Scoring Sustainable Goals: How Sports Can Change the World

The United Nations (UN), in 2015, laid out a plan to combat economic, social, and environmental issues by adopting 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and setting a vision for the next 15 years.

While the targets seem ambitious, things have moved in the right direction but there is still much work to be done.

The UN has advocated the role of sport in achieving these goals, realising the role it plays in people's lives and the transformational power it holds. In light of this realisation, the UN partakes in a symbolic gesture by reaffirming the Olympic Truce before the games commence. With the shared goals of inclusivity, world peace and development, both these stakeholders have partnered to inspire global change using the power of sport.

Let the Olympic Flame shine as a beacon of human solidarity. Let the Olympic Truce help spread a culture of peace - UN Secretary General

Sports as a Catalyst for Change

The historic adoption of the SDGs was backed up by recognising sport as an "enabler of sustainable development". With the aspiration to leave no one behind while transforming the world, sports will play a significant role given its global reach and appeal. There are many benefits associated with sports that make it a unique, yet powerful, contributor to the socio-economic development of the world.

• Cost Effectiveness: Generally, sport is accessible and does not require a huge amount of money to play. At the grassroots level, it is easy to enjoy games like football, cricket, tennis etc. with minimal investments.
• Flexibility: Sport can be adapted and often tailored to meet the abilities, age and aims of the participants. This uncomplicates the sport itself and opens it up to a larger audience.
• Popularity: Every country has some sort of sporting culture and the participation levels are quite high. With advancements in broadcasting and technology, the global reach of niche sports like Kabaddi, Underwater Hockey, Paddleboarding etc. is unprecedented.
• Educational: Sport mimics life and is a great teacher for those involved. Regardless of the stage, sports shape individuals with valuable lessons around teamwork, discipline, leadership and resilience.

A lot of sports organisations have already started their journey in the sustainable environment space.

For example, Lord's Cricket Ground has been using 100% wind-generated energy since 2016. They have also implemented a Reusable Cup scheme to reduce single-use plastic, and have managed to affect a 1.5 million reduction in the amounts of plastic given to the spectators.

Moreover, there are organisations like the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS) that aim to educate, engage, and empower sports organisations in the UK to achieve their sustainability goals. They boast a member list that includes top-tier Premier League clubs, cricket clubs, Tennis, Formula 1 etc.

Let's look at how sports can and have impacted the world by adhering to the SDGs:

Sports possess unique qualities that make them effective tools for promoting sustainability and socio-economic development. With their cost-effectiveness, adaptability, broad popularity, and educational potential, sports can engage individuals and communities in meaningful ways. The partnership between the UN and the world of sports exemplifies how sports can inspire inclusivity, world peace, and development.

As we move forward, the collective efforts of sports enthusiasts, organisations, and sustainability advocates offer hope for progress toward the UN SDGs. Through sports, we can foster positive change, empower communities, and work toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

This partnership between sports and sustainability is more than a game; it's a potent force for global good.

Further Reading:

Tiempo De Jueugo
Waves for Change
WTA
Women in Football
Homeless World Cup Foundation
No Room for Racism
Super Bowl
FA x BUCS
FC Copenhagen
Aisam-ul-Haq and Rohan Bopanna
Olympic Refugee Foundation
Football for Water
Emirates Stadium
Active Well-Being Initiative
Tokyo 2020
Adidas Run for the Ocean
Game Zero