French int’l and NBA player NICOLAS BATUM was named director of basketball operations for French Pro A side Asvel. NBA player and club President TONY PARKER said, “I’m more ‘business’ and he is focused more on sport. He will work on scouting, recruiting and the training center” (LE PROGRES, 3/29). ... Triathlon New Zealand announced the appointment of MARK ELLIOTT as high performance director. He was performance director for Triathlon NZ from '00-04 and during that time led the program to "achieve dual Olympic medals" in Athens and six World Championship titles. After Triathlon NZ, Elliott "spent two years leading the strategic restructuring of Snow Sports New Zealand and assisted seven Winter Olympic sporting bodies to develop longer term strategic intents" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 3/30). ... Athletics Ireland announced the appointment of PAUL MCNAMARA as director of high performance. He will take up the role next month. McNamara joined Athletics Ireland in '06 as a regional development officer (RTE, 3/29). ... The England & Wales Cricket Board announced it appointed DIANA LEWIS as its national talent manager for women’s cricket. Lewis, who is currently England Netball’s performance pathway manager, will oversee ECB’s talent development program aimed at supporting the women’s professional game. She will report to ECB Women’s High Performance Manager JONATHAN FINCH (ECB). ... The ATP/WTA Citi Open named Lagardère Sports VP/Events KEELY O’BRIEN tournament director (THE DAILY). ... Welsh Premier League side Bangor City sacked Manager IAN DAWES despite being fourth in the league. Bangor said that Dawes had failed "to gain his acceptance on the current Pro Licence course, in accordance with UEFA club licensing criteria." Former Premier League striker GARY TAYLOR-FLETCHER "will take temporary charge" (BBC, 3/29).
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