As World Cup Action Begins, Ocean Conservancy and Professional Athletes Rally Miami Community to Protect Where We Play

MIAMI, Fla. – As soccer fans around the world turn their attention to the opening matches of this summer’s international football tournament, Olympian and ocean conservation advocate Merle Liivand will join Ocean Conservancy for a cleanup on June 17 at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. The event is free and open to the public with registration, and volunteers are needed to help remove debris from the shoreline before it reaches the ocean.

Held in collaboration with GOAL and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee, the cleanup will highlight the connection between a healthy ocean, thriving communities and the places where people live, play and compete. The event is part of Ocean Conservancy’s Protect Where We Play initiative, which leverages the reach of athletes, artists and major events to mobilize millions of fans in support of ocean conservation. 

“Whether you’re cheering from the stands, playing on the field or spending a day at the beach, a healthy ocean helps make those experiences possible,” said Jon Paul “J.P.” Brooker, Ocean Conservancy’s Director of Florida conservation. “As the world celebrates the power of sport to unite people, we’re inviting the Miami community to come together and protect the ocean that supports our climate, our communities and all the places where we come together in joy.”

“We’re proud to bring together sports and entertainment leaders at our annual event to support Protect Where We Play and help improve the communities and natural spaces we value across South Florida,” added Kristen Fulmer, Executive Director of GOAL and Global Head of Sustainability at Oak View Group, a leading venue operator. GOAL’s Sustainability Leaders Forum is taking place in Miami June 15 and 16. “After two days working to advance environmental solutions and strengthen collaboration, it will be especially meaningful to step outside and take direct action alongside people who care deeply about this work.”

In addition to removing debris before it reaches the ocean, volunteers will collect data through Ocean Conservancy’s CleanSwell app, helping build the world’s largest marine debris database and advance solutions to the plastics crisis.

“We’re excited to welcome the world to Miami and showcase not only our passion for soccer, but also our dedication to this city we call home,” said Jennifer Roche, Director of Community and Legacy, FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. “Supporting events like this cleanup reflects our commitment to community engagement and leaving a positive legacy that extends beyond the final whistle.”

Media are invited to attend. Interview opportunities will be available with Olympian and ocean conservation advocate Merle Liivand, representatives from Ocean Conservancy, GOAL and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee, as well as participating athletes and sustainability leaders.

Event Details and Media Availability

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ABOUT PROTECT WHERE WE PLAY

Protect Where We Play (PWWP) is an Ocean Conservancy initiative uniting sports and entertainment industries to protect the ocean by leveraging athletes, artists, teams, events and venues to mobilize millions of fans worldwide. Together, we combat climate change and preserve the future of sports, entertainment and all the places we play and find joy. www.protectwhereweplay.com #protectwhereweplay

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.