International Arctic Forum sports programme to include ceremony dedicated to 90th Celebration of the North

A ceremonial event dedicated to the 90th Celebration of the North and the 65th Student Celebration of the North will take place at the Central Trade Union Stadium in Murmansk on 26 March 2025. The event will be part of the sports programme of the 6th ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum, which will take place on 26–27 March under the motto ‘To Live in the North’. The Forum is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian government.

“The Polar Olympics are the heart and soul of the North and a symbol of resilience, unity, and unwavering strength of spirit. They continued even in the most difficult times, during the Great Patriotic War, when athletes went to the front straight from the starting line, inscribing not only records, but also feats in the history of the region. In honour of the anniversary, we have prepared a major celebration – a tribute to the memory of the heroes of the past, support for those who glorify the North today, and a bright symbol of future victories. It’s not just a sporting event, it is our history, our pride, and our inspiration. The Polar Olympics will brightly light up the anniversary flame!” Murmansk Region Governor Andrey Chibis said announcing the event.

The Forum programme will include three conceptual episodes symbolizing the past, present, and future of the Celebration of the North. Its goal is to showcase the rich sporting traditions of the region. Residents and guests will see clips from past ceremonies, greet sports veterans and 2025 participants, and also take a look into tomorrow using artificial intelligence.

An ethnic fusion show and folk music will take viewers back to the times when residents greeted the arrival of spring with a major celebration, which later went on to form the basis of the modern Polar Olympics, and introduce guests to Russia’s multinational history and the traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the North. In an episode dedicated to the present, guests will see the heroes of our times, participants of the 90th Celebration of the North, as well as a parade of sports. During the third part of the programme, viewers will get a glimpse of the athletic equipment of the future, as generated by a neural network. The show will be accompanied by a futuristic neon show.

Per tradition, the festival will culminate with the lighting of the Polar Olympics flame. Guests can also learn about phygital sports, watch an extreme performance by freestyle motocross riders, and attend a brilliant flag show. The programme kicks off at 20:00 and the stadium doors open at 19:00.

The Polar Olympics closing ceremony will take place on 12 April. As in previous years, it will traditionally be attended by all the competition participants.

Media accreditation is open for the gala event on 26 March. Applications will be accepted until 24 March inclusive. The accreditation form is available here. Please note that media representatives accredited to work at the 6th ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum do not need to register for the event.

The 6th ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ International Arctic Forum will provide a key platform to discuss topical issues concerning the socioeconomic development of the Arctic territories and the creation of multi-faceted, multilateral mechanisms that can both unleash and effectively develop the Arctic region’s powerful resource potential.

For more about the event, please visit the website forumarctica.ru.