Sustainability in Sport-Related Studies: A Non-Systematic Review to Increase the Sports Contribution to the 2030 Agenda

Abstract

This paper aims to identify all of the unexploited potentialities of sports activities with regard to sustainability by answering the following question: Considering the priorities that the 2030 Agenda identified with regard to sustainability, what does sport contribute to the process of transition towards a more sustainable global scenario? According to the European Union Council, sport and physical activity play a strategic role in the global challenge toward sustainability and achieving the 17 SDGs. The contribution of sport to the 2030 Agenda is indeed strategic. However, through a non-systematic review, the authors have observed almost a complete absence of SDGs within sports literature. Discussing the results through the lens of the SDGs, the authors have identified a series of qualitative and quantitative research opportunities connected with the 17 SDGs and related targets. The authors have also identified a total of 27 research hypotheses. This evidence could support academics, sports managers, professionals, and practitioners in identifying their contribution to the global priorities towards sustainability.