More than ten years ago, the International Boxing Federation (AIBA) established a redistribution policy for the sport equipment it acquires for its annual major events. For each event, AIBA secures sponsorship partners that provide the necessary equipment, such as boxing rings, boxing gloves, head guards, pads and punching bags. Within the framework of the sponsor agreement is the understanding that all equipment used for the event will be donated to the host National Federation (NF). The NF then has the responsibility of redistributing the equipment to local clubs and development centres in order to help athletes who require proper equipment for training and competition.
In the words of the United Nations: “While the world has achieved progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, women and girls continue to suffer discrimination in every part of the world. ”Building on its ongoing efforts to promote and respect gender equality, World Taekwondo (WT) has developed and implemented a strategy designed to guarantee that half of all referees officiating at WT-sanctioned events are women – representing a substantial step towards gender equality.
World Sailing has placed sustainability at the heart of the organisation. Following the publication in November 2016 of the first World Sailing Sustainability Strategy (2017-2030), which evolved through internal research and a stakeholder consultation process, World Sailing hired a dedicated sustainability expert in June 2017.
World Rugby recognises the power of sport as a catalyst for social development and a tool to improve people’s lives. To harness this spirit and engage with the wider rugby family, World Rugby developed “Spirit of Rugby” in 2016. As part of this programme, World Rugby invited organisations to submit proposals for joint sustainability-related projects, providing them with an opportunity to partner with the International Federation (IF) and leverage the “Spirit of Rugby” initiative’s visibility and energy.
Fresh water accounts for less than one per cent of the world’s water bodies, and one billion people currently have no access to safe drinking water. Recognising the vital global importance of clean fresh water, the World Rowing Federation (FISA) and WWF joined forces in 2011 to address this key issue in sustainable development, a crucial element for the sport of rowing and the well-being of its athletes. World Rowing believes it has a responsibility to not only apply environmentally sustainable practices, but also to take a lead in this global issue. Through the partnership, World Rowing has been able to educate rowing communities and the public about the value of clean water.
World Archery has cut back on the use of plastic bottles at competitions, reducing waste and saving money. One million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute – and this number is forecast to jump another 20 per cent by 2021, according to the Guardian/ Euromonitor. This volume of plastic is contributing to an environmental crisis some campaigners predict will be as serious as climate change, posing significant threats to our health, our oceans and our wildlife
When planning its new World Archery Excellence Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland, World Archery resolved to create a building that was sustainable and had positive impacts on both the sport of archery and the local community. Through an agreement with the city of Lausanne, World Archery received the land in exchange for providing electricity to the city through its solar panels
The International Fistball Association (IFA) and the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) aim to place sustainable development at the core of their organisations to create positive economic, social and environmental impacts through their operations and events. The limited resources of both International Federations (IFs) encouraged them to collaborate, sharing information and resources on different topics including sustainability. As a result, they have been able to provide a higher level of support to their National Federations (NFs) and Local Organising Committees (LOCs).
In May 2017, five International Federations (IFs) and the IOC created a working group to tackle the ongoing issue of pollution in natural water bodies, in an effort to increase the safety of athletes and promote legacy projects in host cities for water sports, recreation and the environment.
Environmental pollution by lead is a global issue. No known level of lead exposure is considered safe, and the toxin is one of the most deadly on the planet. Its common use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination and widespread public health problems, harming young children in particular. Before 2011, Modern Pentathlon athletes used approximately 25 tonnes of lead pellets per year globally, some of which inevitably ended up in the environment. The International Union of Modern Pentathlon (UIPM) took this into consideration and, wanting also to improve safety and inclusivity for its athletes, changed from lead to laser pistols in 2011. Laser equipment is safer to use, has minimal security restrictions and is available to children, allowing UIPM events to target new audiences and be conducted in different locations, such as city centres, public parks, clubs and schools. Many countries have restrictions for minors when it comes to shooting and possession of sport pistols, but this is not the case for laser equipment. Since the introduction of laser pistols, the number of athletes has doubled and the UIPM has introduced new disciplines, enabling the engagement of youth, and inspiring future athletes. A new event, Laser-Run City Tour, reached almost 60 cities and 15,000 participants of all ages in 2017.