News article
Sustainability round-up: World Aquatics, Real Betis Balompié, China
Also in the news: FIFA, 2026 Commonwealth Games, Invictus Games…
The world’s largest indoor ski resort has recently opened in China, meaning winter sports fans can enjoy the snow all-year round. However, while China’s winter sports economy is thriving, indoor ski resorts can have a major impact on the environment. Mike Laflin, Founder and Chief Executive of Global Sustainable Sport told Channel News Asia that indoor ski results generally had “a higher carbon footprint, due to the constant need for artificial cooling, lighting, and humidity control”. Despite this, it could provide an opportunity for the country to invest in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.
According to World Aquatics, swimming in Mongolia has continued to rise. The country brought the second largest cadre of competitors to the first stop on the 2024 Swimming World Cup circuit – a total of 26. The eventual performance objective for the Mongolian Amateur Swimming Federation is to progress the performance of its athletes.
During the recent FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 European Qualifier in Cádiz, Andalucía, leftover food from the guest’s area was donated to local social canteens. The primary goal during the qualifier was to create an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone, while minimising impact.
English semi-professional football club Lewes FC, which is attempting to be as green as possible with solar panels, a vegetable garden, vegan food, reusable cups, and a reliance on local suppliers, has called on supporters to donate unused tech. As much technology as possible will be repurposed at the club. Nearly half a billion small electrical items are thrown away in the UK.
Team Australia is set to compete at the Invictus Games 2025 in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, demonstrating Australia’s focus on athlete wellbeing and support. Invictus Australia will ensure athletes are well supported throughout their journey, while partnering with defence services, health professionals, and wellbeing experts.
Spanish football club Real Betis Balompié has celebrated the fourth anniversary of its ‘Forever Green’ environmental programme. Celebrations will see athlete Álvaro Trigo kayak from Sanlúcar de Barrameda to Seville, in a bid to clean the Guadalquivir River.
World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 has united unions across the African continent to help advance the women’s game during the first of six regional summits. The event was held in Stellenbosch and was delivered in partnership with UK Sport.
The Scottish city of Glasgow is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out due to rising costs. Glasgow last hosted the event in 2014, and put itself forward to host the Games in Victoria’s place. However, to ensure financial sustainability, the sports programme will only consist of 10 events.
Image: Hendrik Morkel on Unsplash