In this month’s What’s up student column, a student from Latvia Anastasija Rebezova shares her reflection on local sustainable sport events and engagement in the Fit4Green project.

This event goes beyond just sports - it is a holistic experience based on seven key elements that connect us to nature and responsible movement. Through awareness, action, and reflection, we aim to promote a sustainable approach to sports and outdoor activities. By actively engaging students and other stakeholders, we will explore how our movements interact with the environment, ensuring that our physical activities contribute positively rather than leaving a negative footprint.

A green event, in my opinion, involves more than just employing eco-friendly products or reduce trash. It involves encouraging a mentality change in which each person recognizes the consequences of their behaviour and upholds these principles outside of the event. It is about forming habits: using reusable items instead of throwaway ones, cleaning up after ourselves after events, and actively reclaiming the natural areas we utilize.

In addition to planning an event, Fit4Green is fostering a movement where sports groups take the lead in environmental conservation. I am eager to observe the results of this project and encourage more athletes to compete ethically and to think and behave responsibly.

The author Anastasija Rebezova is a student of social sciences at the University of Latvia. She is also a student member of the Fit4Green project team, representing Latvian University Sports Federation (LUSF/LASS), engaged in co-creating local sports events in partner countries. Fit4Green project is co-funded by the European Union, and its main aim is raising environmental awareness with the help of sport and physical activity.

Are you a student with an opinion? We are looking for new contributors for our student column every month. Feel free to contact stc@eusa.eu to offer a piece or propose a topic.