Here’s a story that’s bound to inspire—and maybe even spark a debate. Kenya 7s star Kevin Wekesa has been shortlisted for the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Award, a recognition that celebrates those using sports as a platform to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a single athlete’s initiative truly make a global impact? Wekesa’s groundbreaking ‘Play Green’ project is putting that question to the test—and the results are turning heads.
Wekesa, a standout forward for both Kenya Sevens (Shujaa) and Kabras Sugar, has earned his spot among the final 15 contenders for the 2025 IOC Climate Action Award. This global honor highlights individuals and organizations within the Olympic Movement who are taking bold steps to combat climate change through sports. Wekesa’s nomination isn’t just a nod to his athletic prowess but a celebration of his role as a sustainability champion.
At the heart of his recognition is the ‘Play Green’ initiative, a project that goes beyond the rugby field. By providing reusable aluminum water bottles to Kenya’s men’s and women’s national rugby teams, Wekesa has eliminated an estimated 144 single-use plastic bottles per training session—saving nearly 1,000 bottles weekly. It’s a simple idea, but its impact is anything but small. And this is the part most people miss: the initiative doesn’t stop with the national teams. It’s reached over 40 schools across Kenya, empowering students through mentorship programs and sustainability workshops to become the next generation of climate advocates.
The results? Schoolchildren involved in ‘Play Green’ have already planted more than 2,300 trees, proving that rugby can be a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. But here’s the bold question: Is Wekesa’s approach scalable enough to inspire global change? Or is it just a drop in the ocean of what’s needed?
Wekesa isn’t alone in this race. He’s up against other global athletes making waves in sustainability. Take Rhydian Cowley, an Australian race walker pushing for climate action plans in athletics, or Hugo Inglis, a New Zealand hockey player whose organization, High Impact Athletes, has directed over $2 million toward climate and health projects. Then there’s Oliver Scholfield, a Canadian athlete helping sports federations reduce their environmental footprint, and Gabrielle Smith, whose Rising Tides project has removed 335 kilograms of underwater waste while educating disadvantaged children.
The winners will be announced ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, where the IOC will spotlight sustainability efforts making a tangible difference worldwide. But as we celebrate these initiatives, let’s not shy away from the debate: Are these efforts enough? Can sports truly lead the charge against climate change? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
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