Green Sports Alliance Introduces New Annual Awards Honoring Sustainability Champions

Green Sports Alliance Updates Annual Awards

The Green Sports Alliance (the Alliance) recently made significant announcements regarding its annual industry awards during the 16th Annual Green Sports Alliance Summit. These awards are designed to honor achievements that illustrate critical intersections of sports, sustainability, and social responsibility. In a notable development, the Alliance introduced the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award.

Celebrating Bill Walton's Legacy

This new award serves as a tribute to the impressive legacy of Bill Walton, a Hall of Famer and renowned broadcaster who used his platform to advocate for environmental issues, social equity, and the transformative potential of sports. Known for his passion and commitment, Walton inspires others to take action on behalf of the planet and society. The Bill Walton Global Champion Award will be awarded on an annual basis to a pioneering individual who exemplifies both environmental advocacy and social justice, reflecting the culture of leadership the Alliance champions.

Call for Nominations

The nomination process for the Bill Walton Global Champion Award is now open, running until February 28, 2026. The Green Sports Alliance encourages the global community involved in sports and sustainability to submit names of individuals whose work represents bold leadership and commitment to environmental causes. The collective effort aims to spotlight those who strive for a greener, more inclusive future.

Expanding the Awards Program

In addition to the new award, the Alliance will continue to celebrate excellence within various leagues, teams, and sports venues through its traditional Play to Zero awards. This year, they are implementing more specific categories recognizing advancements in renewable energy investments, water replenishment initiatives, and efficiency upgrades. There will also be a new Verified Category, acknowledging organizations that have received externally verified or certified data.

Sports members within the Alliance are encouraged to apply for the Play to Zero Awards before the deadline of March 3, 2026. The application forms are available online for those interested in showcasing their environmental achievements.

Upcoming Summit

The annual Green Sports Alliance Summit will be held in Cleveland, taking place May 5-7, 2026. This event will honor those who actively work towards creating a sustainable future through sports. Interested parties can register to attend the summit through the provided link.

Conclusion

The Green Sports Alliance continues to leverage sports' cultural power to foster healthier, sustainable communities. With the introduction of the Bill Walton Global Champion Award, the Alliance demonstrates its commitment to celebrating those making significant strides towards environmental stewardship in the realm of sports.

For updates and details on how to nominate, visit the official Green Sports Alliance website.