Games a catalyst for change, says Russian ice hockey player

Abu Dhabi - The two-time Olympic champion felt World Games is a good example of how people get together for a good cause.

The UAE and the world has to take immediate steps to save the planet before it's too late, a top UN official said during the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi.
On an unusual day in March when it rained and cold winds blew across the UAE, legendary ice hockey player and UN Environment Patron for Polar Regions Slava Fetisov said climate change is the biggest challenge for every nation.
"The temperature of the ocean is rising by 1 degree every year. It is a catastrophic number. Scientists have said that in 20-25 years there will be no ice in the Arctic Circle. If there is no ice there then there is going to be melting ice everywhere. It will lead to rise in level of sea to impeccable level. If you say 80 per cent of the population lives by shore in different parts of the world, people are going to lose their homes, jobs and everything. It is important to bring big awareness in the society," he said after playing a game with the UAE ice hockey team in Zayed Sports City.
Fetisov said sports events like the World Games act as a catalyst for change.
"Vast majority of the people don't really know what's going on. Any country, especially the UAE, a young nation, has to think about the world for their children and grandchildren. You want the kids to know what's going on and you do it through sports. We use the power of the sports to spread the message, especially for the young generation."
The two-time Olympic champion felt World Games is a good example of how people get together for a good cause.
"I am a supporter of unified sport for 17 years now. Sport is a valuable messenger to fight any problems. There was a touching opening ceremony last night when 200 nations united."
Now, in a bid to raise awareness about climate change, the UN Environment is set to host Last Game April 2020 - The last ice hockey game on the North Pole.
"It could be one and only game and that's why the name. It will bring the attention to the save the planet. We hope to unite politicians, sportspersons, celebrities and big names to send the message to the rest of the world. The officials here in the UAE are aware of this. We have talked to them. We will hold more meetings with them. We need support of all governments to make a change. We need to redevelop financial priorities. We have to unite people for a common cause like here at the Special Olympics. This event helps develop future of athletes and give them hope. This is what we are talking about."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi