Sporting Nature partnership wins international sustainability award

An Ulster GAA-led project supported by NI Water has won international recognition for helping sports clubs take action for nature. Sporting Nature received the Community Initiative award at the 2026 Sport Positive Awards, which celebrate sustainability and climate action across global sport.

The Sporting Nature project is led by Ulster GAA in partnership with RSPB NI and NI Water, with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s UK-wide Climate Action Fund. It supports GAA clubs across Ulster to improve biodiversity and introduce practical, nature-positive measures at their grounds.

Through the project, NI Water has helped raise awareness in clubs about their local water environment, to reduce potential run-off and protect their nearby waterways and drinking water catchments. NI Water’s SCaMP and education teams also provide waterbutts, technical guidance and training, building on NI Water’s work with Ulster GAA’s Green Club programme. It is Sporting Nature’s second consecutive Sport Positive Award, following its Biodiversity Project accolade in 2025.

NI Water education officer Pat McCauley said: “We are delighted to see the Sporting Nature Project recognised on the international stage. By working with Ulster GAA and RSPB NI, we are helping clubs take practical action to create healthier grounds, prevent pollution and protect precious local waterways.

"Many GAA clubs have waterways close by, so biodiversity measures they take can also help safeguard the catchments that supply our drinking water, which is why NI Water’s involvement is so important. This award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the commitment shown by everyone involved.”