Sport is not immune to climate change. A phrase echoed by the BBC, they have decided to partner with Sport Positive Summit to launch the first edition of the BBC Green Sport Awards, aimed at highlighting the work of athletes and organizations that champion sustainability.
The award segments individuals and institutions into five categories: Teamwork, Ambition in Impact, Evergreen Athlete, Athlete of the Year and Young Athlete of the Year.
“Every decision you make in your life affects climate change, so sports is no exception. Sports are part of the climate discussion. We need to be involved and be proactive,” says Ed Leigh, a British sports presenter and commentator.
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He added that the main reason behind the creation of the BBC Green Sport Awards is to showcase the positive things and what is being achieved in the fight against climate change, no matter how complicated or even exhausting the battle may seem.
BBC Green Sports Awards 2022 Nominees
- Athlete of the Year: Pat Cummins, Chris Dickerson, Sarah Hanffou, Hannah Mills and David Pocock
- Young Athlete of the Year: Joe Cooke, Anna Hursey, Zoe Morse, Ellis Spiezia and Morten Thorsby
- Ambition and Environmental Impact: Extreme E, McLaren Racing, SailGP, Southampton Football Club
- Teamwork: Birmingham County Football Association (Save Today, Play Tomorrow), Cup 26, Football For Future (FFF) and Jadir Taekwondo Association (AJTKD)
BBC Green Sports Awards 2022 Winners
The award went to professional sportspeople who championed, raised awareness and promoted action on environmental and/or climate change issues in the past 12 months. The winners were announced on October 4.
- Athlete of the Year: David Pocock
- Evergreen Athlete: Leilani Münter
- Young Athlete of the Year: Morten Thorsby
- Ambition and Environmental Impact: SailGP
- Teamwork: Jadir Taekwondo Association (AJTKD)
About Sport Positive Summit
Sport Positive Summit is the leading global summit bringing together sport stakeholders from around the world to support the acceleration of positive climate action and ambition, to safeguard the future of global sport.
In collaboration with UNFCCC Global Climate Action and the International Olympic Committee, the Summit’s outcomes are aligned with the principles of the Sport for Climate Action Framework, providing a supportive platform where sport can learn from each other, disseminate good practice, develop new tools and strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Written | Ronald Ortega