SPOGOMI: The Global Sport Turning Trash Into Triumph

SPOGOMI, an innovative sport originating in Japan in 2008, transforms trash collection into an organized, competitive global event that promotes environmental awareness.

Teams of three compete to collect as much litter as possible in 45 minutes, followed by an additional 20 minutes to sort the waste correctly, combining speed, teamwork, and sustainability skills.

The competition has expanded internationally, drawing participants from 33 countries and turning street cleanup into a highly anticipated sporting event.

Japan’s team, “Smiles Story,” recently captured the 2025 World Cup title, becoming the second champions in SPOGOMI’s history.

The sport’s primary goal is to raise awareness about marine pollution and inspire communities worldwide to take practical steps toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

By combining athletic competition with environmental stewardship, SPOGOMI highlights how innovative sports can foster social responsibility, civic engagement, and global collaboration while making sustainability visible and actionable on a local and international scale.