By Arina Smith
The Arctic region has one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world. The destructive influence of global warming affects the Arctic more than the rest of the planet, as the speed of warming is twice faster.
In order to draw the attention of the public to this problem, the UN Environment together with the Republic of Sports Foundation and Grid Arendal decided to organize a big event with some celebrities taking part in it.
The hockey players will comprise of the popular celebrities and big figures such as the Hollywood legend – Leonardo di Caprio, the hockey legend – Vyacheslav Fetisov and current prince of Monacco – Albert II. The rest of the teams will be filled with famous male and female players from various sports disciplines and countries.
The game is planned for April 24th, 2019 and the location will be prepared nearby the Barneo’s high-latitude station, which is approximately 80 km from the geographical point of the North Pole. This information was provided during “The Arctic Days in Moscow” forum by the Head of UN Environment Russia Office Vladimir Moshkalo.
The great diversity means that a larger symbolic success will be achieved with this ice hockey game. Hence, the diversity of players, including those who could hardly skate 6 months before the game is the main criteria to boost the interest of people.
Being the winner of two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and 1998 and having probably a chest full of Olympic medals, the Russian ice hockey player – Viacheslav Fetisov will definitely be one of the captains.
The organizers have also involved Pope Francis from the Vatican, who has blessed the event and is the honored captain of the second hockey team. Considering that the stakes are high, the actions must be brave, extraordinary and ambitious.
Event’s Mission:
This Arctic game is just the first big step before the Climate Summit of the UN Secretary-General which will be held in September 2019.
The major problem is that the Arctic climate change influences the life of the people and animals living in that region. For instance, polar bears are starving more often and their image has become the symbol of climate change. It also affects the rest of the planet in form of global sea level increase, floods, and droughts in Asia and Africa.
And finally, the hockey game itself will have no winner by the end of the day, except the Arctic itself. The event is meant to be a bond drawing public awareness and influential people to the problem. Therefore, it will be broadcasted globally and starting from today, a lot of journalists representing media channels are lining up to witness the last game happen.
At the same time, for the sake of the nature, the game will have no spectators. There will be a very limited number of people attending the event.
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