Sport and Sustainability
We know the positive role sport plays in promoting healthy lifestyles and building communities. Grassroots clubs the length and breadth of Ireland are testament to sport’s inherent attraction and power.
The range of social, environmental, and economic issues which affect us globally, are also causing significant challenges for the sports community. Both in terms of day-to-day operations and duties to our young people and future generations.
But with this, there’s growing recognition also around how the power of sport can be used to help inspire participants and followers towards building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. That means for clubs themselves, their communities and for the environment.
Meath LSP’s groundbreaking initiative
It’s against this background that Meath LSP is leading an exciting new initiative promoting social and environmental sustainability in sport.
Through committing to pursue sustainability, a club can inspire its members and the local community to become more conscious of their own individual actions.
Whether aimed at maximising the social or community benefits of their club, or acting responsibly around their club’s environment and surroundings, there’s opportunity to work together for positive change.
Project Long Game – Saturday 28 January
The “Project Long Game” information event (9.30am-1pm, Saturday 28th January, Solstice Centre, Navan) will show local club leaders, decision makers and volunteers etc how they can make their club more socially and environmentally sustainable.
A host of local and expert international speakers will share insights around best practice, the benefits and crucially, advise how clubs can make a start on sustainability. (And in doing so, how they can meet objectives of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).)
With a line up including leaders of progressive grassroots GAA, football and rugby clubs, attendees will learn of the many opportunities to be gained through making this commitment.
The benefits driven for their players, supporters and communities – be it attracting new members, reduced costs, better sponsorships, meaningful environmental action etc. – are increasingly apparent and compelling.
Learnings from further afield
In addition to hearing about learnings and case studies from the GAA’s key ‘‘Healthy Clubs’ and ‘Green Clubs’ programmes, world sport and sustainability expert Russell Seymour will share his perspective on the significance of Meath’s ‘Project Long Game’.
Lastly, with the international conversation now including the likes of Meathman Sean McCabe (Climate Justice Manager, Bohemian FC) and triple Irish Olympic athlete, Natalya Coyle, the audience will hear how the county can play a leading and impactful role for the years to come.
As they say in sport, “It’s all to play for.”
Register now to attend this free event at www.projectlonggame.ie
