Global Forum for Sports and Environment
Kayak Foundation, Spain
Through various environmental collaborations, the Kayak Foundation has developed links to a number of sports federations and is using sports’ attractive and dynamic aspects to raise awareness among participant and the general public-especially among young people-in line with the objectives of the Michezo programme*. In order to achieve its goals, the Kayak Foundation counts on the support of a successful athlete, David Cal Figueroa, an Olympic medallist in Athens, as a role model and proponent of how sport can exist in harmony with the environment. The main focus of the organization’s activities is to bring in good environmental practices in all of the events organized in Spain and to fly the Ecoflag as a representative symbol of sustainable sport. The methodological plan followed at each event is based on an evaluation of the environmental impact that it causes, as well as the development of a strategic plan for minimizing these effects. Among the organizations activities in 2004 was a well publicized clean up of a 4km stretch of the Tajo river on 2 October. Working with the Madrileña Canoe Federation and the Aranjuez Canoe School, 50 volunteers in 25 kayaks removed 500kg of non-biodegradable material that was contaminating the river. The Kayak Foundation was also instrumental in minimizing the impact and promoting environmental awareness among participants and spectators at the popular XXI Villa of Aranguez Race, which attracts 2500 sportspeople to a 10km circuit race alongside the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. Since last year the organization has incorporated the Ecoflag, in conjunction with environmental messages and information, as a tool for maximizing the awareness increasing potential of these major events. At the Spanish Kayak Pole Championships in Madrid on 2-3 October 2004, Mr. Santiago Fisas, Madrid’s Advisor on Sports and Culture, raised the flag before the 180 athletes taking part. The Fundación Kayak will continue to fly the Ecoflag throughout its busy 2005 schedule, including: For more information on the Fundación Kayak, contact José Juan de León y Madueño at piraguamadrid@ya.com or see http://www.piraguamadrid.com/ (Spanish only) *The core objectives of UNEP’s Michezo programme are to promote the integration of environmental considerations in sports; to use the popularity of sports to promote environmental awareness and respect for the environment amongst the public, especially young people, and to promote the development of environmentally friendly sports facilities and manufacturing of environmentally friendly sporting goods. LINK : |
The Fundación Kayak (Kayak Foundation) is a non-profit organization whose aim is the development of people through sports and culture, and through respect, protection and restoration of the environment. (Report by José Juan de León y Madueño, President of Kayak Foundation).