AmCham Slovakia

ESG & CSR in Sports Business Breakfast

In the realm of ESG - Environmental, Social, and Governance, the “Social” component plays a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting inclusivity, and driving positive societal change. Sports, with their universal appeal and ability to unite people across diverse backgrounds, serve as a powerful vehicle for advancing social objectives. By supporting sports initiatives, companies can enhance community well-being, promote teamwork and fairness, and contribute to the personal development of individuals, especially the youth. These efforts not only align with the core values of competitiveness and collaboration inherent in sports but also bolster a company’s reputation as a responsible and socially conscious entity.

The Slovak government, through the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport, has implemented various programs to promote sports and physical activity among youth. This includes physical education in schools and support for sports clubs. Schools play a crucial role in encouraging sports participation, with many offering extracurricular sports activities and facilities. Despite positive indicators, there are areas needing improvement, such as reducing sedentary behaviors and increasing outdoor physical activities. Surveillance gaps have been identified, indicating the need for more comprehensive data collection on younger children and their physical activity habits. These insights highlight the importance of continued support and development of sports programs to foster healthy habits and physical activity among children in Slovakia.

At the ESG & CSR in Sports Business Breakfast, expert speakers and panelists will present, through both theoretical and practical examples, how companies can earn positive ESG points by supporting sports, thereby strengthening their reputation as responsible and sustainable businesses. The conference will also address topics related to CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility in sports and how companies can align with the values that sports promote—competitiveness, teamwork, fairness, personal development, and youth engagement. This event will provide a platform to discuss the societal benefits of sports and how ESG and CSR initiatives in sports enhance corporate value and image.

PROGRAM

9.00   Opening Remarks

9.10   Keynote Speech

Roy Kessel, Founder of the Sports Philanthropy Network, former sports agent and lawyer, and former Adjunct Professor of Sports Management at Northwestern University, USA. Kessel will draw on 25+ years of experience in the sports business world to provide critical insights and practical tips for creating impactful and sustainable CSR and ESG initiatives. Kessel will highlight successful strategies and practical considerations to maximize community impact while achieving corporate goals.

9.45   Panel Discussion

 

During the panel discussion, we will look for the answers to the following questions: