All - Leep Calendar

The NATO Summit is an annual gathering of the leaders of member countries to discuss and make decisions on critical security and defense issues. The first NATO Summit began in 1957, and since then, it has been a regular forum for heads of state and government to address security challenges and shape the organization's future direction. During the summit, leaders discuss and issue declarations on various topics, such as military capabilities, crisis response, partnership strategies, and cooperative efforts with other international organizations. The summit is a high-level dialogue and decision-making platform, reinforcing NATO's unity and commitment to collective defense. Each summit often reflects the current global security landscape, and the agenda may include topics such as counterterrorism, cyber defense, hybrid warfare, and NATO's relations with Russia and other potential adversaries. ABOUT NATO NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance established on April 4, 1949. Its creation was in response to the threat posed by the Soviet Union during the early years of the Cold War. The primary purpose of NATO was to provide collective defense and mutual protection against potential aggression from the Soviet bloc. NATO began with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, DC, by twelve founding member countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its core principle is defined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against all, and each member agrees to take collective self-defense measures. Over the years, NATO welcomed new member countries from Western and Eastern Europe, strengthening security cooperation and regional integration. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, NATO's role evolved to focus on crisis management, conflict prevention, and partnerships with non-member countries. In the 1990s and early 2000s, NATO engaged in various military operations beyond its original geographic scope, including peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan. Later, NATO established partnerships with countries worldwide through initiatives like the Partnership for Peace, allowing for cooperation and dialogue with non-member states. NATO remains a crucial organization for ensuring security and defense cooperation among its member states since its establishment in 1949. The annual NATO Summit allows leaders to address pressing security challenges and shape the alliance's future strategy and operations. 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

Jul

Guisachan Retriever Gathering (1868)(UK): July 10-14

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Guisachan House Retriever Gathering brings golden retrievers and their owners together for a single day on the Scottish estate that first bred the breed. The first golden retrievers were born on July 13, 1868, at Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, the Lord of Tweedbank's home Guisachan House in Scotland. The breed was created specifically to thrive in the Scottish Highlands as a working and hunging dog. Today, it is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Every few years, retriever enthusiasts gather at the breed's birthplace, attempting to break the United Kingdom's record for the most golden retrievers in a single location. In 2023, they did, with 466 dogs in attendance. Learn about the origin of this breed at: https://goldenretrieverclubofscotland.com/about-the-club/breed-origin/

Africa

Jul

Homeless World Cup (US-CA): July 8-15

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The Homeless World Cup is a unique, pioneering social movement that uses football (soccer) to inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives. It seeks to challenge public perceptions of homelessness and the issues around it. The tournament occurs annually, averaging 48 men's and 16 women's teams from various countries. Each team's players are currently or have been homeless or socially marginalized. Graz, Austria, hosted the first Homeless World Cup in 2003. Since, Copenhagen, Paris, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and other cities have hosted. In addition to the actual soccer games, the Homeless World Cup event includes workshops, discussions, cultural events, and personal development courses. The ultimate goal is to empower participants and encourage a change in their circumstances, helping them to reintegrate into society. The organization works throughout the year in partnership with social projects worldwide to help homeless and socially disadvantaged people through football. They aim to provide a support network and a pathway for these individuals to create a better future for themselves. Its results have been impressive, with participants reportedly experiencing significant life changes, including coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, getting jobs, gaining education, improving their physical health, and repairing relationships with families and communities.

Africa

Jul

Snoopy's Senior World Hockey Tournament (US-CA): July 7-16

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Each summer, Snoopy's home ice rink in Santa Rosa, California, welcomes senior hockey players from across the globe to the Snoopy's Senior World Hockey Tournament. Initially organized in 1975 by cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, the creator of "Peanuts," this tournament is an annual tradition. The ice hockey competition attracts former professional and amateur enthusiasts aged 40 and above, offering them a chance to compete in a unique international tournament. Divisions are categorized by age, with the oldest division being 75 and older. The week-long event attracts global teams, including those from Canada, Finland, and Japan, to join US teams to compete in a series of matches. The tournament ends with a championship match, followed by an awards ceremony. Schulz's love for hockey was well-known and evident in his comic strip. The Snoopy Tournament, as it is affectionately called, not only serves as a testament to his love for the sport but also brings together the senior hockey community to celebrate the game and relish in the camaraderie and competition that the Snoopy's Senior World Hockey Tournament offers. 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

Jul

Chessboxing Day, Intl: July 21

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The Šančių Sporto Centras in Kauno, Lithuania, initiated International Chessboxing Day. Chessboxing is gaining popularity nationwide, with several tournaments played onsite to mark the day. Chessboxing is a hybrid sport combining two traditional disciplines: chess and boxing, with competitors facing each other in alternating rounds. This unique sport tests its contestants' physical prowess and mental agility, as they need to be adept at boxing and chess to succeed. Players must maintain their concentration and strategic thinking under the physical duress of boxing, making it a unique test of mind-body coordination. A chessboxing match consists of 11 three-minute rounds: six-speed chess and five boxing. Scoring a knockout, checkmate, judge decision, or exceeding the time limit in chess determines the winner of each round. Dutch artist Iepe Rubingh (August 17, 1974-May 8, 2020) invented the sport in the early 2000s, inspired by French artist and filmmaker Enki Bilal's comic book "Froid Équateur." It has grown into a recognized competition with a world championship and is very popular in Germany, the United Kingdom, India, and Russia.

Africa

Jul

Scout Jamboree, Ntl.: July 19-28

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The National Scout Jamboree is a significant gathering of members from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), often including international scouting groups. Held typically every four years, it offers scouts a chance to meet others from different regions and backgrounds, engaging in various activities, educational experiences, and bonding opportunities. Historically, the first National Boy Scout Jamboree was scheduled for 1935 in Washington, D.C., but it was delayed until 1937 due to a polio outbreak. Since then, the event has grown in scale and ambition, with locations varying around the United States. The Jamboree usually lasts for about a week or more and offers an array of events and activities designed to challenge and develop the Scouts. These include outdoor adventures, such as hiking, rafting, and climbing, as well as workshops in leadership, teamwork, and community service. There are also opportunities for scouts to earn merit badges and participate in cultural exchanges. At the heart of the Jamboree experience is the emphasis on the principles that guide the Scouts, including loyalty, trustworthiness, and a commitment to community and environment. The gathering reinforces these values by encouraging cooperation, friendship, and personal development. Notable in the history of the Jamboree are the occasional visits from U.S. Presidents and other dignitaries, underscoring the national significance of the event. Hosting international scouts also helps foster a sense of global community and shared values. The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in West Virginia has become a primary location for the National Jamboree since 2013. This vast property provides state-of-the-art facilities and ample room for the large-scale camping experience that characterizes the event. Though a festive and exciting occasion, the Jamboree also serves as an educational platform, encouraging scouts to engage with contemporary issues such as environmental stewardship, technology, and community involvement. By participating in the Jamboree, Scouts have the chance to learn and grow and make lasting friendships and memories, all while reinforcing the principles and values that form the core of the scouting movement.

Africa

Jul

Chincoteague Pony Swim (US-VA): July 22-28

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The annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Roundup in Chincoteague, Virginia, captures national and local interest as it continues to be a unique spectacle since 1925. Marguerite Henry's popular children's novel "Misty of Chincoteague" details this event. Chincoteague ponies, also known as Assateague horses, are wild horses that inhabit Assateague Island, a 37-mile-long barrier island off the coast of Virginia and Maryland. The pony roundup serves as a population control mechanism and a fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which manages the herds on the Virginia side of the island. Beginning on Saturday in the lead-up to the swim, Saltwater Cowboys, a group of local volunteers, guide the wild ponies from the various parts of Assateague Island into a central pen. The roundup takes place over several days, with the actual swim occurring on the Wednesday of the event. At slack tide (the calm water between tides), the Saltwater Cowboys guide the ponies to swim across the channel from Assateague to Chincoteague Island. The quarter-mile-long swim (10 laps in an Olympic pool) typically takes the ponies about five to ten minutes to complete. Spectators gather to witness this spectacle, and the first foal to touch land is named the "King" or "Queen." This foal is given away in a raffle later in the day. On the day following the swim, an auction takes place. Many of the foals born that year are sold to bidders from around the world, which helps manage the herd population and raises funds for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Several ponies receive a "buyback" designation. A bidder can win the auction for a buyback pony, earning the privilege of naming the pony, but the pony itself is returned to Assateague to live out its life in the wild, helping to replenish the herd. The event concludes with the ponies swimming back to Assateague on Friday, where they are released to roam freely until the following year's event. For Chincoteague and its visitors, the pony swim and roundup is more than a local custom — it symbolizes community spirit, a celebration of history, and a unique wildlife management strategy. It also provides a considerable economic boost, affectionately referred to as "Chincoteague Christmas," to the local vendors. Three strategically placed webcams allow international visitors to watch the pony swim live as it happens. Access those here: https://www.chincoteague.com/webcams.html. 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

Jul

Newport Folk Festival (US-RI): July 26-28 (est)

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The Newport Folk Festival first began in 1959. Its founder is George Wein, who also created the famed Newport Jazz Festival. Over the years, Newport Folk Festival has become an iconic event in the music world. It is the festival where Bob Dylan went electric in 1965, a historical moment that stirred controversy and dramatically altered the course of popular music. Fast forward to today, the festival is still known for its spirit of musical innovation and discovery. While the event's roots are in folk music, you'll find artists across genres, including country, blues, folk-rock, and indie folk, showcasing big names and emerging talent. The waterfront festival occurs at Fort Adams State Park with Narragansett Bay and sailboats drifting by as music fills the summer air. Each of the festival's four stages comes with its unique vibe. The Fort Stage is the main one, set against the backdrop of the bay. Then there's the Harbor Stage, which is a bit more intimate, perfect for more mellow performances. The Quad Stage is inside a building within the fort itself, while the Museum Stage, as the name suggests, is inside the Museum of Yachting. The Newport Folk Festival features an element of surprise. The festival often keeps a handful of slots secret until the last minute, which has led to surprise performances from big names like Mumford & Sons and Dolly Parton. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there's a real shared love for music. Food trucks and stalls supply sustenance from local seafood to gourmet burgers. Those craving a cold one gather in the beer garden. Tickets sell out months in advance, so this is an event you must plan to visit rather than show up.

Africa

Jul

Earth Enters Global Boiling Stage (2023): July 28

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In response to devastating wildfires and record-breaking temperatures, on July 28, 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a dire warning about the impact of climate change. Describing the current era as "global boiling," he emphasized the urgency of international action on climate adaptation, emission reduction, and financial commitment towards climate goals. Guterres spoke of tragedies already unfolding due to climate change, including losing children to monsoon rains, families fleeing wildfires, and workers succumbing to extreme heat. Stressing the need for climate action now, Guterres called on leaders, particularly those from the G20 nations responsible for 80% of global emissions, to step up their efforts. He pointed to upcoming international events, including the UN Climate Ambition Summit and COP28, as opportunities for pivotal change. The Secretary-General urged for the adoption of new national emissions targets, advocating for net-zero emissions by mid-century, an equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, cessation of oil and gas expansion, and the phasing out of coal by 2040. He further condemned greenwashing and deceptive practices obstructing climate action, demanding real commitment from companies, cities, regions, financial institutions, and fossil fuel companies. With extreme weather becoming the norm, Guterres appealed for an increase in adaptation investment, especially in developing countries. He called on developed nations to double adaptation finance by 2025 and to ensure protection through early warning systems by 2027.

Africa

Jul

Pan African Historical Festival (PANAFEST) (GH): July 19-August 1

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PANAFEST originated with Pan-Africanist Efua Sutherland to promote and enhance unity, Pan-Africanism, and the cultural heritage of Africa. It was an initiative of the Ghanaian government in collaboration with Pan-African and cultural communities. The first official PANAFEST took place in 1992 and occurs every two years. The 10-day bi-annual festival is a multidisciplinary event featuring various events and activities, including historical exhibits, theater performances, music and dance shows, storytelling sessions, poetry readings, and academic conferences. It celebrates the richness and diversity of African and African diaspora cultures through active engagement in the continent's history. One of the defining features of PANAFEST is its emphasis on the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and its impact on African peoples. The festival often includes solemn ceremonies of remembrance and healing at historical sites related to the slave trade, such as the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visitors to PANAFEST can expect a profoundly moving, educational, and inspiring experience. It's a chance to connect with African history and heritage and to engage with vibrant and diverse cultural expressions. 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

Jul

9-9-9 Emergency Number Established (1937): July 1

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July 1, 1937, saw the world's first emergency telephone number deployed in London, covering a 12-mile radius from Oxford Circus. It would be another 31 years before the US would implement a similar system, 911, and even longer for other nations. The idea of 999 was first suggested in 1935 after five women died during a fire in Wimpole Street in London. Callers using 0 to dial the police could not get through as the switchboard was jammed. By the time people got through, it was too late. The first 999 calls came in on July 2, and the system fielded 1336 calls in its first week. TRAVEL TIP: If traveling internationally, always ask for that country's emergency number(s) when you go through customs and add them to your phone, or write it on a PostIt note and keep it in your passport. For example, in China, Japan, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia, it is 110, but in neighboring United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, it is 999. In Argentina, Canada, Jordan, Mexico, Palau, Panama, the Philippines, the United States, and Uruguay, it is 911. Travel to Australia and you'll need 000. Some countries get complicated. Take France, for example. In France, dial 17 for the police, 15 for an ambulance, and 18 for the fire department. It can get really confusing, and in the event of an emergency, you don't want to call the wrong number accidentally and waste precious seconds. You'll also want to keep your nation's embassy contact information for each country you visit. Should you get in trouble, your country's diplomatic services will be your second call after emergency services.

Africa

Jul

Canada Day (CA)(1867): July 1

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Canada Day is Canada's National day. On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act was enacted, creating the country of Canada within the British Empire and empowering it with full self-governing authority. Before this day, the Canadian territory was three different regions. The holiday was known as Dominion Day until 1982 when it changed to Constitution Day. 1982, Canada finally declared its independence from the British Crown and ratified its constitution. Today this compilation of historical events is known as Canada Day, a day equivalent to the 4th of July in the United States for the Canadians. However, Canadians did not need to fight a revolution to establish and enact their constitution. The monarch in the United Kingdom continues as their monarch. When Canada Day falls on a weekend, it is observed as a national holiday on the following Monday.

Africa

Jul

Caribbean Day (1973): July 1

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Caribbean Day is celebrated on the first Monday of July and marks the anniversary of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. This treaty established the Caribbean Community and Common Market. The agreement was signed by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago on July 4, 1973. It came into effect on August 1, 1973.

Africa

Jul

Gingersnap Day, Ntl.: July 1

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National Gingersnap Day is an annual celebration of gingersnaps. While celebrated in the US, the gingersnap is famous worldwide. Gingersnaps are thin cookies made with molasses (treacle) and ground ginger. Variations of gingersnaps include American, Scandinavian, and Asian, and ginger is prized for its stomach calming abilities.

Africa

Jul

Heroes Day, (ZM): July 1

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Heroes Day in Zambia is their memorial day for all persons who have perished in service to the nation. This national holiday occurs on the first Monday in July.

Africa