Page 49: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (May 2017)

Mark Fuhrmann is Partner in Blue-C, an Oslo-based strategic mar- keting and communications ? rm that is a ubiquitous presence in the world of maritime. Fuhrmann recently embarked on a 5400 km solo kayak paddle from Oslo to Athens to raise money and awareness for “The Piece Prize” a charity he created, which, for lack of a better description, is aiming on making the world a better place.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Well, that’s a long story. I was born and raised Canadian and I studied communica- tion and journalism in LA. I met a girl there, got married in Norway and had three lovely children. My wife died of brain cancer ? ve years ago.

I’m always moving forward, and I’ve always thought I could do things, even though many were beyond my intellectual and personal ability. At the age of 12 I saw some guys jumping off a diving board and I thought ‘I can do that.’ I did, but then I quickly discovered that there was no bottom and I couldn’t swim. (That would be Shasta Lake outside of Bellingham, Wash.). I guess jumping into the unknown has always been with me. I’ve started ? ve businesses and just got on with it. I am not an analytical person; I’m a doer. I see something, I reach for it and I achieve it.

The real me: perhaps I always want the best and in wanting the best I sometimes fail to make decisions that need to be made. I hate ? ring people; I love hiring people.

I strongly believe the world is one place, one people group, one humanity, one re- sponsibility. Cultures and ignorance separate us, as well as wealth, opportunity and acceptance.

You are set to take a break from the daily routine and embark on a personal mission. What exactly is “The Piece Prize,” and what inspired you to create it?

The Piece Prize is a humanitarian award to recognize individuals/organizations which are actively involved in making neighborhoods, communities and cities a peaceful place through acts of genuine kindness and caring. What inspired me? An old lady in a house. See: https://youtu.be/Ab49oxEFuGA

In short, what is the objective of this mission?

To inspire individuals to make a difference in their local communities and cities;

To foster mutual respect for one another, regardless of faith, traditions and cultures; and to generate a 21st century mindset that a peaceful world starts with “me” and requires the effort of many individuals

Why now?

We live in a divided world, with complex political, cultural, ethnic and religious situations. I think that the shared sense of community is at risk, ultimately a threat to civil society. This requires action, not only by governments and global charitable organizations, but by individuals.

So what, exactly, is the journey you’re preparing to take?

I will embark on The Silent Heroes Tour of 2017, a 5400 km solo kayak tour from

Oslo to Athens. Along the way I will visit 10 to 15 cities, ? nd silent heroes in each city and hand out individual Piece Prize laureates of €500 – €2000. Ultimately I hope to create signi? cant social media awareness that “Together we are better.”

How, exactly, have you trained for the physical and mental rigors of this journey?

Good question! I have paddled for 15 years, but my kayaking skills are intermedi- ate, but I will not paddle more than 900 meters from shore, maybe further out if the waters are calmer. I started jogging, I row at a training center and I have done a bit of yoga. I am not a hardened explorer type. I have no idea what is ahead. I have no idea of what it is like to cross a channel of water or paddle alongside a barge on a canal, but I guess I will ? nd out.

What advice would you give to others who might be planning similar endeavors?

Ask me when I am ? nished.

If our readers want to get involved, how can they do so?

Yes. There is a donation tag at www.thepieceprize.com. All international donations will in their entirety (less bank or visa costs) go to one of several causes.

Track Mark’s Journey @ https://locatoweb.com/en/map/single/223297059 www.marinelink.com 49

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