Latest news with #IanRoberts
News.com.au
21 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Rugby league icon Ian Roberts shares sad diagnosis, wants Run It Straight trend banned
Rugby league icon Ian Roberts has revealed a sad health diagnosis and pleaded for the Run It Straight trend to be banned, issuing a warning about the long term effects of the controversial trend. Roberts, who became the first professional rugby league player to come out as gay 30 years ago, revealed he had recently been diagnosed with epilepsy. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. 'There are consequences long-term,' the 60-year-old told Nine's Today on Tuesday, reflecting on his footy career. 'In the last 12 months I've had a bit of an issue myself. I was just recently diagnosed … with epilepsy. 'I reckon the damage I did to myself was not taking the shots (tackles), it was making the shots. 'I'm good, I just started a new process with medication which has really helped.' The former rugby league hardman said looking back, he would have changed the way he played and eased up on some of his big hits. 'When you're 19 and 20, you're never going to be 50, you are never going to be 60, (because) that is too far away. 'But the fact is I'm 60 this year and knowing what I know now, and my own personal situation, there are things I would have changed about my playing style. 'In 1990 when I made that conscious effort to pull off more big hits, or to toughen my image up, I definitely wouldn't be doing that.' Renowned as one of the toughest players of his era in the 1980s and 90s, Roberts has been alarmed by the Run It Straight trend that has gone viral on social media for the big hits seen in organised competitions. A Run It Straight competition was held in Melbourne this year, but the trend took a turn when a New Zealand teenager died following a casual 'run it straight' game with mates last month. Official New Zealand sporting bodies have distanced themselves from the trend, while a leading neuroscientist has told a death from the new contact sport was sadly 'only a matter of time'. 'The research, the history and the science is out there now,' Roberts told Today, while sending his well wishes to his former Rabbitohs teammate Mario Fenech, who was diagnosed with dementia in his 50s. 'These type of collisions have long-term, potentially catastrophic effects. 'I'd like to send a shout-out to Mario Fenech and Rebecca Fenech. Mario has stood up in the last couple of years about his situation, and this is what we're facing. '(Run It Straight trend) is based on outrage, and shares and likes, so all this stuff gets airtime but it is really dangerous stuff.' Roberts went as far to say Run It Straight competitions should be banned. 'It takes sporting bodies, codes, or the government to get behind this. Parents need to know what their children are watching and what they're doing,' he said. 'You've got to keep poking the bear. This is long-term, potentially catastrophic consequences for young people. 'We can't keep ignoring it.' Footage emerged over the weekend of fans on the hill at Brookvale Oval partaking in the Run It Straight challenge after Manly defeated the Broncos on Saturday. Fans slowly trotted down the hill as others waited at the bottom to tackle them with countless people watching on and cheering. One man slammed down his drink before taking off down the hill where he was flattened by another individual. Another was hit just as hard while a third carried so much speed he bowled into the crowd at the bottom who all had their phones recording the chaos. The Sea Eagles condemned the fan behaviour, vowing to step up security with club CEO Tony Mestrov thankful nobody was seriously injured. 'It's crazy that people will do this type of thing when they know how dangerous and potentially life-threatening it is,' Mestrov said to The Sydney Morning Herald. 'We will ensure our security is more vigilant in patrolling this outside zone after full-time, at all future home games. 'Any spectators who breach our rules by engaging in this type of behaviour will be banned. Full stop. As a club, we will continue to make the match day experience at 4 Pines Park one that is safe and enjoyable for all.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Australia's first openly gay footy star Ian Roberts drops devastating health bombshell as he reveals he has incurable condition
Footy legend Ian Roberts has revealed the sad news that he's been diagnosed with epilepsy as he hit out at a dangerous new trend among footy fans. The former Manly, NSW and Kangaroos enforcer dropped the news as he warned Australians against participating in a social media craze that recently killed a teenager in New Zealand. Roberts slammed the 'run it straight' challenge after shocking videos showed fans colliding heavily with each other in wild scenes after the Sea Eagles' match against Brisbane on Sunday. Roberts dropped his health bombshell when Today show host Karl Stefanovic asked him about the dangers of the craze. 'Repeated head knocks and concussions, like I was saying earlier, the science is already out there. That's damaging long-term,' Roberts said. 'I can honestly say, in the last 12 months I've had a bit of an issue myself. 'I was just recently diagnosed - and I'm not just saying this because we're on air, but it's potentially to do with this - with epilepsy. 'This is all potentially long-term stuff. I reckon the damage I did to myself was not taking the shots [tackles], it was making the shots.' Stefanovic then asked how Roberts is dealing with the diagnosis. 'I'm good mate, I just started a new process of medication, which has really helped. 'But that's what I'm talking about. When you're 19 and 20, young teenage boys, when you're 15, you're never going to be 50, you're never going to be 60, that's too far away. 'But the fact is mate, I'm now 60 this year, and knowing what I know now, my own personal situation, there are things I would've changed about my playing style. 'I would definitely have changed - in 1990, when I made a conscious effort to pull off more big hits to toughen my image up or whatever that is, I certainly wouldn't be doing that.' Roberts added that he would 'absolutely' support a ban on the run it straight craze, which has spawned the professional RunIt competition, which has been held in Melbourne and New Zealand recently and featured former NRL star George Burgess. 'This is long-term, potentially catastrophic consequences for young people,' Roberts said. 'We can't keep ignoring it.' Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and leaves patients at risk of seizures. It can be brought on at any age by a stroke, brain infection, head injury or problems at birth that lead to lack of oxygen. But in more than half of cases, a cause is never found. The video Roberts was reacting two showed a series of men charging down a hill over the back of Manly's home ground and being hit by another group of men at the bottom. The run it straight craze involves people charging directly at each other - with one usually holding an NRL or rugby ball - to pull off a footy-style collision. The trend turned deadly last week after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge. He sustained a serious head injury during an impromptu game with friends and passed away in hospital on May 26. His death has prompted widespread warnings from health experts and authorities about the dangers of the viral trend. One participant in the video taken at Manly was filmed chugging a drink before roaring and charging down the hill, only to be ironed out by another participant wearing a Manly Sea Eagles jersey. The footage has quickly drawn criticism following Satterthwaite's death. 'Glad to see we've learnt from the poor blokes passing in New Zealand last week,' one viewer posted, tongue firmly in cheek. 'Would love to know how many ended up at northern beaches hospital,' posted another. 'Intelligence below the charts,' added another. Despite the obvious dangers, the warnings and the death of Satterthwaite, the video still attracted plenty of attention from people loving the trend. Former rugby league and All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams recently apologised for posting an Instagram video of one of his hits during his time in the NRL with the caption 'Playing run it straight before it was called run it straight'. 'I put a video up last night, and I just want to ask for forgiveness of the young fulla that passed away,' Williams said on his social media account. 'Please excuse me for my insensitivity. I did not know that had happened. 'I want to talk about it for a second right now. 'I've been asked to collab with the Run it Straight people, or a couple of people and I haven't. 'Simply because I wouldn't put my kids in it. 'I have safety concerns and that's just my thoughts on it.'
Korea Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Informa Markets launches FutureFWD - Charting the Future of Hospitality, Food and Beverage with Asia's Leading Voices
25 September 2025 | EQ Kuala Lumpur | Delivered by Saladplate (Part of Informa Markets) KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage by is designed to address and navigate the transformation sweeping through the food, beverage, and hospitality industries in the region. Taking place on 25 September 2025 at EQ Kuala Lumpur, the day-long programme brings together the region's most influential leaders, innovators, and disruptors to examine the forces reshaping consumer expectations, technology, and market dynamics, offering strategic insights and forward-looking perspectives on the future of F&B in Asia. FutureFWD - Hospitality, Food & Beverage is organised by Informa Markets, one of the world's leading B2B event organisers with a portfolio of over 550 international events. It forms part of its global Hospitality, Food & Beverage series, including in-person trade shows and the digital insights platform, Saladplate. Held alongside Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM), one of the region's premier trade events taking place from 23–26 September 2025, the conference will deliver a high-impact programme of keynotes, panels, and thought leadership sessions. Anchored on the content themes of Trends, Technology, and Transformation, it explores how Asia's F&B and hospitality sectors are being reimagined for the future. "With FutureFWD, we're building more than a conversation, we're creating a catalyst for the industry's future," said Ian Roberts, Vice President – Asia, Informa Markets. Asia's hospitality and F&B sectors are at a pivotal moment. By bringing together bold thinkers and forward-looking operators, our goal is to surface actionable insights that help partners adapt, innovate, and grow. Delegates can expect a dynamic day of ideas, inspiration, and meaningful connections with some of the region's most influential voices." Inspiring The Industry FutureFWD is designed for professionals across the hospitality and F&B ecosystem who are eager to stay competitive and future-ready. From business owners to those in consumer-facing roles such as mixologists, hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs, to industry adjacent specialists such as food stylists, sustainability experts and hospitality designers, among others. FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage, launched by Informa Markets and delivered by Saladplate has Technomic, The Sustainable Restaurant Association and Food Made Good as event partners. FutureFWD Programme Highlights The one-day conference and networking programme will dive deep into the forces driving the food, beverage and hospitality industry forward; from sustainability practices and tech-driven solutions to new consumer behaviours as well as design and creative experiences. All attendees will have access to the networking event at the end of the conference joining over 200 top buyers, retailers and distributors from the industry in Asia. One of the headline sessions, The Great F&B Reset, brings together a powerhouse panel of industry leaders to explore how hospitality and F&B businesses can thrive amid disruption. With Asia's culinary landscape evolving at breakneck speed, this session delivers critical insights on innovation, adaptability, and future-readiness. Panelists: Sameer Seth, Founder & CEO, Hunger Inc. Hospitality Behind acclaimed concepts The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, and Papa's, Seth is known for reinterpreting tradition and regional Indian cuisine through compelling storytelling. Stefanie Wijono, Deputy Director of Marketing & PR, The Union Group A strategic force behind 28 of Jakarta's most influential dining destinations, Wijono brings a sharp perspective on brand positioning, consumer engagement, and scaling in dynamic urban markets. Sarissa Schwartz, Co-Founder & Managing Director, SJS Group A veteran nightlife operator with a flair for concept innovation, Schwartz is the driving force behind venues such as COTU, Lulu's Lounge, and Bang Bang. She also played a key role in launching Pangaea, once named the world's highest-grossing nightclub per square foot by Forbes. Moderated by: Nicola Lee, Academy Chair for Southeast Asia (South), The World's 50 Best Restaurants A seasoned hospitality writer for Tatler Asia and The Business Times, Lee brings deep regional insight and a global perspective to the conversation. How can F&B brands stay relevant across generations? This session explores how to tailor communication for Gen X, Y, and Z in a fast-changing, digital-first world. Speaker: Kristian Olsen, Founder & Managing Director of Type A A pioneer of social media marketing in SEA, Olsen has guided global brands like Jeep, WWE, and LG from broadcast to engagement. With roots in legacy networks and a sharp eye on the future, he crafts bold strategies that help brands resonate across generations, making him a leading voice on the subject. Hotel F&B outlets are struggling to meet evolving guest expectations. No longer a mere amenity, food and beverage offerings are now a key driver of guest satisfaction, brand identity, and loyalty. This panel challenges hoteliers to rethink the potential of their F&B strategy, from concept and design to service and storytelling, to reimagine their outlets as destination-worthy experiences. Panelists: Emma Maxwell, Founder, Emma Maxwell Studio One of Asia's most sought-after hospitality designers, Maxwell is behind immersive, award-winning dining environments—including the Michelin-starred Burnt Ends in Singapore. Petr Raba, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Asia Pacific (ex-China) A seasoned hospitality executive, Raba brings deep regional expertise and a strong track record of revitalising hotel F&B strategies for global brands. His insights span innovation, concept development, and operational transformation. Nicola Lee, Academy Chair, Southeast Asia (South), The World's 50 Best Restaurants A respected hospitality journalist and regional tastemaker, Lee offers a unique lens on evolving guest preferences. Moderated by: Sameer Seth, Founder & CEO, Hunger Inc. Hospitality As an independent F&B operator known for redefining modern Indian dining, Seth brings a fresh, outsider's perspective to the conversation, steering the panel with real-world insights on concept creation and brand differentiation. A fireside chat exploring circular innovation and eco-conscious solutions shaping the future of the drinks sector. Speaker: Paul Gabie, CEO of ecoSPIRITS and co-founder of Proof & Company A pioneer in sustainable spirits distribution, globally recognised for transforming the sourcing, packaging, and serving of premium alcohol, earning him recognition on multiple industry influencer lists. Moderated by: Debbie Yong, Hospitality Communicator and Sustainability Advocate A former journalist whose editorial career includes The Business Times, BBC, WGSN, and The Michelin Guide. She brings deep industry insight and a strong commitment to responsible hospitality to the exchange. Delegate passes can be purchased on | For more information or assistance, contact the Saladplate team at info@ For further details on the complete schedule on 25 September, please see the Annexe attached with this email. About Hospitality, Food & Beverage and Saladplate at Informa Markets Informa Markets' Hospitality, Food & Beverage portfolio includes a series of global in-person trade events and an online content and insights platform Saladplate, aimed at fostering business relationships, enabling learning, and enhancing trade opportunities for the industry. With several established events within the portfolio, such as Hotelex Shanghai, FHA, HOFEX, Fispal Food Service, and Abastur, the portfolio together offers an unparalleled audience reach across the world. Staging 35 live and digital events in major cities including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Bangkok, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City. Working alongside established industry partners, government bodies, and recognised professionals, the portfolio aims to bring companies, individuals, and the industry to the forefront of global business innovation by offering solutions and opportunities that meet today's business needs. Since its launch in October 2023 with a renewed focus, Saladplate has reached over 600,000 industry professionals globally through its platform and hosts various products, focusing on unbiased news, content, and insights. Features on the platform include networking and learning events – Business Breakfast, country reports – Focus On Reports, a global supplier directory with over 35,000 suppliers listed and refreshed monthly, news articles, an e-magazine with an average monthly readership of over 45,000 professionals, and whitepapers and category reports. About Informa Markets: Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, contact:
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Gay footy icon Ian Roberts says next player to come out will be a 'superstar'
Rugby league great Ian Roberts, Australian's first openly gay professional player, has sent a powerful message to closeted gay players who are afraid to come out. Roberts, who came out in 1995, has urged gay footballers not to be afraid to embrace their authentic selves after it was recently revealed in a survey that player agents had been asked to not reveal the sexuality of certain players. Roberts was not surprised by the news, revealing that he's been approached by two players to discuss the prospect of coming out. 'I find those survey results fascinating,' he told News Corp. 'I find it fascinating because I really believe that the next male who comes out in a major contact sport, like rugby league, rugby union or the AFL, will become an absolute superstar. 'I can tell you I've had two instances over the past 15 or so years where (NRL) guys have got in touch with me. One of those was anonymous, I didn't know his name, and the other one was semi-open about it. The NRL hardman had a 13-year career that saw him play for the Souths, Manly, North Queensland, City, NSW, Australia and Wigan in England 'They asked me what I thought the best situation was. I said I can't answer that for you. 'All I told them was that you need to know that you are safe and loved and once you come out, you can't go back in. 'Those two players ultimately never came out. I want to say to any gay male player – the best thing ever I did was come out. 'My family always knew I was gay, but I thought I shouldn't have to tell people I'm gay. 'People should just accept it. Even when I was at Souths, I would bring my (male) partner to functions and people were waiting for me to come out. 'But I always thought: 'Why should I label this?' But I understand now as time goes on why I had to. I wish I was never in the closet.' The survey, conducted by Code Sports, polled more than 50 player agents and asked them what some of the big issues they faced were. Several agents said that conversations about coming out had come up. 'There's a few homosexuals in the NRL that people wouldn't know about,' a player manager said. 'I would say there are up to six or seven (gay male players) in the game today. 'Some NRL players are confused about their identity and we have to be there as agents to help them come to terms with it in what is a very macho industry.' Roberts had a 13-year career that saw him play for the Souths, Manly, North Queensland, City, NSW, Australia and Wigan in England. When he was 21, coach Jack Gibson called him the 'best front rower in the game'.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Caitlin Clark Foundation dishes another assist
The Caitlin Clark Foundation teamed up with Musco Lighting to donate and dedicate a mini-pitch at Weeks Middle School in Des Moines. DMPS Superintendent Dr Ian Roberts offers brief remarks, followed by WHO 13 drone video, and thoughts from Caitlin Clark Foundation President Mary Coffin. Clark had practice and was unable to the full press release: WEEKS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS KICK OFF NEWEST MINI-PITCH Students at Weeks Middle School made the opening goals and free throws at the school's new mini-pitch. This particular pitch is the first-ever Caitlin Clark Foundation Community Court. While Musco Lighting has been a strong supporter in developing other soccer mini-pitches at Des Moines Public Schools, support from the Caitlin Clark Foundation is enabling the outdoor facility to be set up for basketball along with soccer and futsal. The Musco Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution is designed to support soccer, basketball, and futsal, a faster-paced variant of soccer. With built-in goals and added hoops, integrated fencing, lighting, benches, custom surfacing, and ADA-accessible gates, the structures will help bring youth in our community together for recreation. 'Providing every student at DMPS with greater access to activities and athletics, along with the first-rate facilities they deserve, is an important part of our strategic plan to reimagine education in Des Moines,' said Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent of DMPS. 'To have an internationally recognized business like Musco Lighting team up with a world class athlete like Caitlin Clark in support of DMPS means a great deal in helping us realize our goal of creating more opportunities for more students.' 'As an Iowa-based company, this project is especially meaningful to us,' said Jeff Rogers, CEO of Musco Lighting. 'These community courts will fulfill the Caitlin Clark Foundation's sports pillar, and help increase access to recreation to provide a space for kids to develop life skills with their friends and family. ' In addition to Weeks, Musco and the Caitlin Clark Foundation are developing new courts at Callanan, Hiatt and McCombs middle schools. When completed in time for next school year, all ten DMPS middle schools will have a mini-pitch for students. 'We are thrilled to open the first of our four Community Courts in partnership with the fantastic teams at Des Moines Public Schools and Musco Lighting,' said Mary Coffin, President of Caitlin Clark Foundation. 'These courts provide youth in our communities with quality space to be active and participate in sports which develop important life-long skills to chase their dreams.'The Caitlin Clark Foundation and Musco call their relationship a perfect match. The two organizations are located in Iowa and are both committed to equitable access to recreation for youth. Both have a passion for sports, whether it is a game played at the local park and recreation field, a high school gymnasium, a college arena, or a professional venue. Both understand that sports build teamwork, resiliency, and healthy habits. According to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, about 6.5 million kids live within one-half mile of a mini-pitch, and each pitch can reach an average of 10,000 kids. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
