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MADRID BEARS Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century. In the 16th century, Madrid became the capital of Spain under the reign of King Philip II, who made the city a center of culture and politics. During this time, many of Madrid's most famous landmarks were built, including the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Plaza Mayor. Throughout the centuries, Madrid has played an important role in Spain's history, including during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. The city was heavily bombed during the war, but it was later rebuilt and has become one of Europe's most vibrant and modern cities. Today, Madrid is home to over 3 million people (6.5 million if we consider the metropolitan area) and is known for its rich culture, art, and cuisine. It is also one of the world's most important financial centers and is home to many multinational companies and organizations. Tourists flock to the city to explore its historic landmarks, including the Prado Museum, the Retiro Park, and the Puerta del Sol. The bear is a symbol of Madrid because of a legend that dates back to the Middle Ages. According to the legend, the city's founder, King Alfonso VI, was out hunting in the forests near the city when he saw a group of bears. The sight of the bears inspired him to choose the area as the site for the city of Madrid. Over the years, the image of a bear has become closely associated with Madrid, and it is now the city's official emblem. The bear is often depicted standing on its hind legs and leaning against a tree, while eating the fruit from the tree with its front paws. This image can be seen on the city's coat of arms, on street signs, and in many other places throughout Madrid. TYPICAL FOOD: Madrid is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine, which includes a variety of traditional dishes. Some of the most popular dishes of Madrid include: Cocido Madrileño: A stew made with chickpeas, vegetables, and different types of meat, such as pork, beef, and chorizo. Huevos rotos: Fried eggs served on top of a bed of potatoes and sometimes ham or chorizo. Callos a la Madrileña: A stew made with tripe, chorizo, and morcilla (blood sausage). Bocadillo de Calamares: A sandwich filled with fried squid rings. Churros con chocolate: Fried dough pastries served with a thick hot chocolate dipping sauce. Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. These dishes are often accompanied by a glass of tinto de verano (a refreshing wine-based drink) or a caña (small glass of beer). Madrid is also known for its tapas culture, where small plates of food are served with drinks in bars and restaurants, making it an excellent place to try a variety of traditional Spanish dishes. MEMBERS OF THE TEAM: ITALY @SteveParker@Pablita @Henry_Leon SERBIA @NikolaB POLAND @rybak UKRAINE @Illya SWEDEN @Belle

BARCELONA DRAGONS Barcelona is the capital city of the Catalonia region in northeastern Spain. The city has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back over 2,000 years. It was founded as a small Roman colony in the 1st century BC, and later became an important trading center during the Middle Ages. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Barcelona experienced a period of rapid growth and modernization, becoming the most important industrial and cultural center in Spain. During this time, many of the city's most famous landmarks were built, including the Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona has also played an important role in modern Spanish history. In 1936, at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, the city became a stronghold of the Republican forces and was heavily bombed by the Nationalists. After the war, Barcelona experienced a period of economic and cultural growth, becoming a center of the arts, literature, and music. Today, Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. Dragons have played an important role in the history and culture of Barcelona. In fact, the dragon is the most iconic symbol of the city and can be found in many different forms throughout its streets and landmarks. The legend of the dragon of Barcelona dates back to the Middle Ages when the city was under the rule of the Count of Barcelona, Wilfred the Hairy. According to the legend, a fierce dragon had been terrorizing the people of the city, killing livestock and causing widespread destruction. In order to put an end to the dragon's rampage, Wilfred the Hairy decided to take action. He tracked down the dragon and fought it in a fierce battle that lasted for hours. Finally, he was able to slay the dragon and free the city from its reign of terror. As a result of his bravery, Wilfred the Hairy became a hero in the eyes of the people of Barcelona, and the dragon became a symbol of the city's strength and resilience. TYPICAL FOOD: Barcelona has a rich culinary tradition with a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the city's Catalan heritage. Some of the most popular foods in Barcelona include: Escalivada: A dish made with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, red peppers, and onions, often served with bread. Fideuà: A seafood dish made with short noodles, similar to paella, but with noodles instead of rice. Botifarra: A type of sausage made with pork and spices, often served grilled or as part of a stew. Crema catalana: A creamy dessert similar to crème brûlée, flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. Canelons: Pasta shells filled with a variety of meats, such as chicken or beef, often served as a Christmas dish. Coca de recapte: A type of flatbread topped with roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, peppers, and onions. Barcelona is also known for its wide variety of fresh seafood, which can be found in many of the city's restaurants and markets. The city is also home to many excellent wineries, producing a variety of local wines that pair well with Catalan cuisine. MEMBERS OF THE TEAM: GERMANY @catgamer BULGARIA @Federer91 MEXICO @mrv86 HUNGARY @Vektor DENMARK @Wumo @Agger

They played the trumpet song and baseball fans know what that means. Itʻs over for .

I think it is just simple head-to-head, which would be in favor.

OK, now we have more news... are OUT the draw for the OQTs will be Tomorrow, March 17th at 1 p.m. CET (Live for Free on FIVB Youtube Channel) the 24 teams will be divided into 8 pots with 3 teams each, according to the World Ranking. however, the top 3 seeds will be the organizers of the 3 tournaments (also ranked according to the WR). therefore, we will have a draw following this path: seeded teams: the 3 hosts, (pool A), (pool B), (pool C) then, we will have 7 pots with 3 teams each one (always according to the WR): 1 team from each pot will be drawn in each pool to build the 3 8-team tournaments (the top 2 of each tournament will qualify to Paris 2024). Pot #1: Pot #2: Pot #3: Pot #4: Pot #5: Pot #6: Pot #7:

The "oso y el madroño" and the "Museo Del Jamon", what a memories of this beautiful city.

By the way, the Opening Ceremony will take place tomorrow Friday 17th at 20:30 (Central European Time). It will last between 60 and 75 minutes and will have a traditional structure starting with the Parade of Nations, an artistic section as the main part of the ceremony and it will finish with the protocolary part, including the Oaths and the presentation of the Scoreboard for Saturday's Grand Final. The ceremony, in line with the rest of the edition, will showcase Spanish culture and history and it will also celebrate the Jubilee Edition of the Totallympics International Song Contest.

RIP Ángel Fournier

Ranking event, and some athletes will qualify directly to Olympic Qualifier Series

@Sindo WDSF European Championship - 6 to 7 May - Almería

JPN vs PUR/MEX winner CUB vs USA/VEN winner

Should be the 8 from Tokyo + Ireland and Japan.

Men´s Super-G World Cup 2022/23 Final Standing: Marco Odermatt 740 Aleksander Aamodt Kilde 512 Vincent Kriechmayr 335 Full Final Results HERE

World Cup Finals in Soldeu (AND) Men´s Super-G: 1. Marco Odermatt 1:23.91 2. Marco Schwarz 1:24.20 3. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde 1:24.62 Full Final Results HERE

Women´s Super-G World Cup 2022/23 Final Standing: Lara Gut-Behrami 413 Federica Brignone 368 Ragnhild Mowinckel 366 Full Final Results HERE

World Cup Finals in Soldeu (AND) Women´s Super-G: 1. Lara Gut-Behrami 1:26.70 2. Federica Brignone 1:26.92 3. Ragnhild Mowinckel 1:27.17 Full Final Results HERE

Yeah, you're right, just corrected my post. Obviously the 18 months instead of the standard 24 is to allow just that.

I think this was a big hit at that time, but probably is something for kids who grew up in the 90s (in spain, no one knows about fruittis in Portugal haha)

Those should be two electric games

Teams relegated to WBC 2026 Qualifiers: If qualifying groups stay the same then, based off of world ranking, the tournaments could look something like this. Group A (Europe/Africa) Group B (America/Asia) Teams that I would like to see get a chance:

Pool C Scores 10 - 3 3 - 2 Pool C Standings Mexico 3-1 (+13) Quarterfinals United States 3-1 (+10) Quarterfinals Canada 2-2 (-3) Qualified for WBC 2026 Great Britain 1-3 (-13) Qualified for WBC 2026 Colombia 1-3 (-7) Relegated to WBC 2026 Qualifier

So many good fan moments from this tournament.

If it came down to it, Japan could qualify two athletes at the World Surfing Games. It was clear that the third quota was made for so it was kind of funny that a different nation got it.

We already have a thread for this event @Sindo

GRANADA LYNXES Granada is a city located in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. The history of Granada dates back to the 8th century when it was founded by the Moors as a small fortress town. However, it was during the Nasrid dynasty (1238-1492) that the city experienced its greatest period of prosperity and growth. It was during this time that the Alhambra Palace, the city's most famous landmark, was constructed. The Alhambra Palace is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture, and it is considered one of the greatest architectural treasures in Spain. It was built in the 14th century as a royal palace and fortress for the Nasrid kings. The palace complex includes beautiful gardens, courtyards, and fountains, as well as several ornate rooms and halls decorated with intricate stucco, tilework, and wood carvings. In the 19th century, Granada experienced a revival thanks to the Romantic movement and the interest in Moorish art and culture. The city became a popular destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who were fascinated by its rich history and its architectural and artistic heritage. Today, Granada is a vibrant and lively city, renowned for its cultural richness and its exceptional architecture. In addition to the Alhambra Palace, the city is home to many other historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Generalife gardens, the Cathedral of Granada, and the Albayzin neighborhood, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Iberian lynx is a wild cat species that is native to the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of the world's most endangered feline species, with an estimated population of only around 1300 individuals left in the wild. The Iberian lynx is a medium-sized cat, weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms (22 to 33 pounds). It has distinctive tufted ears, short tails, and spotted fur that helps it blend in with its surroundings. The lynx is a solitary and territorial animal that prefers to hunt at night, feeding mainly on rabbits, but also on other small mammals, such as rodents and birds. In recent years, conservation efforts have been made to protect and conserve the Iberian lynx population. As a result, the population has slowly increased, and the species has been downgraded from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. TYPICAL FOOD: Granada, being located in the southern region of Andalusia, has a cuisine that is influenced by both Spanish and Moorish flavors and ingredients. Some typical dishes of Granada include: Tortilla del Sacromonte: A Spanish omelet made with eggs, potatoes, onions, and various meats, such as chorizo, blood sausage, and lamb brains. Gazpacho Andaluz: A cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and bread, and flavored with garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Plato Alpujarreño: A hearty dish made with potatoes, peppers, sausage, and fried eggs, often served with bread. Piononos: A sweet pastry filled with cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. Salmorejo: A cold tomato soup similar to gazpacho, but with a thicker consistency and garnished with hard-boiled egg and ham. In Granada it is a tradition that when ordering a drink (especially beer) in a bar, it is accompanied by a free tapa. MEMBERS OF THE TEAM: INDIA @Fly_like_a_don TUNISIA @amen09 FRANCE @Benolympique @Bohemia CHILE @ManuCHIL

now it's official. Frank Chamizo Marquez tested positive for cannabis at the last world championships. therefore he's been stripped of the bronze medal he won on the mat and received a 3-month ban (already completed). what an idiot!!!

To by bolo skvele Každe ČSR podium na OH je super vec, Vodný Slalom K1 v Tokiu bola tiež pekná paráda, tak nech sa niečo podobné zopakuje aj v tom Paríži

Jumping ranking qualification simulation is below. Looks like the indoor events do count for rankings, but not for MER. Fair enough. Group A - Group B - Group C - Group D/E - Group F - Group G - Overall -

ZARAGOZA LIONS Zaragoza is a city in northeastern Spain and the capital of the province of Zaragoza, in the autonomous community of Aragón. It is situated on the banks of the Ebro River and is the fifth-largest city in Spain, with a population of approximately 700,000 people in the metropolitan area. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire when it was known as Caesar Augusta. During the Islamic period, it was an important cultural and commercial center, known as Saraqusta. In 1118, the city was conquered by the Christian King Alfonso I of Aragon and became an important political center in the Middle Ages. One of the most significant events in the city's history was the Siege of Zaragoza during the Napoleonic Wars in 1808-1809. The city's defenders, led by General José de Palafox, held out against the French forces for over two months, inspiring a spirit of resistance across Spain and earning Zaragoza the title of "heroic city." Today, Zaragoza is a vibrant and modern city, with a mix of historic and contemporary architecture. Some of the city's most notable landmarks include: Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar: Famous pilgrimage site that dates back to the 1st century. Aljafería Palace: Fortified Moorish palace that now houses the Aragonese Parliament. Puente de Piedra: Bridge across the Ebro River that has been a symbol of the city since the 15th century. Zaragoza is also known for its festivals, including the Fiestas del Pilar, a week-long celebration of the city's patron saint in October. TYPICAL FOOD: Zaragoza, like many other regions of Spain, has its own distinctive cuisine with a range of traditional dishes that reflect its history and cultural influences. Some of the most typical foods of Zaragoza include: Ternasco de Aragón: This is a lamb dish that is a local specialty, made from young, milk-fed lamb that is roasted with garlic and herbs until it is tender and flavorful. Chireta: A dish made with lamb's intestines, rice, onion, and parsley, seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Borrajas: A vegetable dish made from a type of green bean that is only found in the region, cooked with garlic, onions, and ham. Crespillos: These are small fritters made with chickpea flour, water, and sometimes spinach or other vegetables. Trenza de Almudevar: A sweet pastry filled with almond cream and dusted with powdered sugar. Melocotón de Calanda: A type of peach grown in the nearby town of Calanda, known for its sweetness and juiciness. These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods that can be found in Zaragoza and the surrounding region. MEMBERS OF THE TEAM: INDONESIA @Griff88 FINLAND @Finnator123 MALTA @Glen ROMANIA @IoNuTzZ

The Dominicans are out! However it looks like Edwin Diaz hurt himself in the celebration

No 4: Tiril Eckhoff

@MHSN finally, Turkish media were right.

Damn 42 years old Clarey was really close to win his first ever WC race in his very last WC race, would be something absolutely lovely. but a mistake in the last part denied this epic happyend

And the third one is Chevalier-Bouchet