Latest news with #DeanWilson
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
David 'Syd' Lawrence: Race against time to write autobiography
The autobiography of former England and Gloucestershire cricketer David 'Syd' Lawrence has been described as one of "resilience and character".Written in collaboration with Dean Wilson, it was a race against time to gather the story of the 61-year-old after he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) and faced losing his teammates and family joined Mr Lawrence at a book launch and charity cricket match in Downend, Bristol, on Wilson said: "We knew that he'd be losing his voice at some stage and his voice is something that was really characterful for him - it was part of who he was." The book, In Syd's Voice - The Extraordinary Life of Syd Lawrence, shares the highest points of Mr Lawrence's career and intimate moments and memories of his life. He took 625 wickets in 280 matches during a 16-year career at Gloucestershire that ended in 1988, he became the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, he went on to earn five Test match caps for his retiring from cricket, Mr Lawrence became a nightclub owner and amateur bodybuilder. He was diagnosed with MND last year and is now unable to speak or walk."It's a story about resilience, actually a story about character, and he had them both," Mr Wilson said."We did most of the interviews in October time last year and every day at 10am we would talk." Mr Lawrence was joined by his son Buster at the event who said: "It was quite an emotional moment for Dad seeing the book, he put a lot of work into it with Dean Wilson."Me and my dad have always been close so there's not much I don't know, but there's a few stories in there that came as a surprise."It was a very special moment to show him the book for the first time."He also spoke about bringing the date of his wedding day forward to allow his father to speak at the celebration."It's actually probably one of the last times Dad would speak quite clearly on his own without the assistance of machinery or anyone else," he said."It was timed perfectly, it meant a lot to me and I know it meant a lot to my Dad." Two teams full of famous faces - all friends of Mr Lawrence - took to the pitch to raise money for him and the MND fast bowler Courtney Walsh described how he formed a formidable partnership with Mr Lawrence at the height of their careers."I think we sent a lot of shockwaves through the county circuit when we started bowling together," he said."He knows I'm not going to let him down so I'm just going to do what he always expects me to do, but the only sad part is that he won't be at the other end."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Concerns grow over river diversion project in Atchafalaya Basin
ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KLFY) — St. Martin Parish council members and swamp advocates are expressing their concerns over a river diversion project in Atchafalaya Basin, a project they say could lead to widespread flooding and environmental damage. 'By doing that they're sacrificing the future of south-central Louisiana,' said Dean Wilson, the executive director of the . The East Grand Lake Project, first proposed by the , was later approved by the . The project's focus is to divert polluted water from the Atchafalaya River and Bayou Sorrel through 12 cuts, and then into nearby swamps. To oppose this, a coalition of groups, including the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers back in May of 2024 on issues of how the project will affect those who make a living by fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin. Wilson argues the project could cause widespread flooding and ecological damage. 'If the levees fall on the west side of the Atchafalaya Basin, that flood could be even larger than the 1927 flood,' said Wilson. 'I think we have less room to spread, because all the levees will probably flood Lafayette.' Wilson says the Atchafalaya Basin's commercial fishermen, who rely on its water for their livelihoods, will also be affected. He says the proposed river diversion not only threatens their income, but also the cultural heritage tied to generations of fishing in these waters. 'A lot of people make their living there, they pay the bills, buy groceries in commercial fishing, they also depend on waterways, which is lot of fisherman in Louisiana,' said Wilson. The St. Martin Parish Council recently passed a resolution at a May 7 meeting in opposition of the project. According to Wilson, two other neighboring parishes are also against the river diversion project. 'Iberville, Assumption and St. Martin Parish passed resolutions against the project and also Iberville Parish already filed an amicus brief in support of our lawsuit,' said Wilson. St. Martin Parish Council chairman Chris Tauzin says members will vote tonight on whether or not they will also support the amicus brief for the lawsuit. Fatal tractor crash prompts farm road safety push Senators itching for Trump green light to move on Russia sanctions Concerns grow over river diversion project in Atchafalaya Basin Opelousas Museum launches Neighborhoods Project A Quiet Week of Weather With Near Normal Temperatures… Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Mid East Info
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
WORLD-CLASS MOTOCROSS RIDERS ARE COMING TO ABU DHABI FOR ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN AT ETIHAD ARENA FOR ARENACROSS PRESENTED BY PKE
Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 2025: Abu Dhabi is soon to host one of the most thrilling nights of the year as the Arenacross World Tour Finals descend on Etihad Arena on Saturday, July 5. With the championship on the line, the world's best indoor motocross racers and freestyle riders will battle for glory in front of an electrified crowd. THE WORLD'S BEST RIDERS ARE HEADING TO ABU DHABI Representing the prestigious AX World Tour Championships, a powerhouse lineup of elite competitors is set to bring a fierce mix of speed, skill, and raw talent. Leading the charge is Dean Wilson, the current Arenacross championship front-runner. A former AMA motocross champion and one of the most respected riders on the global stage, the Scottish star, riding for Honda Wilson, has built a career on grit, resilience, and winning under pressure. Wilson's return promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Joining him is British talent Tommy Searle, a multi-time Motocross Grand Prix winner and the 2023 Arenacross champion, now riding for Triumph. Known for his technical brilliance and fearless edge, Searle commands both the racetrack and the respect of fans worldwide. From France, Cedric Soubeyras brings championship pedigree as the reigning French Supercross champion and a multiple-time Arenacross titleholder. Piloting his Kawasaki with relentless aggression and precision, Soubeyras is famous for keeping fans—and fellow racers—on their toes. Also lining up is Jack Brunell, the 2024 Arenacross Champion and a true innovator in the sport. Brunell made history as the first rider in the world to claim a professional motocross championship aboard an electric bike, solidifying his place as a forward-thinking force to be reckoned with. Also competing are some of the sport's most consistent and decorated riders: Thomas Ramette (France), a three-time UK Arenacross Champion; Adrien Escoffier (France), a two-time French Supercross Champion; Conrad Mewse (UK), the 2013 FIM Junior Motocross World Champion; Joan Cros (Spain), a multiple Spanish national champion and regular AMA Supercross contender; Adam Chatfield (UK), a former UK Arenacross and Brazilian Motocross Champion; and Matt Bayliss (UK), the 2022 AMCA 125 Champion and Weston Beach Race winner. Together, these athletes represent the very best of global motocross talent, each bringing their legacy, fire, and fight to the final round in Abu Dhabi. WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE Arenacross World Tour isn't just a race. It's a show-stopping, high-octane experience. Three hours of edge-of-your-seat entertainment combine indoor motocross racing, gravity-defying Freestyle Motocross (FMX), pyro, lasers, and a heart-thumping soundtrack. Riders launch 40ft into the air, flipping their bikes over 100ft gaps in a breathtaking battle of stunts and bravery. The louder the crowd, the bigger they go. Your ticket includes trackside access, athlete meet-and-greets, and exclusive chances to grab selfies and autographs. For superfans, the Trackwalk Experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look, complete with a private FMX demo just for you. And if that's not enough, every ticket holder is automatically entered into a lottery to win a 2025 Husqvarna TC 85 19/16, a high-performance motocross bike built for young riders with big dreams. One lucky fan will walk away with the ultimate prize. Expect live music, t-shirt cannons, a fan-fueled atmosphere, and a full-throttle night for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who loves the roar of engines and the rush of competition. PRESENTED BY PKE – POWERING THE THRILL: The 2025 Arenacross World Tour Finals are proudly presented by PKE, a brand synonymous with innovation, power, and performance. Their partnership brings global motorsport excellence to the region, helping make this adrenaline-fueled spectacle possible. With PKE at the helm, the Abu Dhabi Finals promise world-class production and unforgettable energy. Tickets to the Arenacross World Tour Finals are available now at and and start at just AED 95, with Group of 4 packages also available. Fans can enhance their evening with a Pre-Show Track Walk and Meet & Greet Experience for an exclusive chance to get out on the track pre-show, hear about the track from our live show hosts, meet some of the riders and race teams at the start gate, and witness a private Freestyle Motocross show ahead of the main event. ABOUT ARENACROSS: Arenacross is indoor Motocross! It's a high-octane mix of indoor Motocross racing and Freestyle MX carefully choreographed into a three-hour live performance that includes flames, pyrotechnics, and unscripted competition, all performed to a heart-pumping soundtrack. Ever since we kicked off our explosive journey back in January 2013 at London's iconic The o2 Arena, Arenacross has played in dozens of international Arena and concert venues. And all 500,000+ live fans in that time have witnessed the most incredible actions-sports performances on the planet. ABOUT ETHARA: Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning 'thrill' in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena, Yas Conference Centre, Zayed Sports City, and the House of Sustainability. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The Arenacross finals are coming to Abu Dhabi this summer
Ready for a night of pure adrenaline? The Arenacross World Tour Finals are racing into Etihad Arena, Yas Island on Saturday July 5 – and it's set to be one of the wildest, high-octane events Abu Dhabi's ever seen. With the world's best motocross riders flying in to battle for the championship, expect three hours of explosive action, insane stunts and edge-of-your-seat thrills. Tickets are on sale now from just Dhs95 and honestly, you'll want to grab them fast. Leading the pack is Dean Wilson, the Scottish superstar and Arenacross front-runner, who's known for his fearless style and championship grit. He'll be lining up alongside heavyweights like 2023 Arenacross champion Tommy Searle, French freestyle sensation Cedric Soubeyras and history-making Jack Brunell – the first-ever pro motocross champ on an electric bike. The line-up is absolutely stacked, featuring legends like Thomas Ramette, Adrien Escoffier, Conrad Mewse, Joan Cros, Adam Chatfield and Matt Bayliss, making this a final you won't want to miss. Arenacross isn't just about the race – it's an all-out show. Think dirt bikes flying 40ft into the air, pyrotechnics, lasers, a heart-thumping soundtrack and freestyle motocross (FMX) stunts so jaw-dropping you'll be holding your breath between flips. The louder the crowd, the crazier the riders go, so bring your energy. Every ticket also unlocks access to athlete meet-and-greets, autograph sessions and for the superfans, an epic Pre-Show Track Walk where you can step onto the track, meet riders at the start gate and catch a private FMX show. Plus, every ticket holder is automatically entered to win a 2025 Husqvarna TC 85 19/16 motocross bike – a serious prize for budding racers. From Dhs95. Saturday July 5. More things to do in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi's best restaurants 2025: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
Daily Tribune
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Middle East welcomes Arenacross World Tour
TDT | Manama Abu Dhabi is set to reinforce the Middle East's growing reputation as a global hub for world-class sporting events when it hosts the high-octane Arenacross World Tour Finals at Etihad Arena on July 5th. Bringing together the world's best indoor motocross and freestyle riders, the championship showdown will showcase the Middle East's ability to stage large-scale, international motorsport spectacles that combine extreme sports, entertainment, and fan engagement. Leading the line-up is Scotland's Dean Wilson, a former AMA motocross champion and the current Arenacross front-runner. Joining him will be British star Tommy Searle, French champion Cedric Soubeyras, 2024 Arenacross title-holder Jack Brunell, and other elite riders from Europe and beyond, all vying for glory in Abu Dhabi. The Arenacross Finals offer more than just racing, with three hours of breathtaking action featuring freestyle motocross stunts, pyrotechnics, live music, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Spectators will also have access to exclusive trackside experiences, athlete meet-and-greets, and a behind-the-scenes Track Walk.
