PROTECT WHERE WE PLAY: Unleashing the Power of Athlete Activism

Climate change is threatening the game. It’s impacting the grass on our fields, the air we breathe, the waters we swim in, and the mountains we love to climb. But there’s one game-changing solution: a healthy ocean. Incredibly, the ocean produces half of the world's oxygen and absorbs 90% of the excess heat from climate change. It is home to millions of unique species and is directly responsible for people's prosperity and quality of life worldwide. Regardless of where you live, whether on the coast or in the mountains, the ocean is connected to all of us. No ocean, no life. The ocean–and everything it provides–is also a source of joy and inspiration. Protecting the ocean is about preserving all the spaces and places where people come together, where memories are made, and where strangers become family. Protecting the ocean ensures that future generations experience the same joy, unity, and connection that sports and entertainment have brought to us all. That joy and connection can inspire new waves of activism for a healthy ocean and a thriving planet. MIT’s Historical Popularity Index – which tracks the cultural impact of famous figures – shows that athletes and entertainers have far more visibility and influence than politicians and scientists, with athletes leading the way. In this panel, you’ll hear from leading professional athletes and Olympians that are leading the way on #TeamOcean. United by a shared commitment and fueled by their passion and experience, these athlete activists make protecting our planet as thrilling as a fourth-quarter comeback and as unifying as a championship win. Speakers include: Amani Toomer, Super Bowl-winning NFL Veteran of the NY Giants Lee Whitwell, #1 Ranked Sr. Professional Female Pickleball Player Jasmyne Spencer, American National Women’s Soccer League Veteran Mike Geddes, Sport & Purpose Advisor, 17 Sport Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Brand and Communications Officer