The fourth edition of the US Kids Venice Open is pushing new levels of sustainability action this weekend, continuing to integrate nature, resource conservation and community value into the event, and this year also engaging the kids and their families.
The event is being played over three days on three sustainably managed venues:
- Golf della Montecchia –GEO Certified®; IAGTO Sustainability Award Winner 2017 for Community Engagement; Biogolf research site; Italian Golf Federation Impegnati nel Verdi (INV) Award Winner for Water Management.
- Frassanelle Golf Club – OnCourse® for GEO Certified®; twice awarded INV Award for Cultural Heritage and Landscape Management.
- Galzignano Golf Club – OnCourse® for GEO Certified®.
In addition, the organisers commissioned a sustainability specialist to take the event through the OnCourse® Tournaments programme, bringing ideas and supervising the initiative. The event is aiming to become one of the early leaders in sustainable golf events worldwide, applying to become a GEO Certified® Tournament.
This is leading to a range of further environmental and community actions at US Kids Venice Open, including:
- Promoting group bus transportation
- Promoting recycling and reduction in plastics
- Provision of green energy to the golf clubs
- Use of local and sustainable suppliers of services and materials, including catering, printing and signage
- All participants are given tickets to visit the local natural science museum
- Tracking resource use at the venues and hotels
- Selection of hotels with credible sustainability policies and programmes
- Information for players and families, including two ‘green questionnaires’
- Engagement of local schools, for volunteering and learning
- Fundraising for local charities such as ONLUS, helping children with cancer engage in sporting activities
- Promoting healthy lifestyles with discounted physical education and coaching, and healthy menus
Dan Van Horn, CEO of the US Kids Foundation – “We established a partnership last year with GEO Foundation to help bring sustainability into events like the Venice Open and we are delighted to see how this is progressing, and the way it is connecting with the players and their families. Our thanks to all those who have worked to turn the commitment into action. We are excited about how we can help further pioneer sustainability and children’s golf in the future.”
Ian Randell, Chief Executive of the PGAs of Europe – “This is a great addition to an already fantastic event, and one that does so much to promote the positive things that golf gives to individuals and communities. We fully support this important initiative and congratulate US Kids Golf and the venues for bringing it forward.”
Paolo Casati, President of Golf della Montecchia – “We are very proud to host this tournament and it is fundamental for us to send the young players and families the message of the importance of respect the environment. We started last year the process to improve the environmental and community aspects of the event, and this year we hope to be ready to reach the official GEO Certified® Tournament standard.”
Jonathan Smith, Executive Director, GEO, said, “It is a pleasure to work with the organising team of the US Kids Venice Open, including the venue managers. They are all so committed and enthusiastic towards the added value that this brings to the entire event, and the important message it sends to the next generation of golfers. We are proud to support and recognise such inspiring sustainability leadership in and through golf.”
More information on sustainability programmes and recognition for golf facilities and tournaments can be found at www.sustainable.golf