Final symposium on sustainable major sporting events in Germany
Sharing knowledge. Securing support.
On November 6, 2024, the final symposium of the “Sustainable [major] sporting events in Germany” project took place at the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) in Frankfurt am Main. The event brought together more than 100 participants, including numerous sports organizers and representatives from sports organizations, politics, business and administration. The symposium focused on the importance of sustainable sporting events and the results of the two-year project, which was jointly driven forward by the German Sport University Cologne (DSHS), the Institute for Applied Ecology (Öko-Institut e.V) and the DOSB.
Insights into the project and presentation of the new web portal
Moderated by para-swimmer Andreas Onea, the symposium offered a comprehensive review of the project results, which were presented by Prof. Dr. Ralf Roth (DSHS) and Christian Siegel (DOSB). They emphasized the intensive cooperation and the expertise that was contributed by both the project partners and a large number of experts in the participation formats. The aim of the project is to support event organizers throughout Germany in the sustainable design of their sporting events.
As a central result of these efforts, a web portal “Sustainable [major] sporting events” was developed. The symposium provided the first exclusive insights into the portal, which is currently being finalized. Participants had the opportunity to explore the current status and provide feedback in order to further improve the functions and content. From January 2024, the portal will be available to all interested parties and provide comprehensive, scientifically sound information for the sustainable organization of sporting events.
Panel discussion: The future of sustainable sporting events
In a lively panel discussion, representatives of key stakeholder groups discussed the future of sustainable sporting events. Georg van der Vorst from S20 - The Sponsors' Voice e.V. and Viessmann emphasized how sponsors are increasingly focusing on sustainability and the associated responsibility. Companies are often pioneers in this respect and can use the lever of financing to provide valuable impetus for sporting events that goes beyond traditional sponsorship
Mareike Miller from "Athleten Deutschland" emphasized the role of athletes as a crucial stakeholder group that should be more involved in sustainability strategies. Athletes could act as role models through their visibility and reach and further promote awareness of sustainable practices.
Stefanie Schulte from the DFB and Niklas Börger from the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games emphasized the need to involve all stakeholders in order to comprehensively implement sustainable concepts.
A strong signal for a sustainable future in sport
The final symposium made it clear that sustainability in sport is no longer an additional service, but an essential component for the future of sporting events. The discussions and exchanges at the event showed how important it is for event organizers, political institutions, sponsors and athletes, among others, to work closely together to make sustainable sporting events possible.
The “Sustainable [major] sporting events in Germany” project is funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection. Further information on the project and the availability of the web portal from 2024 can be found on the project page: Sustainable Major Sporting Events.
The project team would like to thank all speakers and the valuable input of all participants at the symposium.
A project of DOSB, DSHS and Öko-Institut e.V