Prioritising inclusion and sustainability

The Manchester Aquatics Centre hosted the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships with a focus on: community access; equality, diversity and inclusion; and, sustainability.

Event stakeholders committed to a range of initiatives in support of the event’s key themes. These included targeted disability swimming programmes across Manchester, the development of new partnerships with leisure trusts and charities, and platforms to showcase its wider social impact programme.

Other priorities included providing enhanced event experiences for different spectator groups and inclusive volunteering opportunities for people with disabilities. Sustainable practices were adopted, and their impacts measured, throughout the event in energy consumption, waste management and reduction, carbon literacy training, and sustainability awareness.

23

Swim teachers upskilled to deliver disability swimming sessions

182

Swimming classes delivered

63

Volunteers registered with disabilities or long term health conditions assisted with event delivery (21% of total event volunteers)

85%

of volunteers surveyed knew the event was trying to be more sustainable

12

Members of the Local Organising Committee attending a carbon literacy course prior to the event

1910.69 tCO2e

Total carbon footprint (280.98 kgCO2e per attendee)

36.87 tCO2

Carbon emissions avoided through various practices

2.68 tonnes

Total waste produced on-site (0.39 kg per attendee)

61.4%

Waste recycled or re-used (0% sent to landfill)