The Sport Positive Awards recognise projects from the world of sport that play a pioneering role in terms of climate protection and sustainability. The power of sport is to be used to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time, including environmental justice and biodiversity. Jury members include the International Olympic Committee, the BBC Green Sports Awards and UN Global Climate Action.
The winners include Starboard, one of the best-known water sports brands. Starboard was recognised not only for its work in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, land restoration and marine conservation, but also for its achievement in creating positive impact. The company is committed to innovation and believes that neutrality no longer exists and is doing everything it can to protect the planet for future generations.
Mangroves for a positive CO2 balance
From creating their own VERRA-certified beach clean-up and community support project, the Plastic Offset Programme, to planting enough mangroves with the Worldview International Foundation to commit ten times their total corporate emissions, Starboard demonstrates the opportunities that both sport and business have to make a positive impact.
Svein Rasmussen, CEO of Starboard and former Olympic windsurfer, describes the company's approach:
It's about progress, ambition and sharing... We have proven that leading companies and even Olympic sports can be positive for the planet."
Rasmussen is referring to Starboard's cooperation with other sports organisations such as the Professional Windsurfing Association, the International Canoe Federation and World Sailing.
Celebrities from UEFA, Formula E and the NBA on the Sport Positive Awards jury
There were some strong nominees in the "Reducing Climate Impact" category, such as the acclaimed Ocean Race. However, the independent jury of experts, including prominent figures from UEFA, Formula E and the NBA, chose Starboard as the first ever winner of the title.
The celebrations continued with Amara Witchithhong, Thailand's first female world champion windsurfer, dedicated environmental activist and long-time partner of Starboard, who also won the title of Regional Leader - Asia. The former Olympian escaped a childhood of extreme poverty to dedicate her life to helping her local community protect the ocean she calls home.
Small company with great appreciation
Despite the watersports sector's relatively small fan base and the company's modest market share, Starboard and Amara have perhaps shown that winning the award was not just a matter of size and international significance, but also of motivation.
Going forward, the Starboard team has set itself the goal of helping others to take similar action and bring about meaningful change across the industry.
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf
