Latest news with #WSF
The Star
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Maniam continues to shine as he receives honorary membership from WSF
Major (rtd) S. Maniam. —LOW BOON TAT/The Star. PETALING JAYA: From a humble beginning to being honoured by the world body in squash - the journey sums up Major (rtd) S. Maniam's limitless love for the sport over four decades. On Saturday, Maniam was thrilled to receive the honorary membership from the World Squash Federation (WSF) for his tireless service and dedication to promote the game in his different capacities. The 71-year-old has done it all - as a player; a coach of junior and senior groups at home and abroad; sports administrator from the lower to higher levels; and as an advisor. Maniam, who stepped down as Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) national coaching director at the end of last year and took up an advisory role, is honoured over the recognition. "I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the honorary membership from the WSF," said Maniam. "This recognition is not just about me—it reflects the many people, both in Malaysia and around the world, who have walked this journey with me. "I have been fortunate to serve the sport I love for over four decades, from grassroots development to the international stage. Along the way, I've had the privilege of working with passionate individuals, dedicated administrators, and countless young athletes who continue to inspire me. "This award is a reminder of the value of service and the power of sport to unite and uplift. I hope it encourages others to give back to the game and the community that has given us all so much. "I am grateful to WSF, SRAM, the Asian Squash Federation, and all my colleagues and friends who have supported me through the you for being part of this journey," added Maniam. Maniam was among those who fought hard for squash's inclusion in the Olympics for the first time in 2028. On his hopes for the sport in Malaysia, Maniam said: "The dream of all Malaysian squash enthusiasts, not just me, is to get the elusive gold medal in the Olympics through squash for the country. "I also hope to see Malaysian Squash be top four in the world in all categories (senior and junior men and women). "Finally, I also want to see squash becoming a premier racket sport in every state in the country."
NDTV
5 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Glenn Maxwell Levels Rohit Sharma After Slamming 106* In 49 Balls At MLC, Becomes 1st Player To...
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell levelled with names like compatriots David Warner, Aaron Finch, the Indian legend Rohit Sharma and England's Jos Buttler, becoming the player with the joint-fourth-highest centuries in T20 cricket. Maxwell, who smashed his eighth century in the shortest format, achieved this feat during the Major League Cricket (MLC) match for his side, Washington Freedom (WSF,) against Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) at Oakland. During this match, Maxwell, dubbed as the 'Big Show' for his supreme hitting abilities, truly lived up to his name, blasting an unbeaten 106* in 49 balls, with just two boundaries and 13 sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 216.33. He is captaining the side this season in the absence of Steve Smith, who led them to the title last year. The knock helped Maxwell go past 10,500-run mark in T20s. He also has 178 wickets in T20s. The Australian in now the first player in the world to complete a triple of 10,500 runs, 170-plus wickets, and over five T20 hundreds. Warner, Finch, Rohit, Buttler and Australia's Michael Klinger all have eight T20 centuries. The most centuries in this format are hit by West Indies icon Chris Gayle, who smashed 22 of them in 463 matches. He is followed by Pakistan's Babar Azam (11), South Africa's Rilee Rossouw and Indian icon Virat Kohli (9 each). Coming to the match, Washington Freedom opted to bat first after winning the toss. A hard-hitting 32 in 11 balls (four boundaries and two sixes) by Mitchell Owen remained the highlight knock for a good while as the team was reduced to 68/4. From here, Maxwell put on a masterclass performance, taking down Jason Holder for 26 runs with Obus Pienaar (14*) in the final over to reach his century and pushing his team to 208/5. So far in MLC 2025, Maxwell has scored 149 runs in three innings for his side, at an average of 149.00 and a strike rate of over 204, with his previous scores being 38* and 5. He is the second-highest run-getter so far in the competition. His team has won one and lost one match so far under his captaincy.
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
$7 Million Flowing to BC Communities for Watershed Security Projects
VANCOUVER, BC and Xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Watershed Security Fund (WSF or 'the Fund'), a partnership between the First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC), the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), is thrilled to announce the recipients of the second round of funding under the WSF Grants Program. Just under $7 million is being distributed to 28 recipients across British Columbia. At a time when communities are working hard to respond to climate, economic and cultural pressures, this critical resourcing is a positive step forward. A granting budget of $3-5 million is generated annually from interest earned on the initial $100 million endowment from the Province. In 2024/25, the WSF was able to hold a second grants intake, supplemented by a $7 million contribution from the Real Estate Foundation of BC. This second wave of funding builds on the success of the program's inaugural intake of 26 projects in 2024, continuing to support initiatives that prioritize the health of waterways, center First Nations rights and knowledge, and foster enduring relationships grounded in reciprocity and respect. Watershed security is a shared responsibility, requiring everyone within the watershed to actively contribute to its care and preservation. In its second application intake, the program received 161 applications, totalling over $41 million in funding requests —demonstrating both the immense need for funds and the deep commitment of communities to care for water and the natural world. " These projects demonstrate a strong commitment to watersheds and building lasting partnerships within community. The large number of First Nation-led and First Nation-partnered applications highlight the importance of First Nations' Rights and Title when doing work on watersheds. Protecting watersheds is no one person's responsibility, we all have a mutual reliance on water that will continue to drive this work forward." — Lydia Hwitsum, Co-Commissioner, First Nations Water Caucus The 28 recipients of the second intake include First Nation and non-First Nations organizations and partners working in territories and communities across BC. Project examples include: McLeod Lake Indian Band, in partnership with Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations, are receiving $400,000 to protect and restore the Kinosew Sîpîy/Whutone Gah Saghé, Murray River Watershed by implementing the actions in the 2024 Watershed Health Assessment and upcoming 2025 Water Quality Objectives established through government policy. We wanted to address an important question through this project: "Can we drink the water, can we eat the fish, would I be honoured to make tea for our Elders with these waters?' The WSF grant allows our Nations and local communities to advance critical collaborative work and studies to protect and recover this heavily impacted watershed. We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government on this important project." —Nathan Prince, Traditional Land Use Coordinator, McLeod Lake Indian Band Raincoast Conservation Foundation, in partnership with Scw'exmx Tribal Council and Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly, are receiving $107,500 to continue mapping and assessing cold water shelter areas in the Coldwater River to support salmon recovery and climate adaptation. Lake Babine Nation is receiving $50,000 to enhance climate resiliency across the Lake Babine watershed through the development of a paired-watershed study that assesses feasible restoration sites for sockeye-bearing streams using beaver dam analogs (BDAs). "By using beaver dam analogs to build resilient salmon habitats in the face of industrial logging and a changing climate, we ensure that Lake Babine Nation members can rely on salmon into the future." — Lake Babine Nation Fisheries Team Amid tariffs and economic instability, many of these projects provide good jobs and nature-based solutions rooted in collaboration and focused on long-term resiliency goals. B.C.'s watersheds are the lifeblood of this province, and I thank every one of the 28 recipients for doing their part to help ensure safe, clean water is available to communities throughout B.C. for generations. Every watershed is unique in its characteristics, needs of the ecosystem, and the people it supports, so I'm thankful that we will see so much of First Nations' expertise and local knowledge go into these projects. This second grant intake creates another amazing path forward in taking action for watershed security, and we hope it will inspire others to contribute to the Fund's growth to support this important work." —Hon. Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Our mutual reliance on water drives the need for collaboration to support enduring funding streams. Through shared leadership and strategic investments, the interim partners aspire to continue growing the Fund through crown governments, industry and philanthropic contributions to generate enduring and predictable funding. A third round of funding is anticipated for October 2025. For more information about the Watershed Security Fund and the list of Intake 2 Grant Recipients, please visit Madison Rattai, Habitat and Environmental Protections Manager, First Nations Fisheries Council of BC [email protected] About the Watershed Security Fund On March 6, 2023, the Province of British Columbia and the B.C.-First Nations Water Table jointly announced an initial $100-million investment from the Province of BC to establish the creation of an independent Watershed Security Fund (WSF or 'the Fund'). Grants for watershed security projects are provided from the interest earned on the fund. The initial $100-million contribution will generate a $3-5 million annual baseline budget for grants and programs. Interim Governance and Working Towards a Permanent Entity Since the announcement of the initial $100-million endowment to the WSF, the First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC) – with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) acting as its secretariat – partnered with the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia (REFBC) to provide interim Fund stewardship. Together, the interim partners are working to create a permanent entity to oversee, manage and grow the Fund over the long term. The Province of BC acts in an advisory role to the interim Fund. The First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC) is comprised of the First Nation delegates who participate in the joint B.C.-First Nations Water Table (Water Table). The Water Table addresses water and watershed security issues of concern between First Nations in B.C. and the Province through co-development and consensus. FNWC was first convened by FNFC in June 2022 and, since then, has worked with the Province at the Water Table to co-develop a draft Watershed Security Strategy for B.C. The First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) is a non-profit society that works to develop a cohesive and united voice among First Nations in B.C. FNFC, as the secretariat to FNWC, implements the goals and priorities of FNWC and carries out the substantive operational work. They are partnering with REFBC as interim stewards of the Fund and supporting the co-development process. The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) is a philanthropic organization working to advance sustainable, equitable, and socially-just land use across what is known as B.C. For many years, REFBC has been proud to work with First Nations, local governments, the Province and a broad network of partners to advance watershed security through its grants, research and convening, and as host of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
$7 Million Flowing to BC Communities for Watershed Security Projects
VANCOUVER, BC and Xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Watershed Security Fund (WSF or 'the Fund'), a partnership between the First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC), the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) and the Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC), is thrilled to announce the recipients of the second round of funding under the WSF Grants Program. Just under $7 million is being distributed to 28 recipients across British Columbia. At a time when communities are working hard to respond to climate, economic and cultural pressures, this critical resourcing is a positive step forward. A granting budget of $3-5 million is generated annually from interest earned on the initial $100 million endowment from the Province. In 2024/25, the WSF was able to hold a second grants intake, supplemented by a $7 million contribution from the Real Estate Foundation of BC. This second wave of funding builds on the success of the program's inaugural intake of 26 projects in 2024, continuing to support initiatives that prioritize the health of waterways, center First Nations rights and knowledge, and foster enduring relationships grounded in reciprocity and respect. Watershed security is a shared responsibility, requiring everyone within the watershed to actively contribute to its care and preservation. In its second application intake, the program received 161 applications, totalling over $41 million in funding requests—demonstrating both the immense need for funds and the deep commitment of communities to care for water and the natural world. "These projects demonstrate a strong commitment to watersheds and building lasting partnerships within community. The large number of First Nation-led and First Nation-partnered applications highlight the importance of First Nations' Rights and Title when doing work on watersheds. Protecting watersheds is no one person's responsibility, we all have a mutual reliance on water that will continue to drive this work forward." — Lydia Hwitsum, Co-Commissioner, First Nations Water Caucus The 28 recipients of the second intake include First Nation and non-First Nations organizations and partners working in territories and communities across BC. Project examples include: McLeod Lake Indian Band, in partnership with Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations, are receiving $400,000 to protect and restore the Kinosew Sîpîy/Whutone Gah Saghé, Murray River Watershed by implementing the actions in the 2024 Watershed Health Assessment and upcoming 2025 Water Quality Objectives established through government policy. We wanted to address an important question through this project: "Can we drink the water, can we eat the fish, would I be honoured to make tea for our Elders with these waters?' The WSF grant allows our Nations and local communities to advance critical collaborative work and studies to protect and recover this heavily impacted watershed. We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government on this important project."—Nathan Prince, Traditional Land Use Coordinator, McLeod Lake Indian Band Raincoast Conservation Foundation, in partnership with Scw'exmx Tribal Council and Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly, are receiving $107,500 to continue mapping and assessing cold water shelter areas in the Coldwater River to support salmon recovery and climate adaptation. Lake Babine Nation is receiving $50,000 to enhance climate resiliency across the Lake Babine watershed through the development of a paired-watershed study that assesses feasible restoration sites for sockeye-bearing streams using beaver dam analogs (BDAs)."By using beaver dam analogs to build resilient salmon habitats in the face of industrial logging and a changing climate, we ensure that Lake Babine Nation members can rely on salmon into the future." — Lake Babine Nation Fisheries Team Amid tariffs and economic instability, many of these projects provide good jobs and nature-based solutions rooted in collaboration and focused on long-term resiliency goals. B.C.'s watersheds are the lifeblood of this province, and I thank every one of the 28 recipients for doing their part to help ensure safe, clean water is available to communities throughout B.C. for generations. Every watershed is unique in its characteristics, needs of the ecosystem, and the people it supports, so I'm thankful that we will see so much of First Nations' expertise and local knowledge go into these projects. This second grant intake creates another amazing path forward in taking action for watershed security, and we hope it will inspire others to contribute to the Fund's growth to support this important work."—Hon. Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Our mutual reliance on water drives the need for collaboration to support enduring funding streams. Through shared leadership and strategic investments, the interim partners aspire to continue growing the Fund through crown governments, industry and philanthropic contributions to generate enduring and predictable funding. A third round of funding is anticipated for October 2025. For more information about the Watershed Security Fund and the list of Intake 2 Grant Recipients, please visit Media Contact: Alieska Robles, Communications Manager, Real Estate Foundation of BC alieska@ Madison Rattai, Habitat and Environmental Protections Manager, First Nations Fisheries Council of BC madison@ About the Watershed Security Fund On March 6, 2023, the Province of British Columbia and the B.C.-First Nations Water Table jointly announced an initial $100-million investment from the Province of BC to establish the creation of an independent Watershed Security Fund (WSF or 'the Fund'). Grants for watershed security projects are provided from the interest earned on the fund. The initial $100-million contribution will generate a $3-5 million annual baseline budget for grants and programs. Interim Governance and Working Towards a Permanent Entity Since the announcement of the initial $100-million endowment to the WSF, the First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC) – with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) acting as its secretariat – partnered with the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia (REFBC) to provide interim Fund stewardship. Together, the interim partners are working to create a permanent entity to oversee, manage and grow the Fund over the long term. The Province of BC acts in an advisory role to the interim Fund. The First Nations Water Caucus (FNWC) is comprised of the First Nation delegates who participate in the joint B.C.-First Nations Water Table (Water Table). The Water Table addresses water and watershed security issues of concern between First Nations in B.C. and the Province through co-development and consensus. FNWC was first convened by FNFC in June 2022 and, since then, has worked with the Province at the Water Table to co-develop a draft Watershed Security Strategy for B.C. The First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) is a non-profit society that works to develop a cohesive and united voice among First Nations in B.C. FNFC, as the secretariat to FNWC, implements the goals and priorities of FNWC and carries out the substantive operational work. They are partnering with REFBC as interim stewards of the Fund and supporting the co-development process. The Real Estate Foundation of BC (REFBC) is a philanthropic organization working to advance sustainable, equitable, and socially-just land use across what is known as B.C. For many years, REFBC has been proud to work with First Nations, local governments, the Province and a broad network of partners to advance watershed security through its grants, research and convening, and as host of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative. SOURCE Watershed Security Fund View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State's first hybrid-electric ferry out of shipyard, nearing return to service
Vigor Shipyard delivered the state's first hybrid-electric ferry to Washington State Ferries on Monday, moving the effort to add the first lower-emissions vessel to the fleet a step closer. The Wenatchee ferry, which has been at Vigor's Seattle shipyard being retro-fitted for nearly the past two years, is now at WSF's maintenance facility on Bainbridge Island. It will next undergo sea trials, and is scheduled to return to service this summer on the Bainbridge-Seattle run. According to an announcement from Vigor, the 202-car Wenatchee is the largest ferry in the United States to be converted to run on electric power. Two diesel generators were removed from the Wenatchee as part of the project, which then added two battery rooms that house 864 battery modules. New propulsion controls were added, as well as new electric and fiber optic cable around the vessel, according to Vigor. The Wenatchee will now be stationed at Eagle Harbor for final work to prepare the ferry for service, including crew training and Coast Guard certification. Two other ferries of the same class, known as Jumbo Mark II, had been slated to follow the Wenatchee into conversion immediately, part of a state effort to shift the fleet away from diesel power by 2050. Vigor won the bid for those three boats at a cost of $150 million, and the Wenatchee was initially anticipated to be delivered for service in 2024. In March the state announced that those two boats, the Tacoma and the Puyallup, will not be converted until after the 2026 World Cup, when many tourists are anticipated to arrive for the soccer games hosted in Seattle. That directive from Gov. Bob Ferguson led to the announcement that the ferry system will restore several routes, including Bremerton-Seattle, to full service in June. The electrification plan also calls for the building of 16 new hybrid-electric ferries in coming decades, and bids for construction of five, 160-car boats were opened in May. WSF is currently evaluating proposals from two bidders, Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Florida and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Whidbey Island. This week WSF also issued an update on a related project, which will install new electric charging systems at ferry terminals around Puget Sound in anticipation of a hybrid-electric fleet. The agency said Monday that an announcement to award a contract is expected soon, and in-water exploration at two sites, Bainbridge Island and Seattle, will begin in June. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington state's first hybrid-electric ferry conversion complete
