All - Leep Calendar

The Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities. The term "Paralympics" is a combination of the words "paraplegic" (originally) and "Olympics," highlighting the close relationship between the two events. The Paralympics are held every four years, just like the Olympics, with separate events for the Summer and Winter Games. They usually take place shortly after the respective Olympic Games, often using the same venues and facilities. The Paralympic Games aim to promote the spirit of sportsmanship, competition, and inclusiveness, showcasing the incredible skills and determination of athletes with disabilities. The Paralympics have grown significantly since their inception and now feature thousands of athletes from over 100 countries competing in various sports. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960, but the origins of the event can be traced back to the Stoke Mandeville Games, which were organized by Dr. Ludwig Guttmann in 1948 for British World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. Over the years, the event expanded to include athletes with various disabilities, such as visual impairments, amputations, and intellectual disabilities. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the governing body responsible for organizing the Paralympic Games and promoting the Paralympic Movement worldwide. The IPC classifies athletes according to their disability to ensure fair competition, and the classification system is continuously updated and refined. The Paralympic Games feature a wide range of sports, some of which are unique to the event, such as goalball, boccia, and wheelchair rugby. Other sports are adapted versions of those in the Olympics, like wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and para-swimming. The number of sports and events included in the Paralympics has grown over time, reflecting the increasing diversity of the athlete population and the ongoing efforts to make the games more inclusive.

Africa

Aug

Cinemalaya (PH): August - September

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The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is an annual film festival in the Philippines that showcases and celebrates independent films made by Filipino filmmakers. Established in 2005 by the Cinemalaya Foundation, the festival's goal is to provide a platform for developing and promoting Filipino independent cinema and to support the creation of new and innovative films by providing financial grants, mentorship, and industry exposure. The festival has become a significant event in the Philippine film industry, as it nurtures and promotes the works of both new and established Filipino filmmakers. It primarily focuses on films that tackle social issues, cultural themes, and stories that reflect the Filipino experience, providing an alternative to mainstream commercial cinema. The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival has several competition categories, including the Full-Length Feature and the Short Film categories. Filmmakers from around the country submit their films for consideration, and a selection committee chooses the finalists for screening. Award categories include Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor/Actress. In addition to the competition, the festival includes workshops, forums, and other events that foster a sense of community among independent filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. Since its inception, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival has successfully showcased hundreds of films and contributed to the growth and recognition of the Philippine independent film industry locally and internationally.

Africa

Aug

Miami Spice (US-FL): August 1- September 30

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Initiated in 2001, Miami Spice is a two-month-long annual restaurant festival in Miami, Florida. Over 200 participating restaurants offer special three-course menus at reduced prices, usually for lunch/brunch and dinner, that showcase the best of Miami's diverse food scene, including Latin American, Caribbean, European, and American cuisines. Miami Spice encourages locals and visitors to explore Miami's culinary experiences at a more affordable price. It is a unique opportunity to try high-end restaurants or new dining spots that people might not usually consider. The official Miami Spice website includes the restaurants participating and the special menus for the event. These vary from year-to-year. Reservations are recommended, particularly at popular restaurants that tend to get booked quickly.

Africa

Aug

America's Cup (ES): August 22 - October 27

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The America's Cup is one of the most prestigious and oldest trophies in international sailing, dating back to 1851. Its history, competition, and the evolution of the boats used in the race are rich and colorful. History The America's Cup started as a race around the Isle of Wight in England. The schooner "America" won the race, which represented the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), and the trophy was subsequently named after the winning yacht, not the country. The NYYC held the trophy for a stunning 132 years, from 1851 until 1983, in the longest winning streak in sports history. Over the years, the competition has become an intense match between nations, attracting top sailors and designers and fostering innovations in yacht design and sailing technology. Types of Boats The types of boats used in the America's Cup have changed significantly over the years, reflecting technological advancements and rules shifts. Here's an overview: Early Years (1851-1956): Initially, there were few restrictions, and various types of yachts competed, such as schooners and cutters. The main requirement was that they be seaworthy enough to cross the Atlantic. 12-Metre Class (1958-1987): From 1958 to 1987, the races involved 12-meter class yachts. These boats had a specific formula governing their design, leading to closer competition. International America's Cup Class (IACC) (1992-2007): IACC yachts were introduced in 1992. They were larger and faster, reflecting advancements in materials and design. Multihulls (2010-2017): In 2010, the competition shifted to multihull vessels, including trimarans and catamarans. These boats featured rigid wing sails and hydrofoil technology, enabling them to "fly" above the water at incredible speeds. AC75 Class: The 36th America's Cup (2021) introduced the AC75 class, a 75-foot foiling monohull. These boats combine elements of both monohulls and multihulls and are capable of breathtaking speed and agility. Conclusion The America's Cup is more than just a yacht race; it symbolizes maritime tradition, national pride, and technological innovation. The competition has spurred advancements in naval architecture and engineering, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sailing. The changing designs of the boats, from classic schooners to modern foiling marvels, mirror the evolution of the sport itself. The Cup continues to represent the pinnacle of sailing competition and excellence, drawing attention from around the world.

Africa

Aug

World's Fair of Money (US-PA): August 25-29

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The history of the World's Fair of Money dates back to the mid-20th century when the American Numismatic Association (ANA), founded in 1891, began holding annual conventions. Over time, these conventions evolved into what's now known as the World's Fair of Money. This event usually occurs in a different city each year, usually in the United States, attracting thousands of collectors, dealers, and the general public worldwide. The World's Fair of Money aims to provide a platform for coin enthusiasts and collectors to come together. It includes auctions, educational forums, exhibits, and a bourse floor where dealers can buy and sell coins. It's an excellent opportunity for investors and collectors to meet with coin dealers, learn and add to their collections. The highlight of the World's Fair of Money is the exhibit area, where rare and historically significant numismatic items are displayed—many seldom seen outside of a museum setting. The United States Mint and several foreign mints often have booths at the fair, offering the latest coin and medal releases. Representatives of various numismatic organizations and clubs are also present, making the World's Fair of Money a central hub for networking and knowledge-sharing among the numismatic community.

Africa

Aug

Maa Culture Week (KY): August 21-25

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The Masai Cultural Week Festival unfolds near Sekenani Gate, drawing numerous visitors from neighboring counties. The 2023 inaugural festival timed perfectly with the breathtaking wildebeest migration. This annual journey sees countless wildebeests traverse from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Maasai Mara. The Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic group native to northern, central, and southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are famous for their unique culture, dress, and traditions that have stood the test of time, even in the rapidly modernizing world. Their pastoral lifestyle and warrior status have also made them one of the most recognized tribes globally. This event offers a unique opportunity for them to display their rich heritage. Beadwork, pottery, wood carvings, and other tribal crafts are on display and available for sale. Each carries distinct symbols representing social status, age, tribal affiliations, and marital status that display the Maasai community culture. Local accommodations are fully booked in advance, prompting planning for those wanting to attend.

Africa

Aug

Lahaina Fire (US-HI)(2023): August 8-11

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August 26, 2023—Wildfires have ravaged Hawaii's Maui and Big Island, resulting in at least 115 deaths, and over 2,200 buildings destroyed forcing thousands to evacuate, and wreaking havoc on the historic resort city of Lahaina. The exact causes of the fires, which began on August 8, 2023, are yet to be determined, though high winds and dry weather were forecasted, creating conditions ripe for wildfires. Winds from Hurricane Dora and a low-pressure system near Japan have contributed to the spread of the fires, along with dry vegetation and flammable non-native grasses comprising 26% of Hawaii's land. Lahaina, a famous beach resort city, has faced significant destruction. With the death toll and property destruction, the Lahaina Fire attained notoriety as the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's recorded history. The U.S. Forest Service notes that nearly 85% of U.S. wildfires are human-caused, but less than 1% of fires in Hawaii are due to natural causes. July 2023 broke the global record as the hottest month ever recorded and has led to unusually severe wildfires globally, with scientists attributing the increased frequency and power of extreme weather events to climate change.

Africa

Aug

World Scout Jamboree (KR): August 1-12

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The World Scout Jamboree is an international Scouting event that brings together Scouts and leaders worldwide and is organized by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). The gathering symbolizes global unity and promotes cultural understanding, friendship, cooperation, and education in the principles of Scouting. Unlike national jamborees, the World Scout Jamboree rotates among host countries, allowing Scouts to experience diverse cultures and environments. Participation is open to WOSM member organizations members, attracting tens of thousands of Scouts from hundreds of countries. The first World Scout Jamboree occurred in 1920 in London, England, and Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, initiated it. The event was a testament to the growing popularity and reach of Scouting, a trend that has continued over the subsequent decades. A typical World Scout Jamboree lasts ten to twelve days with various activities, adventures, and educational experiences. Scouts engage in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, rafting, and climbing, as well as workshops and seminars on topics ranging from environmental stewardship to leadership and community service, activities designed to challenge the Scouts, helping them grow in character, skills, and global awareness. One of the highlights of the World Scout Jamboree is the opportunity for cultural exchange. Scouts share their unique traditions, food, music, and dance with one another, fostering a sense of global unity and understanding. Participants often return home with increased empathy, broadened horizons, and lifelong friendships. Environmental conservation has become a focal point in recent World Scout Jamborees, reflecting the movement's commitment to sustainability and responsible citizenship. Many jamborees include large-scale service projects aimed at positively impacting the local community or environment. Additionally, the World Scout Jamboree allows young people to connect with Scouting alumni, leaders, and other dignitaries who attend as guests. They bring additional insights and inspiration, emphasizing the Scouting movement's global scale and societal significance. The 2023 World Jamboree was cut short due to an intense heatwave in South Korea, which caused hundreds of scouts to fall sick with heat exhaustion and heat stroke. July 2023 broke all records as the hottest month ever in recorded human history.

Africa

Aug

World's Fair of Money (US-PA): August 8-12

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Africa

Aug

Great River Tug Fest (US-IL/IA): August 10-12

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The Great River Tug Fest takes municipal rivalry to a whole new level, with the towns of LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois, challenging each other annually to a game of tug-of-war across the Mississippi River. Like so many crazy events, this one started with a group of men challenging each other in a bar. The match is held on the second Thursday through Saturday in August and includes carnival rides, live entertainment, a large parade, food vendors, crafts, and other attractions. However, the main event is undoubtedly the tug-of-war across the Mississippi River, with the losing city getting soaked in America's biggest river and the winner claiming the title for the following year. The tug-of-war tradition started in the 1980s and features a large 2,700-foot, 700-pound rope stretched across the river. Port Byron's team digs in on their side in Illinois, and LeClaire occupies the bank in Iowa. Boaters and river traffic gather in the center of the river for a front-row seat as both sides then engage in a titanic tugging match, pulling with all their might to claim victory. The competition includes several categories, with men's, women's, and youth teams all participating. Typically around ten tug-of-war matches play out each year, with the calmative wins determining which city is the year's victor.

Africa

Aug

Musikfest (US-PA): August 4-13

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Musikfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest annual non-gated music festivals in the United States. Non-gated means FREE. For ten days in late July or August, Bethlehem fills with music from over a dozen stages featuring rock, jazz, country, folk, and more. Music is just the first course. Food choices abound, including fare from the local Pennsylvania Dutch favorites to international cuisine; Pennsylvania microbrews, spirits, and wine are also available. Of course, Pennsylvania is also known for its homemade crafts, and dozens of booths make souvenir and early Christmas shopping a breeze. In addition to music, Musikfest features visual arts performances, comedy shows, and several interactive experiences. Local businesses offer special deals in town, and the locals support the event. Musikfest is one big family-friendly, affordable party thanks to generous support from banking giant Wells Fargo.

Africa

Aug

Henley on Todd Regatta (AU-NT): August 19

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The Aussies have a sense of humor, something well illustrated by hosting a regatta on the dry bed of the Todd River in Alice Springs— the Henley on Todd Regatta. Inspired by England's Henley Royal Regatta with a distinctly Aussie twist, this boat race stands out for one unique reason: there's no water involved. Originating in 1962 as a satirical response to the more aristocratic Henley Royal Regatta, the Rotary Clubs of Alice Springs created the Henley on Todd Regatta. Regatta competitors "row" their boats by carrying them along the sandy riverbed in various categories, including yachts, rowing eight-oared shells, and Oxford tubs. These bottomless "boats" are held around their waist while they sprint, stumble and stagger to the finish line. A new addition, the "Battle of the Boats," features flour and water bombs and high-pressure fire hoses in a mock naval engagement. The Henley on Todd Regatta's unique blend of humor, fun, and community spirit makes it a highlight of the Alice Springs event calendar. The event includes a highly anticipated parade and a series of wacky competitions, from shovel-propelled sand boogie boarding to sand shoveling (there is a sand theme). Proceeds from the event support local, national, and international humanitarian projects, thus amplifying the regatta's beneficial impact through finances and laughter each year. Rain is the only factor that could cancel this eccentric event, which occurred only once in the regatta's history in 1993. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Aug

T-Rex World Championships (US-WA): August 20

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Emerald Downs, a suburban Seattle venue known for live horse racing, transforms into a prehistoric battleground in late August. Over 200 people donning inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex costumes run down the race track for the annual T-Rex World Championships. The spectacle began in 2017 as a Tri-Guard Pest Control team-building outing. The 2023 races were dedicated to Terry Richards, Tri-Guard's CEO, who died in a small plane crash earlier in the year. Tri-Guard had 40 employees participating in the races. The T-Rex World Championships attracted participants from various states, including Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Louisiana, Oregon, California, and Idaho. Eight heat winners qualified for the Championship, reflecting the national appeal of an event as whimsical as it is competitive. The actual T. rex, which roamed Earth between 65 million and 67 million years ago, remains a subject of scientific study and public fascination, thanks partly to Hollywood's portrayal in the "Jurassic Park" franchise. However, the inflatable-costumed variant is proving to be a thrilling draw at Emerald Downs, where the spirit of competition meets a dash of the fantastical. Whether for team-building or straightforward enjoyment, the T-Rex World Championships has found its place in the contemporary cultural landscape, turning an ordinary track into a theater of dinosaur delight.

Africa

Aug

BRICS Summit (ZA): August 22-24

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BRICS is an acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was originally known as "BRIC" until the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. The BRICS countries are known for their significant influence on regional and global affairs due to their large, fast-growing economies and substantial impact on regional and international affairs. Collectively, the BRICS countries represent around 41% of the world's population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of global trade. The BRICS Summit is an annual meeting held by the BRICS countries to discuss issues of mutual interest and foster cooperation in various domains such as trade, technology, culture, and politics. These meetings provide a platform for the leaders to engage in dialogue and negotiate common positions on international matters. Here is an overview of some aspects of the BRICS Summit: The concept of BRICS began to take shape in the early 2000s. The first formal meeting in 2006 occurred on the sidelines of the G8 Summit, and the first full-fledged BRICS Summit took place in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Economic collaboration and reform of global financial institutions are common topics at the Summit. The group has called for more representation in institutions like the IMF and World Bank. The creation of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014 is one of the significant achievements in this area, aimed at funding infrastructure projects in developing countries. The BRICS nations seek to balance the Western-dominated international political and economic order. They often discuss global governance, peace, security, and climate change issues. The Summit also includes cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster understanding and friendship among the nations, including education, tourism, and sports programs. While BRICS represents a significant global force, the group faces challenges regarding internal cohesion, as the countries have different political systems, economic structures, and strategic interests. Some critics argue that these differences hinder the group's ability to act as a unified entity. However, the BRICS Summit is a vital platform for collaboration and dialogue among some of the world's most influential emerging economies. It symbolizes the shift in global power dynamics, with the group striving for a more equitable and multipolar world.

Africa

Aug

Reading and Leeds Festivals (UK): August 25-27

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If you're into rock, indie, punk, and metal, the Reading and Leeds Festival is the place to be. It's two cities, on in the north (Leeds) and one in the south (Reading), with simultaneous festivals. The Reading Festival is one of the oldest popular music festivals in the world. It originated in the early 1960s as the National Jazz Festival, but the focus shifted to rock and alternative music over time. The Leeds Festival is a bit younger and was added in 1999 due to the high demand and the Reading Festival's capacity limitations. They're held simultaneously over the bank holiday weekend in August, and they share the same bill, alternating the lineup between the two sites. Over the years, these festivals have hosted some of the biggest names in rock and alternative music, including Nirvana, Metallica, Arctic Monkeys, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The lineups are always solid. Like most festivals, camping is a big part of the experience. The fields around each are filled with tents, music blasting from multiple stages, and groups of friends laughing, singing, and just having a good time. The festivals span three days, from Friday to Sunday, with campers able to arrive from the Wednesday before. Most festival-goers choose to camp on-site. Food options are pretty varied. You've got your typical festival food stands, but there's also a decent selection of international cuisines, vegan and vegetarian options. Both Reading and Leeds Festivals offer an unforgettable weekend of music and camaraderie. Cute note from the writer: When I first visited the UK, I stayed in Devon. We traveled down the M4 and passed the "Reading rest area." My comment to my friend was, "Oh, that is so sweet! You have reading rest stops in England, so you can stop a bit and enjoy a novel." He nearly died laughing. Of course, in England, Reading is pronounced "Redding" and has nothing to do with books. But this West Coast US girl didn't know that at the time. I still smile every time I hear the city's name. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa