Astana, Kazakhstan, April 1, 2026: The National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan launched Eco Athlete on Tuesday, March 31 – a project aimed at promoting environmental awareness through sport and embedding sustainability principles into the sporting environment.
Supported by the IOC and OCA, the initiative aligns with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, where sustainability is a key priority. NOC Kazakhstan leads the project at the national level.
Eco Athlete brings together athletes and youth, using sport as a platform to build sustainable habits and encourage responsible attitudes towards the environment.
A core element of the project is the development of athlete ambassadors who engage with school students and promote eco-friendly practices by example.
The initiative was launched at School 101 in Astana, marking the International Day of Zero Waste. Athlete Ambassadors, including world and Olympic medallists Ruslan Kurbanov, Elmira Syzdykova and Zhanbota Aldabergenova, joined students in an eco-sports relay, combining physical activity with environmental tasks such as waste sorting and collection. All collected materials were sent for recycling.
The project emphasises a hands-on approach, helping young people turn awareness into everyday action.
“Eco Athlete allows us to translate sustainability principles into real practice and shape an environment where environmental responsibility becomes a natural part of sports culture,” said Kazakhstan NOC Secretary General Alimzhan Akayev.
In 2026, Eco Athlete will expand with new school visits, educational programmes, and applied initiatives. A key upcoming campaign, Train for Trees, will link physical activity to environmental impact – each kilometre completed will contribute to tree planting efforts.
