The spirit of environmental action came alive on the historic grounds of Galle Fort as the Southern Province Qualifier of the SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 was successfully held with energy, competition, and collaboration. Organized by the Zero Plastic Movement with the incredible support of Japanese volunteers, the event was a true testament to the power of teamwork and the global mission to tackle plastic pollution through action.
What is SPOGOMI?
SPOGOMI (Sport + Gomi, meaning “trash” in Japanese) is an innovative global competition that turns trash collection into a competitive sport. Teams compete to collect, sort, and score points based on the type and amount of litter they collect within a time limit and designated area. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about bringing awareness, building teamwork, and having fun while making a tangible impact.
📍 The Event: Southern Province Qualifier – Galle Fort
Held on the 19th of April 2025, the Southern Qualifier drew several enthusiastic teams from across the province. The location—the iconic Galle Fort—provided a beautiful yet meaningful backdrop, reminding participants of the cultural heritage and natural beauty we all must strive to protect.
The Winning Teams
After an intense and exciting competition, the top three teams emerged victorious:
1st Place: Team Bees
Demonstrating coordination, efficiency, and sheer dedication, Team Bees collected a record-breaking amount of waste and topped the scoreboard with over 10,000 points! They now qualify for the National Final in Colombo on August 2nd, bringing them one step closer to representing Sri Lanka at the SPOGOMI World Cup in Japan.
2nd Place: Team Race to Clean
Living up to their name, this dynamic team impressed the judges and audience with their pace and precision. They secured a strong second-place finish, showing they are serious contenders in Sri Lanka’s growing cleanup movement.
3rd Place: Team Eco
With a well-planned strategy and clear passion for the cause, Team Eco claimed third place and proved their commitment to protecting our environment.
🇱🇰 What’s Next?
The Final National Championship will be held in Colombo on August 2, 2025. The winning team from that event will proudly go on to represent Sri Lanka at the global SPOGOMI World Cup 2025 in Japan, competing with teams from around the world in a powerful demonstration of collective environmental action.
Join the Movement!
Do you want to be part of this one-of-a-kind experience?
Gather a team of 3 members, and register today for upcoming provincial qualifiers happening across Sri Lanka. This is your chance to win a fully sponsored trip to Japan and be a hero for your country—and the planet.
🔗 Register & Learn More: https://www.zeroplastic.lk/worldcup2025
