Winds of Change wins the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award

In 2018, World Sailing and 11th Hour Racing joined forces to create the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award. The award celebrates the effective execution or ongoing delivery of high-impact, highly replicable sustainability initiatives aligned with the World Sailing Sustainability Agenda 2030. Seven winners have received $70,000 in grants.

Founded by Olympian and IOC Young Leader from Cyprus, Sophia Papamichalopoulos, Winds of Change aims to bridge divides and promote peace by bringing together young people from both sides of Cyprus through the unifying power of the sport of sailing. Winds of Change’s headline achievements include completing the first circumnavigation of Cyprus in 50 years, inspiring youth-led sports-for-peace activities, hosting the inaugural “Olympism for Peace” event in Cyprus, and being referenced in the UN Secretary General’s report on Cyprus.

Winds of Change has directly impacted nearly 2,000 young people and indirectly reached 80,000 others. The initiative was recognized with the “Peace Award” by the Youth Board of Cyprus in 2024, and its documentary premiered during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Winners receive this iconic trophy, made from recycled carbon fiber sourced from an America’s Cup boat and infused with bio-resin and a $10,000 USD prize to help further their sustainability activities.

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