016c.gifThe 8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment will take place in Vancouver, Canada in the Spring of 2009, as part of the build up for the 2010 Winter Games. The 7th World Conference on Sport and the Environment,hosted by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, just concluded in Beijing.

I’m intrigued by the linkage of sport to the idea of sustainable development. In a press release from the Vancouver Organizing Committee, Gordon Campbell, Premier of the Province of British Columbia is quoted, “This conference reflects the growing global recognition of the importance of combatting global warming and establishing sustainable economies worldwide. Sport brings us all together around the pursuit of excellence. This conference will unite us in assuring that international sporting events lead
the way in building global understanding of sustainability in all aspects of our lives.”

The International Olympic Committee signed their own version of the United Nation’s Agenda 21 initiative in 1999. The IOC’s version of Agenda 21 (subtitled ‘Sport for Sustainable Development’) has three goals: improving social and economic conditions; conserving and managing natural resources; and strengthening the role of women, youth and Indigenous peoples in the Olympic Movement. More
information about the IOC Sport and Environment Commission may be found at www.olympic.org.

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