8th WORLD CONFERENCE ON SPORT AND THE ENVIRONMENT

8th World Conference on Sport and the Environment
International Cooperation and Development Department
Report
For the next several years, Mr Zahab took on numerous challenging races including the Yukon
ultra-marathon and the Amazon ultra-marathon. However, the most infl uential race was the Trans
333 race in Northern Africa. This was Mr Zahab’s fi rst interaction with the wonderful people of
Northern Africa and became the prelude to his amazing Saharan adventure.
Mr Zahab went on to explain the rigours of his 7,500km journey across the Sahara. Most
importantly though, he explained how his team began to realise that their journey was no longer
about fi nishing the run for themselves, but rather fi nishing so that they could tell the story of the
North African people. As they passed through disintegrating towns, the team recognised the
water crisis that had befallen the people of Niger, Morocco and other countries. In collaboration
with Matt Damon, Mr Zahab’s team set out to raise awareness for the water crisis through their
run across the Sahara.
Mr Zahab’s life has become a motivating example for all those who wish to change the world for
the better. He comes across as an average man, but one who is able to achieve seemingly superhuman
feats. His story reminds us that anyone can do anything they put their mind to. Raising
awareness for the disadvantaged has become Mr Zahab’s passion.
Mr Zahab and his wife serve on the Board of Directors of Ryan’s Well Foundation and continue to
raise awareness for global water issues.
4.11. Leaders of Tomorrow: Inspiring Youth through Sport
Mr Thomas Kineshanko,
Habitat Enterprises, Canada
Mr Kineshanko realised that his ecological impact during his track career at Simon Fraser
University, where his team would fl y all over North America to race in a 800 metre race – for just
1.5 minutes of running.
He says there are two issues:
1. Does sport allow young people to engage with environmental issues?
He answered that young people hunger to do environmental good. But they need outlets,
and sport can play the role of educating them. For instance, he has helped a bobsledder
learn about his carbon impact and to become carbon neutral.
2. How does sport excite young people to carry out sustainable actions?
He answered that sport can excite young people. Moreover, sport is intrinsically involved in
environmental issues, since athletes have to fl y to events.
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