Sport has the power to move, inspire, and unite people all over the world. Utilizing this power and bringing sports onto the field of the climate crisis is the goal of the initiative "Sports For Future," founded in 2019.

Under the motto "One for all, all for the climate", around 100 supporters from all over Germany gathered in Hamburg last weekend (June 24/25, 2022) for the first in-person Sports For Future network meeting.

Representatives from large and small clubs and associations, NGOs, business, and science, as well as active and former athletes – including Olympians Steffi Nerius (javelin throw), rower Carlotta Nwajide, or swimmer Antje Buschschulte – came together in the premises of the sports marketing agency "Sportfive" to exchange ideas and participate in discussion rounds and workshops. The event highlighted the breadth and diversity of sports engagement in sustainability and the positive momentum currently unfolding.

"It is impressive and encouraging to see the diverse commitment to sustainability and climate protection around sports and the opportunities that arise when mutual inspiration takes place. We are confident that many more collaborations will emerge between various clubs, associations, and organizations, and the momentum in sports will continue to grow," says Stefan Wagner, Chairman, and Founder of Sports For Future.

Max Sorst, sustainability expert at the host Sportfive, said: "I am extremely grateful that we were allowed to host the network meeting here. So many committed, motivated, and diverse people from the sports environment in one place – a positive madness. Together, we can and will move and change sustainable topics."

The network meeting started on Friday evening with a panel discussion on the topic of "Power structures in sports." Katja Kraus (Initiative "Fußball kann mehr"), Carlotta Nwajide (rower and activist), and Bernd von Geldern (CEO FC St. Pauli) discussed power structures, diversity, climate protection, and racism in sports. The evening ended with intense conversations among the participants.

On Saturday morning, the event continued with an inspiring keynote speech by Cornelius Eich. The Commercial Manager of "Team Malizia" around sailor Boris Hermann clarified the direct influences of climate change on sailing and reported on how the sailing team even influences global shipping.

Following this, representatives of the network offered interesting workshops on sustainability in sports and sparked lively discussions:

• "Sport Acts Fair" (Michael Louwers) provided insights into the production of conventional sports articles, illustrating what fair trade can achieve and how sports clubs can become more sustainable.
• The workshop by Sportfive (Max Sorst, Lennart Lietz) on sustainable sports marketing explained the role and responsibility that clubs and associations must take to be perceived as credible partners and platforms.
• Myclimate (Harald Rettich) dealt with the development of a suitable strategy for emissions reduction for individuals, companies, and clubs, discussing challenges arising from it with the participants.
• Moderator, journalist, and content creator Louisa Schneider presented current social media trends in climate communication, showcased best practices, and provided direct feedback on participants' online presence.
• Athletes Germany (Hannah Pohl), along with Anne Dietrich (Texas A&M University), offered insights into the work of Athletes Germany and interesting findings from current research in athlete engagement.
• The possibilities of activation for sustainable topics through crowdfunding were illuminated by Fairplaid (Carolin Köster and Francesca Poschen).

Many participants took advantage of the opportunity for intensive discussions during breaks and afterward, extending into late Saturday afternoon. Benefiting from the chance to exchange views across sports, clubs, and industries on climate protection and sustainability, all participants gained new connections and collectively set new goals. Once again, it became clear that there is much more to achieve in sports together. As a team.

#strongertogether #climateactionnow