Gulf Today, Staff Reporter The first-ever Sport Impact Summit (SIS) 2024, attended by Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Suhail Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports and Secretary General of the UAE School and Higher Education Sports Federation, gathered more than 200 international leaders, dignitaries, and innovators. The […]
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The first-ever Sport Impact Summit (SIS) 2024, attended by Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Suhail Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports and Secretary General of the UAE School and Higher Education Sports Federation, gathered more than 200 international leaders, dignitaries, and innovators.
The summit emphasized the pivotal role of sport in addressing significant global issues, including climate change, sustainability, and public health.
Under the auspices of Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, the event took place at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, acting as an engaging venue for meaningful dialogues, creative partnerships, and practical takeaways.
Among the key attractions was the masterclass from the UAE Ministry of Sport, delivered by Oxford SDG and Sport Impact, which showcased leadership in sustainability and exemplary practices.
Moreover, the Sport Impact Summit featured motivating narratives from entities like McLaren, Deloitte, ATP Tour, Nitto, Sail GP, and Reflo, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and ecological advocacy.
Additional highlights included the Moneyball Talk, led by Dureka Carrasquillo, which delved into the evolving dynamics of financing in sports sustainability sponsorship with experts from 1.5 Capital, SURJ, Udinese Calcio, and VTV Consulting. Furthermore, the Player Power Panel, including Justin Coghlan, Dominic Thiem, and Lucy Shuker, discussed the expanding influence of athletes in fostering a momentum of positive change. The Biodiversity Tour, in collaboration with Goumbook and Atlantis Dubai, highlighted the relationship between sports and environmental conservation.
Mike Ford, Co-Founder of SIS, stated, “The immense excitement we’ve experienced confirms the sporting community’s readiness to take decisive steps toward tackling sustainability and health issues. As part of our dedication to the region and our vision, we are thrilled to unveil a series of upcoming masterclasses in the area and announce the launch of the Sport Impact Summit 2025, set to occur during the Dubai Fitness Challenge in 2025. This summit marks just the beginning of what we aspire to evolve into a global initiative. Our objective is to persist in harnessing the power of sport to inspire transformation, fuel innovation, and ensure a sustainable future for the coming generations.”
Sean Morris, co-founder of the Sport Impact Summit, noted, “The triumph of this summit has illustrated the unified strength of sport and the necessity for cooperative efforts. This gathering has sparked vital partnerships and concepts that will continue to influence the future of sustainability in sports, helping to take concrete actions toward a better world.”
