SYDNEY (Australia) - The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 has a bold ambition to make the event the most sustainable edition since its inception in 1953.

With the support of FIBA and the Australian Government, the LOC is committed to a number of initiatives. These initiatives are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and  guided by the Sports for Climate Action Framework, which FIBA joined in 2020, that was created by the UN and designed around three focus areas including:

Reducing Environmental Impact: Including the push for public transport, including free train travel courtesy of the NSW Government; travel & ticket emissions' off-set opportunities for teams/spectators, and correct recycling/waste options at venues.

Responsible sourcing: Including using local suppliers where possible, using recyclable materials and supporting suppliers who source responsibly.

Inspire and educate: including highlighting the importance of sustainability to participants, stakeholders and fans, creating a blueprint for future events and delivering a legacy program that empowers and engages women and girls.

Current Australian Opals squad member and Cool Down athlete, Marianna Tolo, is throwing her support behind the program. Tolo believes it's everyone's responsibility to contribute to a more sustainable future.

"As an athlete it can be easy to get caught in a bubble that centres around your performance on a court or field, but whether you’re an athlete, builder, doctor, teacher, parent, or from any walk of life, we all have a collective responsibility for the environment," Tolo said.

"The prospect of being able to play in a World Cup on home soil is such an exciting one as an athlete, but it makes me extra proud to know the event is committed to playing its role in the future of our planet, a cause well beyond the world of sport."

Tolo at the recent FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament played in Serbia

FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Chief Executive Melissa King said: "We're thrilled to be hosting such an inspiring event in Sydney and to be welcoming some of the world's best basketballers to our backyard this September, but we're also acutely aware of the impact hosting these major events can have on the environment." 

Fans and spectators can learn more about the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 sustainability initiatives, including tips on how they can support them, here.

The Sustainability Program is supported by the Australian Government as part of their overall grant for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022.

 FIBA