In 2020, Vyacheslav Fetisov, a world sports legend, the first Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee as well as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, visited Irkutsk while being on a business trip. During his two-day visit, he travelled to the Olkhon Island and discussed issues of its long-term sustainable development. He also went to several settlements on the Baikal coast and talked with their residents. Vyacheslav Fetisov noted the responsibility of Russia for the preservation of Lake Baikal and its territory to the world community and therefore called for its comprehensive development – in compliance with the environmental legislation and taking into account the needs of local residents. It was during this trip when the idea of holding a hockey match with the famous Russian hockey players on the Lake Baikal ice near the Bolshoe Goloustnoye village was born. It was aimed at drawing attention to the issue of preservation of the unique Baikal natural territory as well as the development of eco tourism and environmental education. The first match took place on March 8, 2021.