In 2021, the Norwegian Sports Federation published the document “Sports and Sustainability – A Knowledge Base”. The concept of sustainability is gaining more and more attention, and as organizers of the U23 European Athletics Championships, to be held at Fana Stadium from July 17 to 20, 2025, we are fully aware of our responsibility. Our Sustainability Manager, Jørgen Møklebust Austvik, answers some important and relevant questions regarding sustainability both before, during, and after the Championships.
We first asked Jørgen what motivated him to volunteer for such a large event and why he specifically wanted to work with sustainability. Jørgen explains that he has always been active in sports, particularly in athletics since he was 16 years old. He is passionate about promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle but emphasizes that being active is not just about training. He appreciates that this message aligns with the values of the U23 European Championships. Jørgen has previously volunteered at major sporting events and has greatly enjoyed it.
“The role of the Sustainability Manager came naturally to me, as I am passionate about public health and the environment. In my job as a Marketing and Sustainability Manager at the BIR-company, I work daily towards a more circular economy, where the waste management-industry plays a significant role. I also work extensively with waste solutions for events”. We are extremely pleased to have Jørgen on our TEAM BERGEN!
A lot of work has gone into selecting the most relevant sustainability goals for the U23 Championships. Six specific goals have been chosen for us to have an extra focus on. When asked how these should be prioritized, Jørgen responded:
“I believe we can contribute the most to two of the six sustainability goals we have chosen: Good Health & Well-being (Goal 3) and Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10). We have chosen the slogan ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’ for the event, partly based on Goal 3. Additionally, we will carry out three public health projects aimed at including and activating children and the elderly. Through Goal 10, we aim to make the event inclusive by encouraging a diverse group of volunteers. We want to provide good references and job training opportunities for those contributing to the Championships. Fana Stadium will also be well-adapted for wheelchair users”.
The U23 European Championships in Bergen will be the city’s second-largest sporting event ever, after the UCI Road World Championships. Hosting such a large event comes with great responsibility. Jørgen explains that the main responsibilities is to ensure equal opportunities for everyone to be part of this wonderful sports community, to highlight the benefits of being active, and to emphasize how enjoyable it is to be active together.
“We want all volunteers to feel that their contribution is essential to the championship’s success, and that the athletes achieving their dreams would not have been able to do so without the incredible voluntary effort behind the event”.
The work to recruit volunteers and engage the local community started early. Sports clubs, schools, and the elderly were key target groups, along with a goal of promoting diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender, age, and orientation. Our slogan, ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’, describes the athletes, but it also describes all our volunteers, the coaches, the support teams, and every spectator. We are all the Heroes of Tomorrow, and we must all work together for a safe and sustainable future for everyone.
“We want to ensure that everyone is included, and that the event gives back to society.”
