Partners

The BENCHES project consortium is coordinated by Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and includes five participating sports organisations, including World Athletics, the International Biathlon Union, World Sailing, the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation and S.L. Benfica. Touchline is the project’s communication and dissemination partner. The BENCHES project consortium is coordinated by Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and includes five participating sports organisations, including World Athletics, the International Biathlon Union, World Sailing, the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation and S.L. Benfica. Touchline is the project’s communication and dissemination partner.

Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies

is an Italian Public University located in Pisa. The project is led by the SUstainability Management laboratory (SUM) of Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSA). The SUstainability Management laboratory combines knowledge of business management and policy making with  the principles of sustainability, through scientific and empirical approaches. The competences of SUM range from circular economy to environmental management, from life-cycle thinking to climate hange. In addition, SUM has a specific research area dedicated to Sport Sustainability Management.

World Athletics

is the international governing body for athletics (track & field and running events). Our vision is to use the power and accessibility of athletics and  our athletes to create a healthier and fitter world. World Athletics serves  a number of stakeholders: elite athletes, their coaches, and their agents, and the 214 national athletics federations that make up the organisation, commercial partners and broadcasters. We work closely with the national federations to develop the sport around the globe, and with local organising committees to stage the biggest international athletics events, exciting  and engaging fans of all ages.

The International Biathlon Union (IBU)

is the international governing body for the Olympic sport of biathlon. Headquartered in Anif bei Salzburg, the IBU is a non-profit organisation registered in Austria that regulates the sport and oversees the competition organisation worldwide. In cooperation with its 61 member National Federations (NFs), the IBU uses competitions, events, programmes and other activities to promote and develop participation in biathlon globally.

World Sailing

is the global governing body for the sport of sailing, recognised by the International Olympic Committee. It manages and regulates competitive sailing worldwide, ensuring fairness, safety and adherence to international standards. World Sailing also promotes sailing in various formats, from Olympic events to grassroots initiatives.

S.L. Benfica

based in Lisbon, Portugal, is one of Europe’s most storied football clubs. Founded in 1904, it boasts a massive fan base and a rich trophy cabinet, including numerous Primeira Liga titles and two European Cups. Known  as ‘As Águias’ (The Eagles), Benfica is celebrated for its vibrant football culture and successful youth academy.

Italian Canoe Kayak Federation (FICK)

is the national governing body for canoeing and kayaking in Italy.  It oversees competitive and recreational paddling disciplines, promoting  the sports at all levels from grassroots to elite. FICK organises national championships, selects athletes for international competitions and is dedicated to enhancing the sport’s popularity and accessibility in Italy.

Touchline

is an international agency specialising in sport and sustainability. We’ve spent the past two decades helping leading organisations tell their stories through strategic direction, inspirational campaigns, engaging content, interactive reports and impactful infographics. Touchline is also the proud publisher of The Sustainability Report, an independent platform that showcases sustainability leadership, innovation and strategy across the sports industry.