Not even a gridlocked city of London could dampen the spirits of those attending the 2006 Sport Industry Awards taking place at the prestigious riverside venue, Old Billingsgate Market.

Over 40% of a selected group of consumers across the Big 5 European countries have already purchased or intend to purchase an official national team shirt for the World Cup 2006, claim NPD Sports Tracking Europe.

Reebok has named Uli Becker as Head of Global Marketing for the Reebok Brand.

Exergenics has stepped up its international expansion drive with the appointment of James Mair to identify and secure distributors globally for a new range of products the company has just launched – the Core Pilot, the Isokinetic Fitness System and the Balance Master by Exergenics.

Spanish sportswear manufacturers Joma are growing their international distribution network by expanding into Ireland, in addition, OverPlay Sports have been appointed as the official Team wear partner to Joma in Ireland.

Ten new members joined STAG in April bringing the groups total to 323 and the location of the new retailers suggests that STAG’s reputation is spread nationwide and is beginning to attract outdoor as well as sports retailers.

The adidas Group has bought the distribution rights for the Reebok brand in CIS (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan) from ZAO RBK-Retail, Reebok’s Russian distributor.

Two of the world's best-known brands, have decided to join forces to produce equipment for runners, announcing the release of a system that links Nike running shoes to Apple's iPod nano digital music players.

Billabong’s first flagship store, opened in Hossegor in 1997, has re-open its doors after a complete renovation.

Footwear manufacturer Global Brand Marketing Inc. (GBMI) has announced the sale of its majority interest in Pony International LLC to Sharp Gain Profits Limited, a member of the Symphony Holdings Group based in Hong Kong.

Sole Tech President and CEO Pierre Andre Senizergues launched the Etnies brand in California16 year’s ago and has been instrumental in revolutionising the industry.

There can hardly be a household that isn’t already preparing for fights over the remote, planning intricate social schedules and postponing all other engagements from June 9th onwards.

Dow Fiber Solutions introduces DOW XLA™, the world’s first elastic fibre inherently resistant to harsh chemicals as well as high heat.

The trade has reacted warmly to the launch of the new Outdoor Trade Show (OTS) according to the organisers - MCS.

With 40% of climbers being female, the OutDoor trade fair in July at Friedrichshafen will focus on women.

Supplied exclusively in the UK and Ireland by Silva, the new iFinder GO2 from Lowrance sets a new standard in quality as well as pricing.

Haglöfs introduced its series of retailer workshops earlier this year to great acclaim. According to a press statement, Haglöfs is extremely concerned that retail staff have as much product information as possible and believe that the best way for this to be gained is by using it ‘on the hill’, simulating the use that the products will ultimately be subjected to.

Retailer, Outdoor World UK Ltd, has seen an increase in sales since installing Vango’s new ‘shop in shop’ concept six weeks ago.

With the goal to make the world’s most comfortable walking shoe, the Mephisto brand, despite changes in fashion trends is still praised for its quality and comfort.

April saw a first for me when I received a mountain bike as a birthday present. Admittedly I was somewhat taken aback, particularly as my activities in the great outdoors have been either on horse back, skiing, abseiling (albeit some while ago) and a recent desire to take my family camping. However, showing willing (always keen to give most sporting activities a go) I was kitted out with hat, gloves and of course my bike – off we set for what I thought would be a leisurely ride up and along the North Downs. The cycle routes that have been set out however, are obviously for the keen enthusiast and whilst I have always maintained I prefer to come down a hill (or mountain - skiing is a great passion) and that climbing up has always engendered a fear, it is certainly not the same on a bike. Give me a hill to climb any day - coming down - well, all I can say is fearless I no longer am, the speed, turns and ultimate crash (luckily only pride was hurt) are obviously designed for the thrill seekers - but as a stubborn taurean - I will keep at it until I have conquered my fear and the particular route that even my nine year old can manage!

SureFire illumination tools are the finest in the world – compact, rugged, powerful, reliable and efficient.