From the 18th to the 24th of February in Neysky District of the Kostroma region there will take place the 11th International charity dog sled race «The North Hope». The competition will be held with the support of Kostroma regional branch of the Russian Geographical Society.
In the beginning of 2000-s in the Velikovo village in Neysky District of the Kostroma region there was founded a children's community: the rector of the local temple abbot Bartholomew and the Sunday school teacher nun Paraskeva took care of 16 orphan boys. Soon one of the capital's nurseries gave the children an Alaskan Malamute, then friendly parish from Australia sent to Velikovo a dog breed Siberian Husky. Through the efforts of Mother Paraskeva there was organized a sled dogs kennel «The North Hope» in the village.
In the year of 2005 a famous American judge of the sled dog race Terry Haynzli came to the Kostroma region to educate orphans riding sports. At that time there was conceived the idea of the competition. The first race for the support of the orphans was held in the forests of Kostroma in 2007. And eventually the Center of riding sports was open in Velikovo.
This year the distance will make 360 km. It will be divided into six stages from 40 to 90 km.
The race starts in city of Neya. Here will take place charity race for the children with disabilities, orphans and pupils of the Sunday school.
Within the frames of the event there will be held master-classes and seminars for everyone.
A member of the Russian Geographical Society Mikhail Glushkov from the Yamalo-Nenetskiy Autonomous Okrug is preparing for the race as well. The riders from Europe with their dogs, particularly well-known Belgian player Jean-Luc Davans will participate in the competition as well.