person per night
• Breakfast with cereal - R60.00 per person per day

All those interested in taking advantage of the above are to contact the school on or before 7 June 2019.

To book, please e-mail Amanda (who is most helpful) at hostel@fakkelskool.co.za as soon as possible. In such e-mail it must be stated the number of meen, the number of women that require accommodation.Please telephone the school to see if there is accommodation available at (016) 976 0470.

Also read:

• Reminder: MSSA's Annual South African Schools National Championships - 15 & 16 June 2019
• Ensuring gender equity in esports.
• MSSA celebrates its women who have earned Protea Colours.
• Why schools and universities should invest in esports.
• New National Team Selection Criteria
• 2019 Calendar of Events
• Important notice: MSSA drops the esports title 'Fortnite' from its provincial and national events.