BACKTOBLU: Preserving Nature Through Sport and Education

The Clivo Sailing Cup, a cherished event in the realm of sailing competitions, has taken a significant stride towards environmental stewardship this year. Collaborating with the Backtoblu initiative, the organizers have woven a tapestry of ecological awareness into the fabric of the regatta. Led by the vision of Tina Mihelić, a double Olympian and Project Manager, this partnership aims not only to elevate the event but also to instill a sense of responsibility towards nature among its participants. Let’s delve into Tina’s insights and reflections on this groundbreaking collaboration.

Interview with Tina Mihelić, Project Manager:

1. How was the collaboration with the Backtoblu initiative during this year’s CSC Cup?

We are delighted to have initiated a partnership with the environmental initiative this year and embedded it within our Clivo Sailing Cup event because we believe it is a step forward for both our event and for children who gain additional input on nature preservation through this. Our regatta takes place entirely in nature, so it is very important to inform, educate, and encourage children to change their behavior towards nature and the environment.

2. Can you share with us the experiences and reactions of the regatta participants to the activities organized with the Backtoblu initiative?

Our regatta takes place at the Medulin campsite, and most of the competitors are accommodated there, so it was logical to organize activities in the campsite that involve a combination of fun and ecological education. At other competitions, there are no activities after sailing, so we weren’t sure how our plan would be received by coaches and children, and whether children would have the desire and willingness to play our game after sailing, but the reactions were very positive.

3. How were the activities and messages about ecology integrated into the course of the regatta and how did they affect the atmosphere and experience of the participants?

When you are at a competition, your focus is solely on sailing and you don’t worry too much about other things, but when the organizer mentions an ecological initiative as a partner of this competition, I believe that everyone still retains a little reminder in their head to be careful about environmental conservation and to be careful about waste disposal in the campsite and at sea. And that is already a big step forward, that children don’t just throw garbage in the bin or in the grass without thinking about it.

4. What was the impact of the ecology lecture and scavenger hunt among the participating children?

The children were so excited to receive a map and to have to find as many plastic eggs as possible that they couldn’t wait, and some even started running before the start signal. I have to admit that we were a bit surprised by all the excitement and anticipation around finding the eggs. We are happy that all the clubs joined in the game and we will definitely have to better prepare for activities on the shore for next year because the children really liked it.

5. What have you learned from this collaboration and how do you plan to improve future editions of the CSC Cup?

This year, we as organizers have already made an effort to be mindful and thoughtful about the meals we offer to competitors after sailing. We didn’t use plastic plates at all, but opted for paper ones, and we bought paper cups instead of plastic ones. For competitors, coaches, and organization members, we made T-shirts from organic cotton, and for next year, we are already considering what else we can improve and what else we can change because some changes require a bit larger investments and changes in organization, so it can sometimes be difficult.

6. How do you see the impact of this year’s CSC Cup on environmental awareness and conservation in the local community?

Even in the announcement of the collaboration with Backtoblu to the media, we saw and heard positive reactions from the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Medulin and the Arena Hospitality group, who are our partners in the organization, and we were glad that they praised our idea and work, so we believe that it might encourage other organizers to dare to go in the same direction.

7. How would you encourage other organizers of sports events to include ecological initiatives like Backtoblu in their events?

Collaboration with environmental initiatives requires organizers to make significant changes, which often means increasing costs in organization. Because if the organizer does not show awareness of ecology and does not care about nature conservation, then surely the competitors will not care either. But it is important that the organizer sets an example, educates, provides something new, strives for something better, and in today’s world, that is turning towards nature and preserving the Earth.

The integration of ecological initiatives into the CSC Cup has not only enriched the event but also set a precedent for future sports gatherings. Tina Mihelić’s leadership and dedication to environmental conservation have paved the way for a more sustainable approach to sporting events. As we look towards the future, let us heed her call to action and strive for a harmonious relationship between sportsmanship and environmental responsibility.