The main objectives of GAMES (ERASMUS-SPORT-2021-SCP, Project n. 101049869) were to raise environmental awareness and promote the adoption of sustainable practices to combat climate change among key stakeholders in sports, with the goal of making sports events more sustainable. By analyzing the gaps in environmental governance of sports events, the project focused its activities on the entire lifecycle of events, with particular attention to Athletics, Floorball, and Biathlon, in order to prevent and reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the fight against climate change.

GAMES analyzed the environmental governance models adopted by partner sports organizations, conducted audits on environmental management in sports events across three disciplines, and developed guidelines for decarbonization and sustainable management of sports organizations. These guidelines were designed for various levels of the sports sector, from international and national federations to clubs and event organizers.

One of the key elements of the project was supporting partner organizations in developing a Roadmap for the decarbonization of their activities. Relevant actions were identified at both the strategic and operational levels, defining roles and responsibilities, required resources, monitoring indicators, and timelines. As part of the project, all partner organizations implemented at least six concrete actions.

Furthermore, the first study on the environmental footprint of a multi-day mountain running event was carried out to identify the most impactful aspects and develop improvement actions.

A crucial aspect in strengthening the environmental governance of sports organizations was the promotion of a sustainability culture. To this end, GAMES organized webinars and workshops, both in-person and online, to enhance environmental awareness and knowledge among sports organization employees and fans.

Finally, the project leveraged the popularity of sports organizations by supporting them in developing environmental awareness initiatives targeted at fans and improving their environmental communication strategies.
 

Partnership 
• Sant'Anna School (coordinator)
• Die internationale Biathlon Union - IBU (Austria)
• Federation International de Floorball (Switzerland)
• Touchline Pubilishing (UK)
• World Athletics (Principality of Monaco)
• Svenska Innebandyforbundet (Sweden)

_{Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.}