Swimming towards sustainability: ASR initiatives at the European Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships Setubal 2025
In partnership with the Portuguese Swimming Federation, European Aquatics is implementing a comprehensive Sustainability & Legacy Programme for the European Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships Setubal 2025, as part of its wider Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) Strategy. This initiative builds on the momentum of recent successes and aims to minimise the environmental impact of the event while fostering meaningful social and economic benefits for the host community.
The programme is guided by five key priority areas, each aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Firstly, a Green Task Force made up of volunteers will be present throughout the event to engage with participants and spectators, raising awareness around environmental issues and encouraging sustainable practices. Alongside this, a Sustainable Fun Zone will be established to offer interactive games and activities focused on environmental themes, helping to educate younger participants in a memorable and engaging way.
A significant step towards reducing single-use plastic waste will be achieved through the “Eliminate the Plastic” initiative, which replaces plastic bottles with on-site and hotel-based water fountains. Furthermore, waste management will be improved with the introduction of biodegradable cups during meals and a strong focus on recycling across the venue. In a nod to community inclusivity, the Championships will also operate under a solidarity ticketing model, meaning that no tickets will be sold, further ensuring the local population can engage with the event freely and fully to strengthen community ties and improve interest in the sport.
Further sustainability measures have been introduced to extend the impact of the programme. These include plogging sessions, where participants collect litter while jogging along the beach or in the water and a reduction in the number of powerboats used, with increased reliance on manually powered craft such as kayaks, helping to reduce emissions and protect the marine environment.
These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of European Aquatics and the Portuguese Swimming Federation to deliver aquatics events that contribute positively to both the sport and the planet. Their formal declarations reaffirm the importance of environmental protection and water conservation as essential components of a healthy and sustainable future for sport and society.
The measures aim to leave a lasting impression on both the area and the attendees – leaving behind a meaningful legacy. Further details about the Sustainability & Legacy Plan will be shared in the lead-up to the Championships through the official channels of European Aquatics and the Portuguese Swimming Federation.
Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics
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