Abstract

This study examined the congruence between sports events’ environmental sustainability (ES) policy, strategies, implementation, and determined pillars of successful congruence in ES for use at future sports events. Specifically, the examination focused on the 2010 Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron (FISA) World Rowing Masters Regatta in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, held at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta course in September 2010. The methods involved semi-structured interviews of 46.87% of the executives or managerial members of the 2010 event, document analysis, and observations. The results indicated that the ES policy and formulated strategies were congruent, but that the policies/formulated strategies to implementation were incongruent. Also, ES was noted as advancing as a side product of the event growth and cost of transporting boats. Participants noted that pillars to support successful implementation were necessary and involved the need for communication concerning the responsibility for ES, the integration of ES within all levels of the sports events activities, and the monitoring and management of ES activities to ensure the ES standard desired. Importantly, these pillars of support must be completed simultaneously, adding to the complexity of ES. The participants indicated a desire for growth in ES at future regattas. This study makes a contribution to understanding the construction of successful sports events ES. Further research is needed to advance overall understandings for the research question: How can major sports events safeguard the natural environment for future sporting generations?