PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of Green Sports Day’s management pillar, the Green Sports Alliance (Alliance) proudly proclaims the creation of the Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award, an annual honor recognizing extraordinary management in environmental and social sustainability by means of sports activities.
The award pays tribute to the achievements of the legendary sportsman by celebrating Walton’s highly effective, larger-than-life position in the sports activities sustainability motion and carrying his legacy ahead for generations to come back.
At the 2025 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Miami, Jamie Zaninovich–Green Sports Alliance board member, managing director at TrailRunner International, and longtime buddy of Bill Walton, introduced the dedication of the new award in Walton’s reminiscence.
“Bill was a towering figure–not just in stature or sport, but in impact,” mentioned Zaninovich. “This award ensures his legacy continues to inspire the sports world to act boldly for our planet and communities.”
A Hall of Fame basketball participant–at UCLA, the Trail Blazers, Clippers and the Celtics, a broadcaster, and an ardent activist, Walton was a passionate champion of local weather motion, social fairness, and sustainability in all points of life. Through his work with the NBA, Pac-12, the Alliance, and even his beloved Grateful Dead, Walton constantly used his platform to encourage others to stay with objective and to guard the planet.
Lori Walton , Bill’s spouse, delivered a heartfelt message to the Summit viewers by way of video.
“Because Bill absolutely loved being outdoors, receiving the energy of nature, he wanted to do everything he could to make sure that future generations could experience that same joy.”
The Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award will probably be offered yearly to a trailblazer who exemplifies Walton’s spirit, pleasure, and relentless dedication to making a greener, extra inclusive world. It will acknowledge those that lead with coronary heart–people who use their voice, platform, and every day actions to drive environmental and social progress throughout the sports activities and leisure industries.
The first recipient of the Bill Walton Global Sustainability Champion Award will probably be honored at the 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Cleveland, Ohio.
The 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit theme, “RESILIENT,” will spotlight the position of sports activities in driving sustainability and power in the face of evolving environmental challenges. It emphasizes long-term methods that empower the sports activities business to steer with adaptability, duty, and influence. Register through December 31, 2025, for super early-bird pricing (50% off).