Sport for change - Official page 2025

Sport: A Key Soft Power That Can Change the World

Faced with climate emergencies, inequalities, and a failing system, we no longer have the luxury of being spectators.
Taking action is necessary. Engaging is the key.

Sport unites. It ignites passion, stirs emotions, and mobilizes people on a massive scale.
It’s urgent to harness this power—not just as entertainment or a commercial tool, but as a true force for influence and positive transformation.

What do we stand for?

For sports and events aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Let’s rethink existing models, from mega-events to the entire economic framework of sports.

For a sport where women’s presence and leadership inspire and pave the way for true equality.
Let’s break down the boys’ clubs running sports (federations, media…) and embed strong education programs from the very first step on the field.

For a sport that inspires and acts beyond the podiums.
Let’s empower athletes in their role as opinion leaders and put an end to sportwashing.

why sport?

Sport is an excellent way of creating cohesion and emulation, and a formidable emotion generator. Some people challenge themselves, emancipate themselves and shine thanks to sport. There’s no shortage of superlatives. Sport has become central to modern society, but, against a backdrop of climate crisis, the collapse of biodiversity and the questioning of models, we asked ourselves what place sport had, and what place it should take.

We don’t want to choose between sport and the environmental transition, but create a future that allows both to happen.

WHY sport?

The aim of our program is to contribute to provide answers to three major questions that we have raised :

How is the sports industry addressing and contributing to climate change and society’s most pressing issues?
How can sporting events and organisations implement large-scale solutions?
How can athletes and sports leaders use their voice to have a positive impact on people and society?

Driving Change through 4 pillars.

Inspiring and Committed Conferences.

This year, Sport for Change presents a series of impactful conferences, bringing together athletes, experts, and decision-makers to exchange perspectives and pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable sports industry.
💬 How are female champions breaking barriers and driving change in sport and society?
🌍 What concrete commitments are needed to align sporting events with the Paris Agreement?

Athletes’ Academy.

Launch of The Ordinary Project: Open to professional athletes and their sponsors, this event offers a unique immersion into a program designed to guide them toward concrete actions. Workshops, discussions, and inspiring meetings will shape this half-day, providing an opportunity to explore how athletes can become drivers of positive change.
Open-door event, organized by Outdoor Sports Valley and Protect Our Winters.

Hot Topic of the Year: Mountains & Glaciers.

Witnesses and first victims of climate change, mountains are transforming. How can we balance preservation, sport, and economy without jeopardizing their future? This year, a dedicated zone, a major conference, and strategic meet-ups will bring together scientists, experts, athletes, economic players, and NGOs to explore concrete solutions and new perspectives. As 2025 marks a special year for glacier preservation, we will host a Glaciers Night, gathering key actors working to protect our summits, raise awareness, and drive action for this crucial cause.

Act & Connect

From open Meetups & Gatherings to exclusive Sport for Change and Sport Business events, every networking moment is designed to inspire action and accelerate impact. Whether you’re an athlete, corporate leader, changemaker, or industry expert, these sessions will offer a unique space to exchange ideas, spark synergies, and drive meaningful change together.

Climb Your Summit

A Climbing Experience by Climbing District

Climbing District is taking part in the Change for Now Forum, the must-attend event dedicated to sustainable initiatives and impact-driven innovations.

Scale an 8-metre climbing wall set up under the iconic glass roof of the Grand Palais with Climbing District.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, take on the challenge and support the solidarity expedition of the Apart association, backed by Arc’teryx. This expedition will take eight young people on a journey to document and film the melting glaciers in France, raising awareness of this critical environmental issue.

Climb in one of Paris’ most iconic venues and be inspired by the transition towards a more sustainable world!

With Climbing District, push your limits.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE CHANGENOW
2024 EDITION

This year’s Sport for Change took place all day on March 25, 2024 during the ChangeNOW Summit (Grand Palais Ephèmère, Paris)

Inspiring ecosystem leaders through 3 conferences, 2 workshops and a tailor-made program for professional athletes.

Highlight solutions & innovations through a pitch session and, for the first time at ChangeNOW, a sport village during the 3-day event.

Gather the sport ecosystem throughout the day, ending the day on a networking session for sport leaders (Federations, Clubs, Major Sponsors, Organizations, NGOs, etc.).

Playlist

3 Videos

The big shift in sport: who and how? | ChangeNOW2024

1:21:55

[FR] Jeux olympiques et paralympiques d’Hiver 2030 | ChangeNOW2024

36:02

47:44

They attended changenow in 2025

SPORT SPONSORS CLIMATE PLEDGE

In a pivotal initiative to redefine the intersection of sport and environmental responsibility, ChangeNOW, in collaboration with 17Sport and Fair Play For Planet, presented the Sport Sponsors Climate Pledge.

A call to action for sport sponsors to align with certified planet-warming emissions reduction objectives. It transcends existing charters by correlating financial support in the sporting world with a certified GHG footprint reduction, directly in line with the Paris Agreement.

“In recent years, we went from collective denial to collective awareness. NOW is the time to move towards collective action. With and through the power of sport.” – Kevin Tayebaly, Co-founder, ChangeNOW

Why CHANGENOW

Our job is to identify and highlight positive impact entrepreneurs who do not have access to the visibility, recognition and business opportunities they deserve. These resources are key for their growth.

HOW TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES OF SPORT?

Empowering Change Through Sport

Major sporting events often leave a significant carbon footprint due to stadium construction, fan transportation, and material usage. However, both inside and beyond arenas, sports organizations and athletes wield a powerful voice to address climate change issues and influence society’s most pressing concerns.

Do you know which sports are the most polluting?

Skiing with 800,000 tonnes of CO2e per year, equivalent to the production of 22 million smartphones
Formula 1, with almost 260,000 tonnes of CO2e emitted each year
Golf is the most polluting sport in terms of water and pesticides.
Soccer is the most polluting sport in terms of travel and infrastructure during World Cups.