Hitting THE SPOT for controlling and monitoring the effects of air pollution on sporting events

The effects poor air quality has on all sporting events, including the competitors themselves, organisers, and spectators is a major concern for organisers and sporting bodies around the world. The problem affects all sporting organisations and must be tackled through collaboration, commitment and determination, not only between the sporting bodies but industry too.

The Air Quality and Sport Challenge has been set-up by the Sustainable Mountain Alliance, Thinksport, and the Sustainable Sport Lab with further support from high-profile stakeholders, such as the International Olympic Committee, World Athletics, Formula E, the Union Cycliste Internationale, and ENGSO. Major efforts are being focused on air quality solutions for mountainous environments. They will be hosting a special event, THE SPOT, on 17th and 18th May, which will highlight solutions for controlling air pollution. For companies specialising in air quality monitoring, THE SPOT offers a great opportunity to have their technology and solutions on display for a whole month at the Maison du Sport International, home to more than 50 International Sport Federations and Associations.

Participants can display their solutions and technology by reserving a booth at THE SPOT and experience this unique event on the shores of Lake Geneva. Participants will be able to play their part in lessening the impact of air pollution in sport, while enabling them to create partnerships and involve themselves in some of the leading, global sporting events. This is also a great way for exhibitors to enhance their global profile – so it is an ideal event for both start-up companies, as well as some of the household names in air monitoring technology. NGO’s academia and municipal and public organisations will also play an important role at THE SPOT

The organisers are seeking out solutions for measuring and mitigating the effect of poor air quality on athletes. They want to ensure that relevant air quality information is available to aid decision-making in real time for recreational and professional athletes. Wearable technologies, bio health solutions and other simple solutions are welcome.

Also being highlighted are scalable and affordable solutions for cleaning polluted air and reducing air pollution at indoor and outdoor sport venues of all sizes and mobility at major sporting events and mountain resorts, for instance: zero emission vehicles, smart traffic management, etc.

A prestigious selection panel, which will be announced soon, will include specialists from the many high profile global sporting associations and organisations, along with scientists and professional athletes will appraise the submitted projects. Their main criteria will be based on impact, originality, feasibility, scalability and presentation.

The registration process for applicants will end on March 21 and 30 candidates will be chosen to enter the Challenge. These competitors will participate in THE SPOT’s online network accelerator to learn about the air quality needs of sporting events and to improve or modify their solutions accordingly. THE SPOT offers participants an opportunity to make unique connections and exchanges with major sport stakeholders. In April, the 10 best proposals will be picked and invited to continue the training that get them ready for the final pitch at THE SPOT in May. The deadline for applications is Monday 21st March and the selected participants will be announced on March 24th.

If you are interested in participating in the Challenge, click here.