The International Biathlon Union is announcing the first Biathlon Climate Challenge, which aims to connect an active lifestyle with climate action. In honor of Earth Day 2021, fans are challenged to join one of 10 different teams – all led by biathlon superstars – and track their physical activity in the Active Giving app.

A live leader board will be displayed on biathlonworld.com so the progress of each team can be tracked as they battle it out to contribute the highest number of trees.

The launch of the Biathlon Climate Challenge is part of the IBU’s Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030, which, launched last September, commits the IBU to addressing sustainability needs in five different areas: climate, sport, people, venue & event, communication & awareness. Its climate goal is to reduce emissions aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Accord and to be climate neutral as a sport, at the latest by 2030.

IBU President Olle Dahlin:

“As a winter sport we are heavily dependent on cold winters and snow. Thus, we must take on our responsibility in the fight against climate change. By sponsoring the Biathlon Climate Challenge we are advocating for climate action and sustainable development within the biathlon family and winter sports. The Challenge is a fun way to connect our fans with the athletes and encourage them to keep physically active, with the added benefit it is good for the environment. We invite our fans to actively contribute together with athletes to reduce biathlon’s impact on the climate.”

The challenge starts on 1 May 2021 and aims to plant 100.000 trees. The tree planting will be carried out by our partner Eden Reforestation Projects, a non-profit organisation, whose mission it is to provide fair wage employment to impoverished villagers as agents of global forest restoration.

The Team Leaders for the Biathlon Climate Challenge are:

1. Franziska Preuss, GER
2. Susan Dunklee, USA
3. Dorothea Wierer, ITA
4. Emilien Jacquelin, FRA
5. Johannes Dale, NOR
6. Regina Oja, EST
7. Jakov Fak, SLO
8. Sebastian Samuelsson, SWE
9. Jules Burnotte, CAN
10. Olena Pidhrushna, UKR

Here are the codes to join your favorite teams:

1. FRANZI
2. SUSAND
3. DOROWI
4. REGINA
5. EMIJAC
6. JODALE
7. JULESB
8. SEBSAM
9. JAKOVF
10. OLENAP