Project Description
The Paddle Australia Legacy Evaluation project, led by Griffith University, assessed the social, economic, and environmental impact of the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025. The evaluation aligned with Paddle Australia’s Vision and Legacy Pillars—Sport, Community, and Sustainability—and supported planning for Brisbane 2032 and future international events.
Griffith developed a comprehensive evaluation framework, conducted a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis, and benchmarked economic and environmental outcomes. The project mapped the full impact pathway—from volunteer hours and infrastructure upgrades to improved mental health, biodiversity gains, and Western Sydney pride.
Key activities included stakeholder workshops, intercept surveys, environmental monitoring, and legacy reporting. The evaluation demonstrated how sport can drive inclusive, sustainable change and provided a replicable model for future Games and community initiatives.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The project engaged a wide range of stakeholders including Paddle Australia staff, volunteers, athletes, local councils, Indigenous Elders, community groups, and environmental partners. Beneficiaries include recreational paddlers and sport participants, Western Sydney residents and businesses, environmental and biodiversity advocates, and policymakers and planners for Brisbane 2032. The evaluation supported inclusive participation, intercultural connection, and long-term community resilience.
Outcomes to Date
Griffith’s evaluation identified an estimated $93 million in annual social and health savings from paddling participation, including $17.9 million in productivity gains, $49.4 million in mental health cost savings, and $25.7 million in physical activity-related health savings.
The project also delivered a co-designed impact pathway and SROI framework, a baseline metrics for future legacy tracking, a publicly accessible Legacy Summary Report, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration and environmental stewardship.
These outcomes contribute to national policy development, sport legacy planning, and sustainable community engagement.
Project Significance
The project contributes to multiple SDGs by demonstrating how sport-based events can deliver measurable social, economic, and environmental benefits. It supports improved health and wellbeing through increased physical activity and nature connection (SDG 3), promotes gender equality through inclusive participation and representation (SDG 5) and sustainable urban development through infrastructure upgrades and community pride (SDG 11), while also contributing to climate action (SDG 13) and biodiversity and water quality improvements (SDG 14).
The evaluation also strengthens evidence-based policymaking and legacy planning for future Olympic and Paralympic events.