News article
Sustainability round-up: Primeira Liga, World Rowing, FISU…
Also in the news this week: Wolverhampton Wanderers, Dragons RFC and the Birmingham County Football Association…
Liga Portugal pledged to plant 200 trees for every goal scored last weekend in Primeira Liga, the top-flight of men’s football in the country. The news comes after large wildfires recently swept across Portugal leading to a number of confirmed deaths, including several firefighters. Additionally, round six’s round of games saw teams honour a minute’s silence, with a firefighter’s helmet placed symbolically on the field.
World Rowing and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have launched the ‘Healthy Waters’ initiative to raise awareness about the critical importance of healthy rivers, lakes and coastal ecosystems. The campaign also aims to inspire joint projects across the globe to protect and restore these ecosystems. Building on an existing partnership, World Rowing and WWF will aim to make a tangible impact utilising the global reach of the body and the presence of the charity in more than 100 countries.
Formula 1 has made its first investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of its commitment to reaching net zero by 2030. The first phase of investment has focused on SAF purchases through logistics partner DHL for air cargo to and from flyaway races since the Australian Grand Prix in March. By the end of the season, it will have covered approximately 20% of subsequent cargo flights.
During the summer break, Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers became a member of the British Association for Sustainable Sport (BASIS). The team also collaborated with Transport for West Midlands to provide a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly form of local transport for supporters. Some 748 season ticket-holders signed up for a scheme that was launched exclusively for Wolves season ticket-holders, offering them four weeks of free bus travel around the West Midlands. The Wolves Foundation organised and redistributed a collection of surplus kit, while the club also reached the semi-final stage of the Hobsons Hedgehog Cup. Wolves signed up to the initiative earlier this year to help protect hedgehogs in the wild.
SailGP has partnered with Creatures United, a new digital/social platform to raise awareness and action for nature. The goal is to engage over 50 million fans, amplify stories of nature and drive awareness around biodiversity. SailGP has introduced a team of six Creatures – enough to fill a SailGP boat – who will act as champions for Purpose storytelling and the Impact League.
Welsh rugby club Dragons RFC has announced the continuation of its partnership with Pledgeball, demonstrating its commitment to ‘Protect Where We Play’. The club will continue to focus on environmental sustainability, with the team awarded the Best Sustainability Initiative at the Welsh Sports Association’s Sports Industry Awards 2024. Pledgeball has helped Dragons to engage fans, players and the wider community to reduce environmental impact.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has revealed the headline acts for its Opening Ceremony of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. With less than 300 days to go, Ayliva, rapper Montez and the WDR Funkhausorchester have been announced to play. Ayliva is a rising star on the German music scene, with her two most recent albums both reaching number one in the charts. Ayliva encapsulates the motto of the FISU Games: “Alle spielen mit” (everyone is all-in).
Birmingham County Football Association has been accepted to join the Sports for Nature Framework as part of its ‘Save Today, Play Tomorrow’ programme. Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has called for applications for its ‘Biathlon for All’ project. Through this programme, IBU will assist National Federations by providing laser/optical rifle sets (rifles, targets, supporters, mats) and digital promotional materials and funds to help implement their strategy for recruiting and training kids and young people.