World Athletics Nominated for ‘Elite Organisation of the Year’ at BBC Green Sport Awards
World Athletics has made headlines as one of the nominees for the prestigious ‘Elite Organisation of the Year’ award at this year’s BBC Green Sport Awards. This recognition highlights the organization’s commitment to sustainability and its proactive stance on environmental issues within the realm of competitive sports.
Celebrating Sustainable Sports Initiatives
Launched in 2022, the BBC Green Sport Awards aim to honor individuals and organizations worldwide that are making significant strides toward a more sustainable future through their sporting practices. The awards serve as a platform to celebrate the positive contributions of athletes, former athletes, and organizations dedicated to enacting and inspiring change in the sports industry. By focusing on the good news, BBC Sport seeks to shine a light on those who are leading the charge for environmental stewardship in sports.
The Significance of the ‘Elite Organisation of the Year’ Award
The ‘Elite Organisation of the Year’ award specifically recognizes professional or high-performance sports organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental and climate change issues over the past year. This award is a testament to the growing awareness and responsibility that sports organizations have towards sustainability, reflecting a broader trend in society where environmental considerations are becoming increasingly paramount.
World Athletics’ Notable Initiatives
World Athletics has earned its nomination through a series of impactful initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability. One of the standout programs is the Athletics for a Better World Standard, which evaluates the environmental, social, and local economic impacts of athletic events. This standard has been integrated into the event bidding and licensing process, ensuring that sustainability is a key consideration for future events.
Additionally, the Champions for a Better World program invites athletes to advocate for environmental issues, empowering them to use their platforms to raise awareness and inspire action. World Athletics has consistently spotlighted climate issues and their implications for sports, further solidifying its role as a leader in the movement towards sustainable practices in athletics.
Competing Nominees
World Athletics is in esteemed company, competing against other notable nominees such as the motorsport series Extreme E, the organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), and World Rugby. Each of these organizations has made significant contributions to promoting sustainability in their respective sports, making the competition for the award particularly fierce.
Individual Recognition: Rhydian Cowley
In addition to the organizational nomination, Australian race walker Rhydian Cowley has been recognized as a finalist in the ‘World Athlete of the Year’ category. Cowley, who earned a bronze medal in the marathon race walk mixed relay at the recent Olympic Games, is a member of the World Athletics Champions for a Better World program. His nomination is a reflection of his dedication to climate advocacy and his efforts to promote environmental sustainability on both local and global stages.
Upcoming Awards Ceremony
The winners of the BBC Green Sport Awards will be announced live at the BBC Radio Theatre in London on Monday, October 7, just before the annual Sport Positive Summit, which begins on October 8 at the Kia Oval. This event promises to be a significant gathering for those passionate about sustainability in sports.
Additional Nominations for World Athletics
World Athletics has also been shortlisted for the Transformation Award at the inaugural Sport Positive Awards, which will be revealed on October 8 at the Kia Oval. Furthermore, World Athletics Vice President and Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei has been nominated in the ‘Regional Leader – Africa’ category, showcasing the organization’s commitment to leadership in sustainability across different regions.
Conclusion
World Athletics’ nomination for the ‘Elite Organisation of the Year’ at the BBC Green Sport Awards underscores the vital role that sports organizations play in addressing environmental challenges. Through innovative programs and a commitment to sustainability, World Athletics is not only enhancing the integrity of the sport but also inspiring athletes and fans alike to take action for a better world. As the awards ceremony approaches, the spotlight will be on these trailblazers who are paving the way for a greener future in athletics and beyond.
For a full list of nominees for the BBC Green Sport Awards, visit here. Additionally, details on the Sport Positive Awards nominees can be found here.