Sign the Going for Green Pledge as Boardman to lead Pedal for Paris

Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Sport England chair Chris Boardman will take part in an eight-day bike ride from Manchester to Paris, to galvanise the sport and physical activity sector to step up its work in tackling climate change.

Pedal for Paris aims to highlight inspirational and innovative organisations in England that are working to become environmentally sustainable.

The ride will begin in Manchester on 16 July, with the team – which will see Chris joined by multiple Olympic medallist and UK Sport Chair Dame Katherine Grainger, and a host of other guests – tackling 550 miles en route to Paris, arriving on 23 July.

In the run up to the ride, we’re asking sport and physical activity organisations across the country to sign a Going for Green Pledge, committing to new ways to become more sustainable.

The ride also comes on the back of last week’s announcement of Every Move, our sustainability strategy and action plan that’s backed by more than £100 million of investment, including £45m of new funding to promote green innovation, and Chris is excited for the road ahead.

“Climate change is already impacting people getting active,” he said. 

“This will only get worse if we don’t act now. Summers that are very hot make it harder for children to run around outside.

“Pitches being flooded means they can’t play football. Sport and activity as we know and love it now is under threat.  

“But sport and physical activity is often at the heart of communities, which means it can lead the way in tackling climate change.  

“Our new sustainability strategy, Every Move, promised we would take the lead on tackling climate change.

“That’s why Pedal for Paris will shine a light on some of the most inspirational and innovative people and projects that are working to put the environment first and protect their sport for future generations. 

“We are asking every sports organisation and club in England to follow their lead. sign the pledge and take urgent action to tackle climate change.”

Read more about the Pedal for Paris 

Going for Green Pledge

The pledge will encourage clubs and organisations to promote environmental sustainability by: 

• reducing energy and water usage  
• champion walking, cycling and lift sharing when travelling to activities 
• drastically reduce reliance on single use plastics 
• recycling waste and increasing the reuse of sports equipment and kit 
• boosting activity to nurture nature and wildlife.

Sign the pledge