#United States #Washington #Ocean Conservancy #Seattle Seahawks #Cleveland Monsters

Ocean Sports Teams Take a Stand for Ocean Conservation

In a powerful move to galvanize fans and protect the environment, the Ocean Conservancy has launched the Protect Where We Play initiative, gaining participation from notable sports organizations, including the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. This initiative is not just a campaign; it’s a rallying call aimed at mobilizing millions of enthusiasts globally to take action against the growing threats to our oceans.

The Power of Sports in Conservation

As Jenna DiPaolo, Ocean Conservancy’s chief brand and communications officer, noted, sports possess a unique ability to unite communities and foster connections. This initiative leverages that power, reminding fans that the thrill of sports is deeply intertwined with the health of our planet. By involving teams that resonate with their local communities, the campaign seeks to amplify the message that protecting our oceans is vital.

Across all teams involved, there is a shared recognition of the integral role the ocean plays in their respective environments and sports. The Seattle Seahawks highlighted their unique connection to water, given that their stadium and training facility sit along the shores, emphasizing their commitment to protecting the ecosystems that support their sports.

The Cleveland Monsters reflect a similar sentiment, recognizing Lake Erie as not just a body of water, but as a lifeline for their community. Without clean and fresh water, hockey cannot thrive, showcasing an essential link between local environments and sportsmanship.

Collective Efforts for Global Impact

With established partnerships, this initiative also features other notable figures like WNBA player Napheesa Collier and Paralympic athlete Ezra Frech, who are part of a broader team of “Ocean Captains”. These leaders serve as ambassadors for the initiative, encouraging fans to prioritize ocean health over recreational pursuits.

Nicholas Mallos, Vice President of Ocean Conservancy, reiterated the campaign's focus on addressing visible threats like plastic pollution, alongside less-visible but equally critical concerns such as extreme weather phenomena affecting our climate. The campaign emphasizes that without active measures to safeguard ocean health, the very sports we cherish could be at stake.

Concrete Actions and Initiatives

Since its inception earlier this year, Protect Where We Play has undertaken significant initiatives, including:

• - EcoAthlete Collegiate Cup: Serving as the title sponsor from March 10 to April 22.
• - Green Sports Alliance Summit: Acting as the official ocean health sponsor from June 10 to 12 in Miami, fostering discussions on integrating environmental responsibility into sports venues.
• - Protect Where We Play Tour: Launched in collaboration with GOAL, this tour aims to minimize plastic waste in venues, with ambitious goals of preventing a million single-use cups from entering landfills.

This tour features concerts and sports events across various locations, such as Coldplay in Las Vegas and Billie Eilish at UBS Arena in New York. Each event serves as a platform to raise awareness about ocean preservation and inspire fans to reflect on their own impact on the environment.

Looking Ahead

As Ocean Conservancy approaches its 40th International Coastal Cleanup event, the stakes have never been higher. With a history of rallying millions to remove substantial amounts of trash from our coasts, this year’s efforts will be infused with the energy and commitment of sports teams standing together for a cause that extends beyond the realm of sports.

The Protect Where We Play initiative signifies a promising future where sports organizations become essential allies in the fight for environmental conservation, proving that together, they can inspire change and safeguard our oceans.

For additional insights and updates on the initiative, interested individuals can visit Protect Where We Play’s official website. The collaborative efforts continue to showcase the profound connectivity between our oceans and the passions we hold dear.