May 26, 2021 – The Climate and Sport Initiative has launched a call for applications for communities to host Save Pond Hockey events featuring top athletes, funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Climate change is threatening the future of Canada’s favourite sports. The Climate and Sport Initiative shines a spotlight on the direct effect of climate change on the sports we love—and on our nation—and empowers us all to get in the game of preserving both.
In late 2021 and early 2022, two Canadian communities will host the first two Save Pond Hockey Events, featuring five-time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser and other top athletes. Attendees will watch star athletes in their element, celebrate local and global climate leadership, and enjoy the magic of outdoor hockey.
Activities will be tailored to the selected communities. It could include: an athlete and community free skate, a hockey skills lab, a climate and sport expo, inspirational Spark Talks featuring athletes and sustainability experts, a contest focused on municipal sustainability priorities, youth engagement, and more!
The events will reach beyond city limits through livestreams and virtual interactivity, giving all of Canada a chance to join in on the fun.
If local restrictions at the time of the event don’t allow for an in-person game, the Initiative will work with the communities to organize impactful virtual events, featuring athlete meet-and-greets for example.
Application Instructions
Does your community have sustainability stories that all of Canada should know about? Express your interest in a Save Pond Hockey Festival to bring your community together and inspire more action.
Interested destination marketing organizations are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form here.
Deadline for submission: June 15
Watch this Space!
We look forward to announcing more ways the public can get involved, including contests, events, and more. Be the first to know by joining the Climate and Sport Initiative community:
Quotes
“Pond hockey and playing on the outdoor rink has given me everything that I have in my life, and I want my kids and grandkids to have the same opportunity. I’m proud to be part of the Climate and Sport Initiative, where we can use sports to engage, inspire and educate Canadians and people around the world to save our climate.” – Hayley Wickenheiser, former professional hockey player and five-time Olympian
“Sports provides a common language for talking about how our everyday choices affect the way we live, work and play. Save Pond Hockey events will give us the tools to tackle the greatest challenge of our time–and have fun doing it.” – Mike Gerbis, CEO of GLOBE Series and The Delphi Group, and Chair of Leading Change Canada
“Clean Foundation is excited to be the Atlantic Canada partner for the Save Pond Hockey events. Pond hockey is a great way to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change with Canadians and to educate people from all walks of life on how to take steps to address it.” – Scott Skinner, CEO and President, Clean Foundation
About the Climate and Sport Initiative
The Climate and Sport Initiative uses sport as a platform to educate, engage and empower Canadians to protect our planet for future generations. The multi-year initiative will include a series of live and virtual public events and experiences, training and support to help athletes become climate ambassadors, and youth mentorship and engagement. It is led by GLOBE Series, The Delphi Group, and Leading Change Canada, funded in part by the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Clean Foundation, and championed by Hayley Wickenheiser.
Contact
Felicity Feinman
Marketing Manager
Felicity.feinman@globeseries.com
1.613.263.5451
