The Desert Vipers are gearing up to host their inaugural Sustainability Match at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, February 3rd, during the ILT20, the UAE’s very own Twenty20 cricket league. This innovative initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change and plastic waste while engaging fans in sustainable practices.
During the match against the Gulf Giants, the Desert Vipers will don green kits as part of their sustainability efforts. Fans are encouraged to join the cause by wearing green attire to the stadium. Additionally, the franchise will distribute green fan shirts displaying their “Net Zero 2040” pledge and other sustainability messages.
As part of their commitment to sustainability, the Desert Vipers will collect old, unused, or unwanted sports clothing from fans at the stadium. These items will be recycled or upcycled, aligning with the franchise’s goal of minimizing waste.
A select group of Vipers fans will travel to the match in vehicles powered by biofuels, further showcasing their dedication to eco-friendly practices. Moreover, the player of the match trophy will be crafted from sustainable materials, emphasizing the franchise’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The fan village outside the stadium will feature various sustainability-themed activities, and recycling bins will be strategically placed throughout the venue. All plastic waste collected during the event will be sent to the Vipers’ recycling partners, who will repurpose it into sportswear.
Phil Oliver, CEO of the Desert Vipers, expressed the franchise’s vision for the Sustainability Match, stating, “We want to lead the way and set the example for this type of occasion, and we hope other teams and leagues will follow suit. Our initiatives will hopefully be a fun way for fans to engage with what we are doing and raise awareness about climate change.”
The Sustainability Match builds upon the Desert Vipers’ existing sustainability efforts, including their commitment to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework. The franchise aims to reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
Through partnerships with organizations like Bat For A Chance and The Plastic Pledge, the Desert Vipers are championing the causes of reusing and recycling old playing kit, with the goal of sending zero items to landfill.
As the second season of the ILT20 unfolds, the Desert Vipers look forward to continuing their sustainability journey while showcasing their prowess on the cricket field.
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