October 2025 with ISG: Integrity, Inclusion, and Sustainable Development in Practice
October at ISG was marked by partnership, responsibility, and knowledge. Together with our European and national partners, we worked to ensure that values such as integrity, inclusivity, and sustainability translate into real policies, strategies, and actions in sport. From international meetings and expert workshops to the analysis of global reports, we showed that good governance is not just an idea — it’s a practice.
Inclusion through Sport: From Utrecht to Brussels
In October, we took part in the ALLSTARS project meeting at the Mulier Instituut, held at FC Utrecht’s stadium. Together with our European partners, we summarized the key features of good practices for engaging marginalized groups in sport. Among the highlighted initiatives were inspiring examples from Poland — Etnoliga (Fundacja dla Wolności), Radomiak Futbol Plus, and Let’s Move Together (Fundacja V4Sport). Each of these projects demonstrates that sport can be a genuine tool for social inclusion, integration, and community building.
The project now enters its final phase, culminating in the ALLSTARS Conference in Brussels (21 November 2025), dedicated to exploring how local networks can create sport for all — from people to policy.
Sport and the Environment: From Declarations to Action
October also brought new discussions on environmental responsibility in sport. A key focus was the Sports for Nature: Urban Playbook (IUCN, IOC, UNEP), which illustrates how cities can be designed to support both physical activity and nature — through green infrastructure, accessibility, and environmental education.
At the same time, Athletics for a Better World Standard, developed by World Athletics, has become a global benchmark for sustainable event management. 102 events across 36 countries were evaluated against 55 criteria — from waste management to social inclusion — proving that sustainable sport requires transparency, planning, and accountability.
Integrity and European Governance Frameworks
In October, the global sport community adopted the Universal Declaration on Sports Integrity, a document created during the 5th International Forum on Sports Integrity (IFSI) in Lausanne. The declaration identifies four key priorities: combating corruption, preventing match manipulation, ensuring refereeing fairness (including the use of AI), and strengthening protection systems. While symbolically significant, it still lacks practical mechanisms for enforcement and monitoring — precisely what sport needs most today.
Another milestone was the European Parliament’s resolution on the European Model of Sport, which recognizes sport as a public good and calls for solidarity, inclusivity, and transparency. Yet, it leaves open the question: can European sport effectively self-regulate, or does it require stronger legal frameworks?
The same spirit of open dialogue and accountability guided discussions at Play the Game 2025 in Tampere, Finland. The conference tackled democracy in sport, athlete protection, AI governance, and climate responsibility — reaffirming that ethics and integrity must remain at the core of modern sport.
A particularly important topic was integrity in para-sport. Cases of classification manipulation and governance failures once again highlighted the need for stronger ethical systems, transparent structures, and whistleblower protection.
Competence and Innovation: AI, ESG, and Modern Leadership
As part of the SHARE 2.0 Community of Practice on Innovation, we discussed the role of artificial intelligence in grassroots sport — from automating administration to supporting coaches and data analysis in local clubs. AI is becoming a tool that supports people rather than replaces them, helping to strengthen the sector’s organizational capacity.
At the 10th Sport Business Polska Congress, we joined debates on the future of sport: strategic development, digital transformation, women’s sport, and league economics. It was a meaningful space where business, academia, and sport organizations came together to shape the direction of the industry’s collective transformation.
We also supported the launch of the 22nd edition of the League of Responsible Business (LOB) — an educational program on ESG. We believe that the future of sport depends on leaders who understand responsibility, sustainability, and ethics as the cornerstones of effective governance.
Law, Protection, and Equality
October saw the adoption of an amendment to Poland’s Sports Act, exempting sports facilities from noise regulations during sporting and recreational activities. This important step increases accessibility, supports local governments, and strengthens community sport — proving that smart legislation can serve both people and participation.
ISG also hosted a workshop within the SOPROS project, focused on the social protection of professional athletes. Together with representatives from the Ministry of Sport, the Polish Olympic Committee, AZS, and national federations, we discussed athlete employment, scholarships, and welfare systems — moving toward practical, sustainable solutions that protect those who make sport possible.
Community and Independence at ISG
We continue our “Sport Matters” campaign on Patronite. Thanks to the support of our Patrons, we can create CSR reports for clubs, organize the ESG in Sport Congress, and develop programs for students and young sport leaders. This independence and knowledge-driven approach is what allows us to act boldly, consistently, and responsibly — together with a growing community that believes in meaningful sport.
Summary
October once again proved that the future of sport depends on collaboration — between researchers, leaders, institutions, and communities. Sport today is a meeting point of integration, integrity, and sustainability — its real value measured not in medals, but in impact. At ISG, we believe that only sport grounded in knowledge, ethics, and partnership can truly serve the public good.
