News article
Sustainability round-up: Formula 1, International Table Tennis Federation
Also in the news: Club Atlético Osasuna, Bulgarian Football Union…
From 2026, the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix will switch from its usual June slot to take place sometime in May, in order to consolidate the European leg of the season into one consecutive period. The agreement with race promoter Octane Racing Group and other key stakeholders to change the dates will remove an additional transatlantic crossing by the sport, helping to reduce carbon emissions. The move follows other changes to create a more rationalised schedule, as part of Formula 1’s sustainability initiatives.
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has launched a reimagined structure, global event calendar and ranking system for Para table tennis to capitalise on the momentum following the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The ITTF World Para Circuit will have a brand new logo, three competitive event tiers, an updated ranking system, and an ambitious schedule of more than 20 events across all continents.
A new report has been published by Sport Positive, UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action and the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) exploring the themes of how psychology can accelerate climate action in sport. The report calls on the sports industry to take a series of actions, acknowledge and address its environmental impacts, lead by example and adopt multiple roles to promote wider social and political transformation.
Spain’s Club Atlético Osasuna has presented its ‘Seeds for the Future’ initiative, while planting 11 trees at its Tajonar facilities to celebrate its launch. The oak trees will form part of Futuro Tajonar, which is a project to expand the sport complex, symbolising the club’s commitment to a more sustainable and respectful future.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has highlighted the role of sport for sustainable development by passing a resolution called ‘Sport as an Enabler of Sustainable Development’, with support from all 193 UN Member States. Resolution A/79/L.10 supports the overarching mission of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be a unifying force.
The Bulgarian Football Union has signed an agreement with the Association for Production, Storage and Trading of Electricity (APSTE), with the goal of making Bulgarian football more environmentally sustainable. APSTE was founded by Bulgarian and international companies in 2019 to advocate for the country’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon and secure energy system.
Cardiff Rugby’s upcoming match against Dragons RFC at the end of the month has been dubbed a ‘Pledgeball Fixture’, inspiring all to come together and commit to reducing carbon emissions. Fans can pledge to take specific actions to help reduce the match’s collective footprint, with a chance to win a signed ball and four hospitality tickets.
December 21 will mark World Basketball Day, which will celebrate the power of the sport to transcend borders, connect people, and inspire positive societal change. In celebration of the UN-designated date, a World Basketball Day 2024 ’30 Days to Go’ webinar will be held on November 22.
SailGP has signed a global logistics partnership with DP World. The Dubai-based logistics firm will oversee the transport and delivery of SailGP’s annual event calendar. Elsewhere, SailGP has announced a five-year sponsorship deal with major international airline Emirates, which has become the exclusive global airline partner of the sail racing championship. Emirates will also continue as title partner of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix.
Image: James Watson on Unsplash