Welcome to Sustainability and Sports! This online module was developed by UNB Sustainability, with assistance from the Office of Experiential Education.   

What is sport?  

“Sport” refers to an organized activity involving two or more participants engaged for the purpose of competition. It involves formal rules, requires specialized skills and strategies, and includes training or coaching (CCES 2022).   

There are over 100 sports in the world and various ways to categorize them. In this module, we will categorize them into the following:  

Individual sports, where participants rely on themselves to succeed. Some examples include: squash, swimming, and golf.  

And team sports, which emphasize the importance of working together with others as a team to succeed. Examples include soccer, hockey, and basketball. 

There is a long history of the positive effects sports have on societies across the world. Some may appreciate sports for entertainment, while others focus on the mental, physical, and social health benefits. Involvement in sports, especially among youth, is also associated with improved life skills, increased empowerment, and leadership qualities.  

Sports have also been an integral part of cultural traditions throughout the history of Indigenous peoples. Traditional games and sports *have* both spiritual and practical purposes. Today, the North American Indigenous Games are held every summer to celebrate this traditional relationship (Sport for Life Society 2016).  

More broadly, sports bring people and communities together. They create a sense of community by encouraging active citizenship and a sense of security among community members (CCES 2022).  

Participating in sports or some form of physical activity is strongly encouraged at each stage in life, particularly by health professionals. As a proven way to prevent a sedentary lifestyle, it is linked to reducing the risk of developing some health conditions.   

But how do sports connect to sustainability? 

As mentioned in the Sustainability 101 module, sustainability is defined as development that meets today’s needs without compromising future needs. Whether directly or indirectly, sports have an impact on all dimensions of sustainability from both an athlete’s and a spectator’s perspectives.   

In this module, we’ll take a close look at how sports intersect with sustainability. We’ll consider the importance of considering sustainability in the context of sports and major sporting events, and the impact that sports have on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We’ll also consider the ways sports impact climate change and how climate change is and will continue to impact various aspects of sport. Finally, you’ll learn about some of the organizations working to support sustainability in sports and have the chance to reflect on the ways sustainability and sport impact your life.