FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
PRESS RELEASE (2016-01-27):
CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS TRAVEL
TO NORTH KOREA FOR FRIENDSHIP HOCKEY EXHIBITION
PYONGYANG, North Korea - Opportunity for hockey enthusiasts and adventurous travellers to
participate in a peace and friendship building event to take place in Pyongyang from March 7-11, 2016.
The Pyongyang International Friendship Ice Hockey Exhibition (PIFIHE) will consist of a series of friendly
hockey games and training sessions. This event is organized by Paektu Cultural Exchange (PCE) in
collaboration with the DPRK Ministry of Sport, DPRK Men’s national hockey team, Howe International
Consulting Group as well as other related government organizations.
International hockey teams will consist of players from expat teams in the region as well as adventurous
individuals who sign-up for the event. The final game will be a friendly exhibition match between the
DPRK’s Men’s National Team and a team comprised of international players.
PIFIHE is a grassroots participant and player funded initiative, which uses hockey as medium to promote
people-to-people exchanges on and off the ice.
“This event aims to challenge existing stereotypes, allow people to gain knowledge and understanding,
share in a unique experience, and hopefully foster friendships through their own face-to-face
interactions either through participation or witnessing this exciting event,” said Michael Spavor, Paektu
Cultural Exchange ’s founder.
“The seed was planted for this hockey exchange in 2005 when I saw my first DPRK hockey game while
living in Pyongyang. A Canadian friend and I thought that this would be a great way to build stronger
relationships between Canada and the DPRK” said Spavor.
“This project not only involves sport and cultural exchange but supports projects for intellectually
disabled athletes through educational workshops and seminars.” said Scott Howe, CEO of Howe
International Consulting Group.
TOUR PROGRAMS
Spectators are welcome to attend the event, with proceeds from tour package sales being used to
support projects for intellectually disabled athletes in the DPRK.
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Paektu Cultural Exchange (PCE)
[email protected] | www.PaektuCulturalExchange.org
Canada | China | Democratic People's Republic of Korea | United Kingdom
"This event is ideal for travelers and hockey fans who are fascinated by North Korea, but are looking for
a more unique experience than the ordinary tours offer," said Howe.
Comprehensive 4 to 7 day tour packages are priced to include return transportation, deluxe
accommodation, all meals and tickets the PIFIHE events in Pyongyang starting at 2,100 Euro per person.
Discounts are offered for groups of 5 or more participants.
PARTICIPATION
Qualified sports trainers, hockey players and coaches interested in participating in the PIFIHE are
encouraged to submit applications. All interested parties are encouraged to contact organizers as soon
as possible. While consideration will be given to all prospective participants, those possessing expertise
and experience will be given priority.
All guests attending this event will have the opportunity to see the sites of Pyongyang and attend
practices, the final game and other friendship building events.
Spavor organized several delegations for the NBA hall of famer Dennis Rodman, culminating in an
internationally renowned basketball game in January 2014. He also brought spectators to the 2014
Inoki North Korea Wrestling Extravaganza.
ORGANIZERS
Paektu Cultural Exchange is a non-profit organization facilitating sustainable cooperation, cross-cultural
exchanges involving sport, tourism, business and trade with the DPRK.
Howe International Consulting Group is a Canadian based firm providing project management,
communications and research services specialising in economic and social development.
DPRK HOCKEY TEAM
The DPRK’s premier hockey league was established in 1956 and has been a member of the International
Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) since 1963. Since then, both men’s and women’s teams have competed in
international events including the World Championships and the Asian Winter Games.
After winning 1st place in the IIHF Division 3 World Championships, the DPRK Men’s team have ascended
to Div. 2B and are now training for the IIHF World Championship tournament to be held in Mexico City
in mid-April this year. The DPRK men’s team is currently ranked 42nd place internationally and the
women’s team is ranked 27th.
The DPRK boasts a total of 1,575 hockey players, 640 male, 515 female and 420 junior players. The
country has a total of 3 regulation indoor rinks and 12 outdoor rinks.
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Paektu Cultural Exchange (PCE)
[email protected] | www.PaektuCulturalExchange.org
Canada | China | Democratic People's Republic of Korea | United Kingdom
PARTICIPATE
For details of how to participate as a player, coach, trainer or a spectator at the event being held in
Pyongyang, DPRK (North Korea) (travel dates: from Sunday, March 6 to Saturday, March 12, 2016) visit
the Paektu Cultural Exchange website at: www.paektuculturalexchange.com or email
[email protected].
SPONSORSHIP & DONATIONS
If you are interested in sponsoring, donating or contributing to the Pyongyang International Friendship
Ice Hockey Exhibition (PIFIHE) please contact:
Scott Howe
[email protected]
ON SAFETY AND SECURITY
We are aware of reports that Pastor Lim and Mr. Warmbier have been detained and, as with all of our
projects, will make sure our guests are properly briefed before entering the country. Despite these
recent issues in the media the DPRK remains to a safe place to travel.
"While Pastor Lim's and Mr. Warmbier's situations are regrettable, it would be inappropriate for me to
get involved or comment on these serious consular issues which need to be dealt with officially between
governments. Travel to the DPRK does involve certain sensitivities and we provide a thorough safety
briefing addressing local rules before entering the country," said Spavor.
MEDIA
If you are a member of a news or media organization and you would like to request an interview or
would like more information, please contact:
Michael Spavor
[email protected]
Event Name: Pyongyang International Friendship Ice Hockey Exhibition
Event Name in DPR Korean: 평양국제빙상호케이모범제험
Alternative headlines suggestions:
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Move over Canada! Here comes Hockey Night in North Korea!
Opportunity to play hockey against the DPRK National men’s team and support the development
of hockey and disabled sport
North Korean International Friendship Ice Hockey Exhibition open to international players,
hockey fans and tourists
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Paektu Cultural Exchange (PCE)
[email protected] | www.PaektuCulturalExchange.org
Canada | China | Democratic People's Republic of Korea | United Kingdom
More information and content will be release shortly through our website and social media feeds:
Weblinks:
PIFIHE Event Webpage: www.paektuculturalexchange.org/pyongyang-ice-hockey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1675818792678560/
Twitter: mpspavor www.twitter.com/mpspavor
Instagram: paektuexchanges https://instagram.com/paektuexchanges
Google+ https://plus.google.com/+PaektuculturalexchangeOrgAgency
Paektu Cultural Exchange Website: www.paektuculturalexchange.com
Howe International Consulting Group: www.howeinternational.consulting
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Paektu Cultural Exchange (PCE)
[email protected] | www.PaektuCulturalExchange.org
Canada | China | Democratic People's Republic of Korea | United Kingdom