On August 30, Sydney’s iconic Manly Beach will again play host to a contest of SPOGOMI, which will see teams of everyday Australians competing against each other to ‘clean up the beach’ in pursuit of representing Australia at The Nippon Foundation SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 in Japan this November.

SPOGOMI is a Japanese phrase that is short for Sport Gomihiroi, which means ‘to pick up rubbish.’

The ‘earth-friendly’ sport was invented in Japan in 2008 by Mamitsuka Kenichi and it encourages teams of people to pick up rubbish in a set period and earn points for the quantity and type of rubbish they collect.

Jason Partington, spokesperson for SPOGOMI Australia, said he is delighted to announce Ky Hurst, Australian ironman champion, sailor and dual Olympic marathon swimmer, as the 2025 SPOGOMI Australia ambassador.

“Ky Hurst has spent his whole career competing in our oceans and waterways and knows first-hand the challenges we face with marine plastic waste pollution,” said Jason. 

“Beyond the competition aspect, SPOGOMI aims to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly marine plastic waste and promote responsible waste management to ensure it does not end up in our oceans.”

The 2025 competition in Manly is open to Australian citizens or Australian residents with a current valid passport expiring after May 2026. Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or a supervising adult.

“Register a team today to help shine a light on crucial marine environmental issues, inspiring a proactive movement to reduce ocean-bound litter,” said Jason.

“Let’s show the world how Aussies clean up!”

Tournament details:
•       DATE: Saturday, 30 August
•       LOCATION: Manly Beach, Sydney
•       TIME: 9:30am to 12:30pm

To learn more and register a team, please visit: https://meditationhq.com.au/spogomi/