Recently, the Green Sports project by a group of students from FPT University was honored to be presented at the ASEAN Sports Forum 2025. The initiative not only contributes to promoting the message of sustainable sports but also showcases the creativity and global mindset of FPTU students.
Spreading the spirit of green sports
Born from a desire to contribute to the community and align with the global Green Sport movement, a group of K17 Multimedia Communication students — Pham Hoang Minh, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, Nguyen Bao Ngoc, Nguyen Thi Huy Hoang, and Do Thai Quang — developed the project Green Sports. What started as an academic assignment quickly evolved into an outstanding initiative, earning recognition from both domestic and international experts.
The project was inspired by Vietnam’s Sports Development Strategy toward 2030, vision 2045, and the country’s participation in ASEAN programs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Environmental pollution, climate change, and the need to foster a more sustainable sports culture further motivated the team to develop Green Sports — a statement of Vietnam’s commitment to building a connected, eco-friendly sports community.
Green Sports pursues two main goals: spreading knowledge to help the public understand the close relationship between sports, environment, and health; and inspiring green actions — from individuals to organizations. With this approach, the project not only encourages a healthy lifestyle but also highlights Vietnam’s modern, responsible, and sustainable sports image in the eyes of international friends.
The initiative began with the communication campaign “Vietnam’s efforts toward Green Sports”, launched in August 2025. In collaboration with the Vietnam Sports Administration, the campaign focused on raising awareness about “green sports” and analyzing the two-way relationship between sports and the environment. It also celebrated individuals (coaches, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and operational or environmental staff at sports venues/events) and organizations (government bodies, ministries, event organizers) for their efforts in promoting sustainability within the sports sector.
Another highlight of the Green Sports project was the “Green Imprint Map” event held in September. Athletes, coaches, and spectators used eco-friendly ink to leave their fingerprints or signatures on a large map of Vietnam. Each mark symbolized a shared commitment to building a greener and more sustainable sports culture.
Additionally, the student team produced a comic series and an educational video campaign to raise community awareness of green sports and the reciprocal impacts between sports and the environment.
During the project’s development, the team studied international Green Sport initiatives, where major tournaments adopted sustainable practices such as reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, and using recycled uniforms. They also drew inspiration from green initiatives seen at SEA Games 31, Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and World Cup 2022.
Making a mark at the ASEAN Forum
The FPT University students’ project promoting environmental responsibility was presented by Le Thi Hoang Yen, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration, at the ASEAN Mid-Term Consultation Workshop on the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports 2021–2025 and the 2025–2030 Development Plan, held in Malaysia on September 24–25.
At the regional forum, Green Sports received positive feedback from delegates, who praised its practicality, creative communication approach, and long-term development potential. It was a proud moment for the student team — seeing a classroom project reach a regional stage, affirming the creativity and social responsibility of Vietnam’s young generation.
The opportunity for Green Sports to be showcased at the ASEAN Forum came with the guidance and mentorship of FPT University faculty, especially Dr. Vu Viet Nga – the team’s academic advisor, who continuously supported them in maintaining scientific rigor, feasibility, and sustainability throughout the project.
Sharing his feelings about the project’s recognition, team leader Pham Hoang Minh said:
“We were surprised, happy, and deeply proud. We thought this was just a student project, but now it has gained attention from ASEAN experts and peers.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to continue expanding the project through a communication series, extending activities to major sporting events, and collaborating with clubs, enterprises, and international organizations to ensure long-term sustainability. In the future, Green Sports aims to become a community movement that connects sports with environmental protection, contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development vision toward 2030.