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Top storyIBU Awards hail sustainability, equality efforts
The German Ski Association (DSV) and the Oslo-Holmenkollen World Cup organising committee have been recognised for their sustainability efforts by the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
The IBU Awards for the 2024 season, which took place during the governing body’s Congress in the Serbian capital of Belgrade last week, also highlighted excellence in gender equality by member national federations (NFs) and in social media by NFs and athletes, for the first time.
Originally launched in 2022, the IBU Sustainability Award for organising committees was expanded this year to include the efforts of NFs in implementing and promoting sustainable practices.
The DSV was rewarded with the NF Award for Excellence in Sustainability for implementing climate-friendly heating solutions for temporary infrastructure at its World Cup events and replacing diesel aggregates with pellets.
Meanwhile, the Oslo-Holmenkollen World Cup organising committee (OC) was celebrated through the OC Award for Excellence in Sustainability after introducing concrete actions that directly reduced CO2 emissions. These included using foldable waxing cabins and switching to renewable electrical power for tent infrastructure.
This year’s Awards also saw the IBU recognise the Finnish Biathlon Association with the NF Award for Excellence in Gender Equality after the latter delivered a successful strategic programme to enhance female participation in coach and referee education, through remote and free-of-charge courses.
“The IBU Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and honour the work done by the biathlon family to realise the IBU’s strategic objectives."
Additionally, the Slovak Biathlon Association was awarded the NF Award for Excellence in Social Media with Switzerland’s Lea Meier receiving the athlete’s gong.
IBU President Olle Dahlin told Global Sustainable Sport: “The IBU Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and honour the work done by the biathlon family to realise the IBU’s strategic objectives. They serve to promote best practice but more importantly, help us share knowledge and inspire the development of similar initiatives by other stakeholders.
“This year, we expanded the award categories beyond the established Organising Committee Award for Sustainability by also honouring the work of our national member federations and by introducing awards for gender equality and social media. These reward the work on the national level that has successfully contributed to the overall aims of the IBU Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2026 and those who have grown their reach by using creative digital strategies.”
Aside from the Awards, the Congress also approved the adoption of a new Target 2030 strategic plan, building on the success of Target 2026, which has been implemented two years ahead of schedule.
Image: International Biathlon Union