Latest news with #Lebron

IOL News
24-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
The Hangout: Padel fever hits SA as global stars are ready to shine at SA Invitational
You might be surprised to learn that padel didn't actually begin in Spain, as many people assume. By people I mean me and I also thought it's probably only been around for maybe five or ten years. Yes, I know I need to brush up on my sports knowledge a bit. In fact, the sport was born in Mexico in 1969, thanks to the inventive Enrique Corcuera, who decided to blend elements of tennis and squash into something completely new. Spain quickly embraced it in the 1970s, but curiously, South Africa only really caught the padel bug around three years ago. Since then, the sport has taken off like wildfire across the country. South Africa is also about to host one of its biggest padel events yet. The 360 Padel/Gayle- SA Invitational is coming to the beautiful DP World Wanderers Stadium this August, bringing none other than World Number One champions Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia to our shores. This star-studded event promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Earlier this month, an exclusive media launch for the South African Padel Invitational gathered press and insiders for a sneak peek into what fans can expect. There was plenty of buzz around the sport's growth, with conversations centred on making padel more accessible across all communities and even early whispers of female international champions potentially joining future tournaments. Adding to the excitement is a bold new team-based format that will shake things up. Twelve top players will be split into two squads: Team Lebron and Team Galán, each led by the superstar captains themselves. Over the course of three thrilling days, spectators will be treated to electrifying matches as players are reshuffled for each game. Expect surprising partnerships, fierce rivalries and world-class action at every turn. 'This isn't just a tournament - it's a celebration of padel's arrival on the African mainstage,' says Sarfraz Bismilla, spokesperson for the South African Invitational. 'We're bringing the world's biggest names to one of the most iconic venues in the country and giving local fans an unforgettable experience.' Match Highlights Not to be Missed: Friday: Galán vs Lebron – The opening night's match of the day Saturday: Coello vs Tapia – A fierce rivalry redefined Sunday: Galán and Coello vs Tapia and Lebron – The ultimate showdown Whether you're a padel enthusiast or just a little curious, this is one event you won't want to miss. Grab your tickets and more info at and prepare for a weekend of pure sporting magic.


Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Generous Anthony Joshua pays fees for gifted student to study at Ashley Walters' drama school
The aspiring actor has also been offered representation by a top firm when he finishes his studies. TOP BOY Generous Anthony Joshua pays fees for gifted student to study at Ashley Walters' drama school Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHAMPION boxer Anthony Joshua's generous company has helped pay the tuition fees for a gifted student to attend Ashley Walters' drama school. Non-profit organisation Clean Herts Company has teamed up with creative agency IMC to make Watford lad Lebron James' dreams a reality. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Aspiring actor Lebron James, pictured at Elstree Studios, has received a generous grant to cover his studies 3 Anthony Joshua is heavily involved with his non profit organisation Credit: Supplied The student, whose namesake is an NBA legend that has also starred as the lead role in box office hit Space Jam 2, said he is 'incredibly honoured and grateful" for the contribution. He continued: 'None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of AJ and the Clean Herts Commumity team and Kat with ICM, whose belief in me has opened doors I used to only dream about." Lebron was invited to Elstree Studios for a behind the scenes glimpse at how top productions like The Crown, Star Wars, and Strictly Come Dancing are made. He said: "Experiences like this have only fuelled my passion to become a respected actor. "This opportunity is a major step forward in developing my craft, and learning from some of the very best in the industry which I don't take lightly "I've made a promise to my family, my friends, and to myself - to always give everything I've got, stay grounded, and bring my community with me on this journey "These are only the sweet beginnings - the best is yet to come!" Kingdom School of Arts was founded in 2012 by Top Boy star Walters and film producer Nagajan Modhwadia. It is open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks to help close the gap between studies and real-life acting work. A spokesman for ICM said: "We are delighted to be able to give back to our local community. Anthony Joshua given hero's welcome on boxing trip to Ghana as Brit shows off his motorbike skills "After our CEO learned of Lebron James gaining a place at Kingdom Drama School, she instinctively wanted to assist Lebron and his family with paying towards his tuition fees and approached CHC." They continued: "We are extremely happy that CHC enabled us to do this for Lebron. It is a beautiful thing when like-minded organisations come together to help our future generation succeed - this is proof, that it does take a village to raise a child. "We have also offered Lebron, Actor Representation with ICM upon his graduation from Kingdom Drama School. "Our CEO Katerina Michael, thoroughly enjoyed showing Lebron and CHC around our office headquarters here in the Elstree Film Studios. "We hope being immersed in this environment for the day further inspired him to go get his dreams and achieve them. We look forward to working with Lebron and continuing to support him." Community interest company CHC is committed to supporting people in Joshua's hometown of Watford and across Hertfordshire. Whether it be hosting paintballing events, Christmas gatherings or sessions in AJ's old boxing gym, CHC is determined to be a source of aid and inspiration for the area it serves.


The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Generous Anthony Joshua pays fees for gifted student to study at Ashley Walters' drama school
CHAMPION boxer Anthony Joshua's generous company has helped pay the tuition fees for a gifted student to attend Ashley Walters' drama school. Non-profit organisation Clean Herts Company has teamed up with creative agency IMC to make Watford lad Lebron James ' dreams a reality. Advertisement 3 Aspiring actor Lebron James, pictured at Elstree Studios, has received a generous grant to cover his studies 3 Anthony Joshua is heavily involved with his non profit organisation Credit: Supplied The student, whose namesake is an NBA legend that has also starred as the lead role in box office hit Space Jam 2, said he is 'incredibly honoured and grateful" for the contribution. He continued: 'None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of AJ and the Clean Herts Commumity team and Kat with ICM, whose belief in me has opened doors I used to only dream about." Lebron was invited to Elstree Studios for a behind the scenes glimpse at how top productions like The Crown, Star Wars, and Strictly Come Dancing are made. He said: "Experiences like this have only fuelled my passion to become a respected actor. Advertisement READ MORE ON ANTHONY JOSHUA "This opportunity is a major step forward in developing my craft, and learning from some of the very best in the industry which I don't take lightly "I've made a promise to my family, my friends, and to myself - to always give everything I've got, stay grounded, and bring my community with me on this journey "These are only the sweet beginnings - the best is yet to come!" Kingdom School of Arts was founded in 2012 by Top Boy star Walters and film producer Nagajan Modhwadia. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Breaking Breaking It is open to both amateurs and professionals and seeks to help close the gap between studies and real-life acting work. A spokesman for ICM said: "We are delighted to be able to give back to our local community. Anthony Joshua given hero's welcome on boxing trip to Ghana as Brit shows off his motorbike skills "After our CEO learned of Lebron James gaining a place at Kingdom Drama School, she instinctively wanted to assist Lebron and his family with paying towards his tuition fees and approached CHC." They continued: "We are extremely happy that CHC enabled us to do this for Lebron. It is a beautiful thing when like-minded organisations come together to help our future generation succeed - this is proof, that it does take a village to raise a child. Advertisement "We have also offered Lebron, Actor Representation with ICM upon his graduation from Kingdom Drama School. "Our CEO Katerina Michael, thoroughly enjoyed showing Lebron and CHC around our office headquarters here in the Elstree Film Studios. "We hope being immersed in this environment for the day further inspired him to go get his dreams and achieve them. We look forward to working with Lebron and continuing to support him." Community interest company CHC is committed to supporting people in Joshua's hometown of Watford and across Hertfordshire. Advertisement Whether it be hosting paintballing events, Christmas gatherings or sessions in AJ's old boxing gym, CHC is determined to be a source of aid and inspiration for the area it serves. 3 Ashley Walters is helping aspiring actors realise their dreams through his drama school Credit: Getty


USA Today
13-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron receives 2025 All-American honors
Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron receives 2025 All-American honors The 2025 postseason honors continued to roll in for Alabama Crimson Tide shortstop Justin Lebron earlier this past week, as he was named a Third Team All-American by Perfect Game. A selection at the shortstop position, the players who received First and Second Team honors ahead of the Alabama star were UCLA's Ross Cholowsky, Perfect Game's Player of the Year, as well as Wake Forest's Marek Houston. Starting all 59 games for Alabama at shortstop, Lebron slashed .316/.421/.636 for the Crimson Tide during the 2025 season with 18 home runs and a team-leading 72 RBI. Lebron was also one of Alabama's top base stealers this past season, swiping 17 bags. Other accolades for Lebron's sophomore season at Alabama included Second Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team. The Alabama shortstop was also a semifinalist for the 2025 Golden Spikes Award. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.


USA Today
08-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama star Justin Lebron reportedly makes decision amid transfer portal buzz
Alabama star Justin Lebron reportedly makes decision amid transfer portal buzz Alabama baseball star Justin Lebron is reportedly staying put after helping the Crimson Tide to their best regular season finish in over 20 years. According to a report from Jake Mckeever of College Baseball Report, Lebron will return to Tuscaloosa for his junior season in 2026 "despite rumors of (transfer) portal entrance and tampering." The 20-year-old shortstop, who came to Alabama from Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Fla., is one of three players who won't be leaving their respective SEC schools for another program via the transfer portal, Mckeever reported. Kentucky Wildcats shortstop Tyler Bell and Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese are the two others. Lebron has been a foundational piece for Rob Vaughn in his first two seasons as the Crimson Tide's head coach. He batted .319 with a team-high 18 home runs and 72 RBIs to go with 18 doubles and 17 stolen bases this past season. Lebron started all 58 games as Alabama went 41-18 overall, recording its first 40-win regular season since 2002. Lebron, a potential No. 1 overall pick in next year's MLB draft, led the SEC in RBIs and was tied for third in the conference in doubles with MSU's Reese and Texas Longhorns shortstop Jalin Flores. Lebron placed 10th in the SEC in both home runs and stolen bases and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award in 2025. Neither Lebron nor Yea Alabama, the school's official NIL entity, have made an official announcement but could do so in the coming days. The entity has made several announcements regarding Alabama athletes and scheduling news, including the recent decision by Crimson Tide basketball guard Labaron Philon to forgo the NBA draft. Vaughn will be returning to Alabama in 2026 after signing a contract extension following reports linking him to the Texas A&M job. The Aggies fired Michael Earley after only one season. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinions.