The Uganda DanceSport Federation (UDSF) recently had the honor of participating in a three-day Sport For Climate workshop organized by the Uganda Olympic Committee. The workshop focused on empowering athletes and administrators with crucial skills and knowledge for promoting environmental sustainability in sports. UDSF was represented by Mukasa Nathan Mayega, a Breaking Judge with WDSF License A, Bukenya Ian, a judge and staff member at UDSF, and Okello Abraham, a DanceSport athlete and technical officer.
Held at the Noble View Hotel in Ntinda, Kampala, the workshop brought together several participants from various Olympic sports federations in Uganda. The UDSF expresses its heartfelt appreciation for this initiative, which serves to empower federation members with the necessary tools to advocate for environmental protection.
As a leading advocate for climate action, UDSF aligns its efforts with the Annual DanceSport Camp, which is organized each year for youth DanceSport athletes on the theme of “Dance Green and Protect the Environment.” The next 3rd Edition of the camp is set to take place from January 8th to 12th, 2025, in Hoima Oil City.
Participants of the workshop were awarded certificates certified by the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) in recognition of their commitment to environmental sustainability. In response to the growing climate crisis, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has committed to aligning with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change through several initiatives, including:
Reducing Emissions
- Minimizing air travel through digital collaboration tools and carbon budgets
- Reducing freight emissions by limiting air transport
- Promoting low-carbon commuting options for staff
- Encouraging visitors to use public transport
Sustainable Infrastructure
- Maintaining Olympic House’s high environmental performance (LEED, SNBS, and Minergie-P certified)
- Improving energy efficiency in other buildings and phasing out fossil fuels
Responsible Sourcing
- Minimizing waste through reuse and recycling
- Increasing zero- or low-carbon products and services
- Promoting low-carbon diets
Carbon Offset
- The Olympic Forest project: planting 590,000 native trees in Africa’s Great Green Wall initiative
- Collaborating with Uganda’s National Forest Authority to plant trees on 500 hectares
Influencing Change
- Guiding Organizing Committees on carbon management
- Supporting International Federations and National Olympic Committees in reducing emissions
- Amplifying athletes’ voices on climate action
- Encouraging suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint
- Supporting innovation in low- and zero-carbon solutions for sporting events
These initiatives are part of the #RaceToZeroCampaign, demonstrating a collective commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the Olympic movement and its partners.
The UDSF remains dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability within the DanceSport community and appreciates the support of various stakeholders in these impactful initiatives.