Today marks the official launch of Sporting Giants, a pioneering purpose-led sports consultancy founded by award-winning sustainability expert Dan Reading and globally recognised sports leader Scott Over.
The groundbreaking new venture is committed to steering the world of sports towards a more sustainable future, encompassing environmental, social and commercial perspectives.
Sporting Giants has emerged from a strong foundation in the global sports sector, where both co-founders have previously led transformative strategies at World Sailing.
Their expertise in turning strategic visions into tangible actions has quickly established Sporting Giants as a trusted partner for an impressive roster of international sports organisations, including SAP, FIBA, IWF, ISA, World Curling, World Squash and UK Sport.
Their refreshing, delivery-focused approach has already achieved measurable success in its first year:
Strategic collaborations: Sporting Giants assisted four global brands in developing sponsorship strategies, engaging in purpose-driven projects, executing brand activations, and rights delivery across sailing, rugby, tennis, and golf.
Sustainability milestones: The consultancy guided 18 international sports rights holders, including Olympic and non-Olympic sports, International Federations, Ministries of Sport and Professional Teams, to set and achieve ambitious sustainability targets (including ISO 20121 and carbon reporting) while unlocking significant commercial value through strategy development, grant procurement and revenue generation.
Sporting Giants’ unmatched expertise in sustainability has notably supported the successful delivery of COP28 and support with sustainability initiatives with the iconic Sydney Opera House. In partnership with UK Sport and Useful Projects, Sporting Giants is also delivering the most extensive sustainability initiative in the history of British Sport, guiding over 20 National Sports Governing Bodies—with plans for over 20 more—through a first-of-its-kind Sustainability Accelerator Programme.
Having met as Commercial Director and Head of Sustainability, respectively, at World Sailing, co-founders Scott Over (former ITF, OC Sport) and Dan Reading (former Co-Chair of the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, winner of the Global Association of International Sports Federations Sustainability Award) share a profound passion for sport, people and planet.
Scott Over, Co-Founder and CEO, said: “The synergies between sustainability and business strategy are substantial, and we have seen first-hand the significant value that can be achieved by embracing these synergies and galvanising teams–and global sport at large–around this opportunity. There is immense power in collective action and we are incredibly proud to play a part in protecting the future of sport for generations to come.”
Dan Reading, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, added: “With 10 consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures, the urgency for all sectors, including sports, to take climate action has never been clearer. While sport undoubtedly needs to reduce its impact and innovate in response to our greatest threat, its role extends further. Sport also possesses a unique ability to engage and inspire fans globally, driving not only environmental action but also significant social impact. By involving our clients in this journey, I’m optimistic about the transformative power of sport to drive meaningful change and help lead the charge towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
To find out more: www.sporting-giants.com
LinkedIn: Sporting Giants
