Digest

Running

Superman will storm Shenyang

IS Media and PCG Bros on Thursday announced The Superman Run will make its China debut on Sept 15 at Shenyang Olympic Center in Liaoning province.

Developed in partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products on behalf of DC Entertainment, China's first 3.5km Superman Run is expected to attract thousands of participants dressed in constumes emulating the Man of Steel.

After signing up at www.supermanrun.cn and paying an application fee of 188 yuan, participants will receive a stylish Superman backpack containing a T-shirt, bib, sport bottle, cape, medal and route manual.

Soccer

Barca finalizes deal for Gomes

Barcelona on Thursday agreed to a deal to sign Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes from Valencia.

"The player will sign a contract and be presented as a new FC Barcelona player next week," the Spanish club said in a statement.

The club gave no financial details, but Spanish media reported that Gomes will cost around $55 million.

The 23-year-old, part of Portugal's 2016 European Championship-winning side, agreed to a five-year deal with Barcelona, according to the reports.

Basketball

Charlotte won't host All-Star Game

The NBA is moving the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte because of its objections to a North Carolina law that limits anti-discrimination protection for lesbian, gay and transgender people.

The league said it will to announce a new location for next February's showcase within the next few weeks, and hopes to reschedule the 2019 event for Charlotte. The NBA's decision comes shortly after state legislators revisited the law and chose to leave it largely unchanged.

Ice Hockey

Matthews inks deal with Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed No 1 overall draft pick Auston Matthews to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Matthews had 24 goals and 22 assists in 36 games last season for the Zurich Lions and had nine points for Team USA at the world championship.

The 18-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona, immediately became the face of the Toronto franchise when the Leafs selected him first in last month's draft. General manager Lou Lamoriello typically refuses to give bonuses to rookies, but agent Pat Brisson confirmed that Matthews' deal includes the maximum entry-level salary of $925,000 per year as well as bonuses.

NFL

Rice ready to return for free

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice is ready to play for free. Rice, out of football since his well-publicized domestic abuse incident at the end of the 2013 season, told USA Today he plans to donate his entire salary should a team sign him.

The likelihood of Rice returning to the NFL is not great, especially at a position at which timing and training are generally honed on the field. The minimum salary for a seven-year veteran is $890,000.

China Daily - Agencies

(China Daily 07/23/2016 page11)