Japanese Litter-Picking Sport Takes UK by Storm as Hundreds Compete in Hackney
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📰 The quick summary: Competitive litter-picking sport spogomi is gaining popularity in the UK, with hundreds gathering in Hackney this weekend to clean public spaces while competing against each other.
📈 One key stat: The UK team collected over 130 pounds of rubbish during their world championship win, demonstrating how much litter goes unnoticed in urban environments.
💬 One key quote: “I have run 33 marathons and the sorest my legs have ever been is after winning the Spogomi World Cup two years ago,” said Sarah Parry, a doctor from Glasgow and member of the reigning world champion team.“
1️⃣ The big picture: Hundreds of participants will gather in Hackney Marshes this weekend to compete in collecting and sorting trash as Spogomi, a Japanese competitive litter-picking sport created in 2008, has found an enthusiastic following in Britain. Teams race against the clock, with 45 minutes to gather as much litter as possible and 20 minutes to sort it. The UK currently holds the world championship title after beating Japan in Tokyo in 2023, showcasing both the competitive nature of the sport and its environmental benefits.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Turning litter collection into a competitive sport engages people who might not otherwise participate in environmental cleanup activities. Participants develop heightened awareness of litter problems in their communities that continues beyond the competition. The sport combines physical exercise with community service, creating tangible environmental improvements while fostering community engagement. By gamifying cleanup efforts, spogomi makes addressing pollution accessible and appealing to a broader audience, potentially reducing litter in public spaces long-term.
3️⃣ What’s next: Organizers hope spogomi will continue growing throughout the UK, helping more people recognize and address litter problems. British champions aim to inspire newcomers by demonstrating proper techniques during Sunday’s event in Hackney. Future competitions will likely expand to more UK cities as interest in the sport continues to rise.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – ‘The sorest my legs have ever been’: hordes to descend on Hackney for litter-picking world cup
