Today marks the official launch of Sporting Giants, a pioneering purpose-led sports consultancy founded by award-winning sustainability expert Dan Reading and globally recognised sports leader Scott Over.
The groundbreaking new venture is committed to steering the world of sports towards a more sustainable future, encompassing environmental, social and commercial perspectives.
Sporting Giants has emerged from a strong foundation in the global sports sector, where both co-founders have previously led transformative strategies at World Sailing.
Their expertise in turning strategic visions into tangible actions has quickly established Sporting Giants as a trusted partner for an impressive roster of international sports organisations, including SAP, FIBA, IWF, ISA, World Curling, World Squash and UK Sport.
Their refreshing, delivery-focused approach has already achieved measurable success in its first year:
Strategic collaborations: Sporting Giants assisted four global brands in developing sponsorship strategies, engaging in purpose-driven projects, executing brand activations, and rights delivery across sailing, rugby, tennis, and golf.
Sustainability milestones: The consultancy guided 18 international sports rights holders, including Olympic and non-Olympic sports, International Federations, Ministries of Sport and Professional Teams, to set and achieve ambitious sustainability targets (including ISO 20121 and carbon reporting) while unlocking significant commercial value through strategy development, grant procurement and revenue generation.
Sporting Giants’ unmatched expertise in sustainability has notably supported the successful delivery of COP28 and support with sustainability initiatives with the iconic Sydney Opera House. In partnership with UK Sport and Useful Projects, Sporting Giants is also delivering the most extensive sustainability initiative in the history of British Sport, guiding over 20 National Sports Governing Bodies—with plans for over 20 more—through a first-of-its-kind Sustainability Accelerator Programme.
Having met as Commercial Director and Head of Sustainability, respectively, at World Sailing, co-founders Scott Over (former ITF, OC Sport) and Dan Reading (former Co-Chair of the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, winner of the Global Association of International Sports Federations Sustainability Award) share a profound passion for sport, people and planet.
Speaking on the launch, Scott Over, Co-Founder and CEO, said, “The synergies between sustainability and business strategy are substantial, and we have seen first-hand the significant value that can be achieved by embracing these synergies and galvanising teams–and global sport at large–around this opportunity. There is immense power in collective action and we are incredibly proud to play a part in protecting the future of sport for generations to come.”
Dan Reading, Co-Founder and Chief Sustainability Officer, added, “With 10 consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures, the urgency for all sectors, including sports, to take climate action has never been clearer. While sport undoubtedly needs to reduce its impact and innovate in response to our greatest threat, its role extends further. Sport also possesses a unique ability to engage and inspire fans globally, driving not only environmental action but also significant social impact. By involving our clients in this journey, I’m optimistic about the transformative power of sport to drive meaningful change and help lead the charge towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
ENDS
Media contact
Caz Lumley
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About Sporting Giants
Sporting Giants is a purpose-led Sports Consultancy, helping brands and rights holders to realise value and create positive impact through the design and delivery of strategy, activation and sustainability programmes.
The Sporting Giants team supports a broad portfolio of partners to deliver sport with purpose.
Clients benefit from a hand-picked team of proven leaders and change-makers in sport, strategy and sustainability, with leadership and operational experience across a range of international sports organisations, Governing Bodies, Olympic Committees, Brands and Events, and genuinely unmatched credentials in sustainability.
About the Founders
Dan Reading, Chief Sustainability Officer
A world-renowned purpose professional, responsible for several landmark evolutions for sustainability in sport
Dan has spent the last 17 years working with National and International Sport Federations and Olympic and Paralympic organising committees specifically on sustainability.
He was a Co-Chair of the UN’s Sport for Climate Action Framework, is a Board Member for the British Association for Sustainable Sport, and a Sustainability Commission member for British Triathlon, RNLI and World Squash.
He is a Chartered Environmentalist, winner of the Society for the Environment’s Environmental Professional of the Year 2021, winner of the Global Association of International Sports Federations Sustainability Award, winner of the International Olympic Committees Carbon Award, full member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, a lead auditor of ISO14001 and ISO20121, and 2022 ENDS Report Power List of most influential environmental professionals.
Scott Over, CEO
A global sports leader with strong commercial, performance and sustainability background
Scott has dedicated his career to the development and performance of international sports (ITF and World Sailing), major events, commercial partnerships, and sustainability initiatives. He has contributed to four Olympic Games and successfully managed global sponsorships in over 40 countries, delivering for brands including Rolex, SAP, BNP Paribas, Cisco, Aberdeen Asset Management, Hugo Boss, and Jaguar Land Rover.
Known for his ability to diversify revenue and lead teams through strategic projects and purpose-driven partnerships, Scott held the role of Commercial Director at World Sailing from 2019 to 2023, growing and overseeing key relationships with partners and stakeholders, including Special Events and sponsorships. In addition, he served as a Trustee and Charity Director of the World Sailing Trust.
Scott maintains an active lifestyle as both a sailor and tennis player. He has over 40,000 nautical miles to his name and completed his first Transatlantic crossing before the age of 18 (more than two decades ago).
Today marks the official launch of Sporting Giants, a pioneering purpose-led sports consultancy founded by award-winning sustainability expert Dan Reading and globally recognised sports leader Scott Over.