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Football freestyle maestro Marcel Gurk to hype up football fever at Lily Beach Resort with exclusive football camp in October

The Women’s World Cup has just ended but that doesn’t mean Football Mania is over. Lily Beach Resort & Spa has announced the continuing partnership with the renowned Freestyle Football sensation, Marcel Gurk.
This exceptional collaboration is in line with one of the resort’s fundamental principles of providing guests with delightful experiences to add more value to their stay. And this brings Marcel and his team’s extraordinary skills to the enchanting island paradise for an exclusive football camp scheduled for this upcoming October holiday season.
Marcel is a multiple Guinness World Record holder for Freestyle Football and is renowned for his mesmerising skills. He has taken the Football Freestyle world by storm with his unique blend of creativity, precision, and innovation. Most recently Marcel and his brother Pascal has been informing and entertaining viewers about all things football on their show “The Reaction Show” on Magenta TV’s Sport programming online and of course on their large social media following especially on TikTok.
Lily Beach, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives, is the perfect place for this one-of-a-kind event that will captivate both football enthusiasts and vacationers alike from 22nd to 31st October 2023.
Guests will not only enjoy daily training sessions led by Marcel; they will also have the chance to engage in personal interactions and live performances (with a special Halloween themed performance on the 31st) that unveil the secrets behind his gravity-defying tricks. Participants will be awarded medals, certificates, and giveaways.
During his stay, from 22nd to 26th October Marcel will conduct a complimentary Football Freestyle session every day for an hour, and from the 28th and 29th of October Pascal will provide a complimentary Football Skills Training session every day for an hour. Throughout their stay, guests can book exclusive paid private lessons with Marcel Gurk (based on schedule and availability).
The football camp promises an immersive experience, offering participants a chance to enhance their technical abilities, develop their freestyle techniques, and gain insights into Marcel’s unparalleled journey in the world of Freestyle Football. A perfect opportunity for young children interested in the sport to gain some professional insight into the game and for parents to join in the fun with their loved ones.
For a complete schedule of the event, please visit here.
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Ifuru Island Maldives takes part in Burunu Boma sport fishing tournament

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.
As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.
“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”
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Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day

Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, invites ocean lovers and adventure seekers to a purposeful World Oceans Day celebration in partnership with Freedive Maldives, Guinness World Record Holder for the Most People Performing Static Apnea held last October 2022.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the largest natural lagoons and house reefs in the Maldives, the event promises a deep connection to the ocean through expert-led PADI Freediving courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their freediving certification, explore Sirru’s 9-kilometer-long house reef, and admire vibrant marine biodiversity, including manta ray cleaning stations, nurse shark points, flourishing coral gardens, and turtle habitats, home to 93 resident turtles and 11 successful hatchings this year alone.
“Our house reef, one of the longest and most vibrant in the Maldives, is a sanctuary for marine life and a symbol of our deep commitment to ocean conservation,” said Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “We are honoured to collaborate with Freedive Maldives in celebrating World Oceans Day, not only to offer our guests an unforgettable underwater journey, but also to empower local talents and inspire our community to protect what lies beneath the surface.”
The initiative aligns with the resort’s ongoing sustainability commitments, including regular lagoon cleaning programs and support for local marine conservation efforts. This collaboration further emphasizes a shared mission to preserve the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.
In a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, Freedive Maldives has also signed a partnership agreement with the Baa Atoll Council to host another record-breaking freediving event in October 2025, coinciding with World Tourism Day, reinforcing Baa Atoll’s position as a leader in eco-conscious marine tourism.
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Napoli back on top of Serie A as De Laurentiis celebrates in Maldives

Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner and chairman of SSC Napoli and one of Italy’s leading film producers, is celebrating his club’s return to the top of Serie A while holidaying in the Maldives.
Napoli secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Torino in the 34th round of the league, taking full advantage of Inter Milan’s 1–0 loss to Roma. With the win, Napoli now lead the table with 74 points, three points clear of Inter, with four matches remaining in the season.
Many had expected De Laurentiis to be present at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for such a pivotal match. However, according to Italian media reports, he remained in the Maldives. After the match, the Napoli president posted a message from afar, encouraging his team to stay composed during the decisive final stretch of the season: “Cool heads. Calm and steady. Forza Napoli Sempre!”
The radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli suggested that De Laurentiis’ decision to stay in the Maldives, distant from Italy, reflects his strategy of giving space to the team and coaching staff while firmly maintaining control over the club’s direction.
Following Napoli’s historic league triumph in 2023, their first in over three decades, the club endured a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and management instability. Many attributed last season’s struggles to the lack of continuity.
Determined to rebuild, De Laurentiis appointed Antonio Conte, a proven winner, as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, a move that is already delivering results.
As the race for the Scudetto intensifies, Napoli’s dream of winning a second title in three years remains very much alive, with De Laurentiis steering the course even from thousands of miles away.
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