With a compelling appeal for the preservation of our livelihoods, Sports For Future steps into the public eye to contribute with a prominent and relevant voice to the climate debate. This alliance of athletes, clubs, associations, and other supporters takes a clear stance and embraces the responsibility that sports, as one of the crucial pillars of society, must assume, especially since sports itself contributes to the climate crisis.
The idea, born on the initiative of the Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim, is brought to life and implemented by a network from the world of sports. The initiators include the Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen, second-division football club VfL Osnabrück, the German Sports Youth (dsj), Global United FC e.V., Fabian Hambüchen (gymnastics), Anni Friesinger (speed skating), Holger Nikelis (wheelchair table tennis), Sebastian Polter (football), Jacqueline Otchere (pole vault), Lutz Pfannenstiel (football), and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
"Sports has so far lacked a audible voice on issues of sustainability, the climate crisis, and how we, as a society, want to address it. We are not exempt from contradictions either. That's precisely why we want to proactively take on the responsibility," says Dr. Peter Görlich, managing director of TSG Hoffenheim. Frank Briel, his partner in the management, adds, "We invite athletes, teams, clubs, associations, and other interested parties to support this movement and bring sports into play on this globally significant issue."
Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald, president and managing director of SV Werder Bremen, emphasizes: "We want to give a voice to the future. SV Werder Bremen has stood for assuming societal responsibility for years. Being a part of Sports For Future in these times aligns with our values and self-perception."
„Kindern und Jugendlichen gesellschaftspolitische Teilhabe zu ermöglichen, ist eines der wichtigsten Ziele unserer Arbeit. Die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels werden die heutige Jugend noch viel stärker treffen als die Generationen zuvor. Deshalb ist die Mitwirkung der dsj in diesem breiten und starken Bündnis des Sports selbstverständlich und wichtig. Dadurch gelingt es uns, jungen Menschen im und durch den Sport eine starke Stimme für die anstehenden globalen Herausforderungen zu geben“, sagt Benjamin Folkmann, 2. Vorsitzender der Deutschen Sportjugend (dsj).
"As gymnasts, we regularly grapple with the physical laws of nature. We know that there are no compromises in this regard. If we are not adequately prepared or make a mistake, we fail. The same applies to the climate crisis. We cannot outsmart nature and need a precise plan on how to face the challenges," says artistic gymnast Fabian Hambüchen, Olympic champion and world champion on the horizontal bar.
"VfL Osnabrück is a co-initiator of Sports For Future. As a traditional membership club, we support a lived democracy and participation, objectivity instead of polemics and polarization, far from party-political patterns of thought. Based on scientific research and development. With Sports For Future, we give another loud voice to climate protection. In our unique stadium at Bremer Brücke. But also far beyond," says Jürgen Wehlend, managing director of VfL Osnabrück.
Holger Nikelis, two-time Paralympic champion in wheelchair table tennis: "Through my accident, I have experienced what it is like to lose something irretrievable. Regarding the climate crisis, we still have the chance to act. We should do it – before there is no turning back."
Sports For Future, as a movement representing an entire industry, will operate as a registered non-profit association in the future, with a clearly defined agenda. "We want to gather sports, challenge it, and unite its forces to take a clear stand. We advocate for a rational implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement based on science, for a livable future for youth and future generations, for a fair, respectful debate culture, as well as for solidarity and a societal team spirit," explains Stefan Wagner, co-founder of Sports For Future e.V. (i.G.).
On this basis, Sports For Future takes on the task of launching its own actions, promoting projects, increasing expertise, and strengthening sustainability, climate protection, and democracy. To achieve this, the alliance is building partnerships with institutions such as the Cologne Business School, the Klima Arena in Sinsheim, and other educational facilities.
