by InTrieste
In an ambitious step towards environmental sustainability, Pallacanestro Trieste, one of Italy’s leading basketball clubs, has launched a bold new initiative titled “Ecodunk – Slamming for Sustainability.” The project, presented by Fabio Scoccimarro, the Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, aims to transform both the club’s operations and its facilities in the coming years. It marks a key moment in the broader “Pallacanestro Trieste Goes Green” campaign.
“Who better than the champions of Pallacanestro Trieste to embody not only the healthy values of sport but also those that support the environment?” said Scoccimarro at the unveiling event. The initiative was showcased during the team’s game against Reggio Emilia, which was fittingly dubbed the “One Planet Only Game.”
As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, Pallacanestro Trieste is positioning itself at the forefront of a growing global movement in sports: using athletic platforms to promote sustainability. The project’s goals include a significant overhaul of the club’s infrastructure and a shift toward eco-friendly practices in its daily activities.
Sport as a Catalyst for Change
The Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has made clear its commitment to both sports and sustainability. Scoccimarro emphasized that the region is investing in new infrastructure to support athletic organizations, and Pallacanestro Trieste is being championed as a key player in this transformation. “These professional teams are our ambassadors not only in Italy but, we hope, soon in Europe,” Scoccimarro added. “Trieste is positioning itself as a hub of sporting excellence.”
Fans at PalaTrieste, the club’s home arena, were greeted with an unexpected eco-twist upon arrival: a specially designed bag placed on each seat. The bags, created in collaboration with environmental organizations Eco FVG and Arpa FVG, as well as Edilmaster and the non-profit association “Il Cuore in Campo,” contained leaflets on how to properly dispose of waste. A unique visual element—backboards and basketball hoops mounted above waste bins—encouraged attendees to “score” with their trash by sorting it correctly.
A Community United for the Planet
The “Ecodunk” initiative is just one part of a broader series of community events aimed at educating the next generation about environmental stewardship. In September, local schoolchildren visited the headquarters of ITS Ecologia, a technical institute dedicated to environmental studies, where they learned about waste management and sustainability.
Some of the collected waste materials were later transformed into art pieces in a series of creative workshops held at PalaTrieste and Edilmaster | La Scuola Edile di Trieste. Led by Professor Marco Svara, the initiative was designed to teach children how discarded items can be repurposed into valuable objects. This culminated in an artistic display at the arena, symbolizing the power of recycling and environmental responsibility.
The educational component of the project was further bolstered by partnerships with international organizations like One Ocean Foundation, which contributed expertise on marine ecosystems. At one event, 60 children from the Famiglia e Salute Odv association participated in workshops aimed at deepening their understanding of environmental protection, particularly focused on ocean health.
Cleaning Up the Streets
In a heartwarming display of civic pride, players from Pallacanestro Trieste joined local students to clean up the waterfront near Piazza Unità, Trieste’s iconic main square. The trash collected during the cleanup was repurposed in a series of workshops, where it was transformed into decorative items by students and artists. These workshops—combining sustainability with artistic creativity—were held over several weeks and culminated in an exhibition at the PalaTrieste arena.
A Model for Sustainable Sports
As sports teams around the world begin to grapple with their environmental footprints, Pallacanestro Trieste is setting an example. By merging sports and sustainability, the “Ecodunk” project represents a forward-thinking approach to both community engagement and environmental action. Scoccimarro expressed hope that this could be a model for other teams and organizations.
As the region continues to invest in infrastructure and green initiatives, it is clear that Trieste is aiming to establish itself as a leader not only in the world of sports but in sustainability as well. The partnership between the basketball club, local educational institutions, and environmental organizations signals a bright future where sports and environmental advocacy go hand-in-hand.
