SPOGOMI Northern & Eastern Provinces Qualifier 2025: Championing Environmental Action Through Sport
On 21st June 2025, the University of Vavuniya playground became the stage for a groundbreaking environmental event the SPOGOMI Northern & Eastern Provinces Qualifier, organized by ZeroPlastic Vavuniya and proudly supported by the ZeroPlastic Movement as the main sponsor. This high-energy environmental cleanup competition, held as part of the SPOGOMI World Cup Sri Lanka initiative, brought together more than 100 passionate participants from over 30 teams, transforming traditional litter collection into a spirited and impactful sport.
An Innovative Fusion of Sport and Sustainability
SPOGOMI a blend of “Sport” and “Gomi” (Japanese for trash) reimagines waste collection as a timed, team-based competition. Participants worked in groups to collect, sort, and weigh waste materials from assigned areas, aiming to achieve maximum environmental impact within a limited time. The competition emphasized not only speed and teamwork but also accuracy in sorting recyclables and non-recyclables.
This innovative approach turned environmental conservation into an engaging and community-driven activity, fostering both awareness and action among participants. Schools, youth clubs, university groups, and local organizations from across the Northern and Eastern Provinces took part, showcasing their commitment to protecting the environment.
Community Leadership and Support
The success of the SPOGOMI Qualifier was made possible through the tireless efforts of many dedicated individuals and groups. The project was led by Dulani, the Project Head, alongside a dynamic organizing committee of over 30 members who ensured seamless coordination and planning.
Support also came from more than 30 trained referees who were instrumental in monitoring the competition, ensuring compliance with event rules, and maintaining fairness throughout the scoring process.
Special thanks go to J.A.M.P. Jayasinha, President of the ZeroPlastic Vavuniya Community, and the executive committee (ExCom) team, whose leadership and vision were central to mobilizing support, engaging stakeholders, and setting the strategic direction for the event.
The event also received critical logistical and security support from the local police, ensuring the safety of all participants and the smooth execution of the program.
Empowering Youth and Elevating Environmental Awareness
More than just a competition, the SPOGOMI Qualifier served as a platform for education and empowerment. Through hands on participation, youth and community members learned about plastic pollution, the importance of proper waste segregation, and the broader impacts of human activity on ecosystems.
Participants left the event not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with a deeper understanding of their role in fostering sustainable communities. The top performing teams earned the opportunity to represent the Northern and Eastern Provinces at the national finals of the SPOGOMI World Cup Sri Lanka, taking their message of sustainability to a larger stage.
A Step Forward for a Plastic-Free Sri Lanka
The SPOGOMI Northern & Eastern Provinces Qualifier stands as a model for how community-driven initiatives can make real environmental impact. It brought people together across regions and backgrounds, united by a common goal: a cleaner, healthier planet.
ZeroPlastic Vavuniya extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partners, referees, volunteers, and sponsors especially the ZeroPlastic Movement for their unwavering support. This event reaffirms our shared belief that environmental action, when powered by community spirit and creative engagement, can drive lasting change.
As we look ahead to the national finals and beyond, we remain committed to empowering individuals and communities to lead the way in environmental conservation and sustainability.
