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    Sunday July 27 08:30 at NärCon Sommar 2025

    THE NIPPON FOUNDATION SPOGOMI WORLD CUP 2025 Sweden Qualifiers

  • Do you want to go to Japan?

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    All you have to do is to pick up some trash!

    SPOGOMI is an abbreviation of "Sport Gomihiroi (=picking up trash)", a sport in which teams compete against each other for points awarded according to the amount and type of trash picked up in a given area within a set time limit.

    The winner of the qualifying tournament, which will be held in approximately 20 countries around the world, will represent their country and receive a ticket to the World Cup scheduled to be held in Japan (Tokyo) in October 2025. The winner of the qualifying tournament, which will be held in approximately 20 countries around the world, will represent their country and receive a ticket to the World Cup scheduled to be held in Japan (Tokyo) in October 2025. We will cover the cost of travel to Japan, accommodation, meals, and any other expenses deemed necessary!

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    What it's all about

    There is no age limit and everyone is welcome to participate for free. Bring your friends and family and register a team of three people!

     

    The attraction of this SPOGOMI is that not only is trash eliminated through competition, but with teamwork, and depending on strategy and tactics, anyone can "win," regardless of age or gender.

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    Second time in Sweden

    This is the second time that this event will be held in Sweden and the overall goal is to reduce the amount of trash that flows into the ocean and to create an opportunity for many people to focus on the marine waste problem, as the problem of marine waste is becoming more serious worldwide, and most of the marine waste is generated from land and cities.

  • About the competition

    Competition Overview

    Date and Time: July 27 2025, 08:30~11:30

    Meeting place: Zen Garden, NärCon Sommar 2025.

    Application: Apply through this form before June 29.

    The competition area for picking up trash will be announced shortly before the event.

    Schedule for the day (tentative):

    • 08:30 Regestration starts
    • 09:00 Opening Ceremony
    • 09:30 Start of the competition (1 hour)
    • 10:30 Start of the trash separation 
      • Failure to return by this time will result in a point deduction or disqualification. Please see the rulebook for details.
    • ~11:15 Results announced after tabulation
    • ~11:30 End of Competition

    Application Guidelines

    • Each team must have three members.
    • If any member of the team is under 12 years old, at least one member of the team must be 18 years old or older.
    • A participant under the age of 18 must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before participating.
    • Wheelchair users are welcome to participate in the event. Please note that the competition venue may be difficult to move around depending on the location.
    • Two of the three participants must be citizens of or resident in Sweden.
    • If you wish to change the members of the team, please let us know before the registration desk on the day of the event.
    • Must have or be in the process of obtaining a passport
    • Must be able to travel to Japan in principle (October 27–31, 2025, with the final battle date scheduled for October 29, 2025) in the event of winning the qualifier.

    Application Guidelines

    The competition will cover the cost of travel to Japan, accommodation, meals, and any other expenses deemed necessary for the qualified team.

    If for some reason a member of the qualifying team is unable to come to Japan for the World Cup, up to two members may be replaced (if all three members are unable to come to Japan, the second-placed team will be considered the representative).

    In the event of a large number of applicants, applications may be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis or by lottery, so please apply as soon as possible. [Application Period] From March 7, 2025 to June 29, 2025

    We will notify you of your acceptance or rejection of your application to the email address you have provided us by July 6, 2025.

    We are sincerely looking forward to your participation!

    Other notifications regarding the competition

    • Please wear clothes suitable for physical activity on the day of the event. Changing rooms will not be provided.
    • The management will provide work gloves (for 3 people), garbage bags (number of bags required), and tongs (up to 1 tong per team).
    • No items not provided by the management may be used for trash pickup.
    • Please bring your own rain gear if there is a threat of rain.
    • If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, we will notify you by 17:00 the day before the event.
    • Please note that photos and videos taken on the day of the event may be used later in web pages and publicity materials related to the event.
  • Detailed rules

    These are the official rules of SPOGOMI World Cup

    Basic Matters

    • Teams will compete by earning points based on the type and weight of the trash they collect within the designated time and area. The team with the highest score will be declared the winner.
    • The trash collection will last for 1 hour, followed by 20 minutes for sorting. If the time limit is exceeded, points will be deducted.
    • Each team will consist of 3 members.
    • Multiple referees will be stationed within the competition area to ensure safety and compliance with the rules. If a rule violation occurs, the referees may issue a warning. If the violation is not corrected after multiple warnings, the team may face point deductions or disqualification.
    • In addition to the rules set forth here, please follow traffic rules and ensure your safety at all times. Be especially cautious in narrow roads and areas with vehicle traffic.
    • If an injury or accident occurs during the competition, immediately inform the nearest referee or staff member and follow their instructions.

    Rules in terms of competition

    The distance between the first and last member should not be more than 10 meters apart.
    ※The goal is reached when the last member crosses the finish line and reports to the judge standing at the finish line.

    Do not run (fast walking is allowed)
     Definition:
    Walking: Method of movement with either foot on the ground at all times Running: a method of movement in which there is a moment when both feet leave the ground, float, or jump at the same time.

    What not to pick up

    • Trash already in the trash bin
    • Trash left at garbage collection points
    • Trash that appears to be owned by others
      ※Judging from the surroundings (arranged and placed, signs of having been used recently,
    • Bulky waste
      Definition: Large trash that does not fit into the garbage bags to be distributed (700 mm x 500 mm = 30 liters) Examples: batteries/ fans/ futons/ cushions/ fire extinguishers/ concrete/ blocks/safes/ metal bars/ tires/ wheels/ stoves/ computers/ strollers/ rice cookers.
    • Hazardous waste (syringes)
    • Trash picked up by lifting road gutters and dovetails

    Do not leave the competition area

    Areas you are not allowed to enter

    • In rivers and oceans
    • Private property

    ※About the parking lot

    Coin-operated parking lots, although privately owned, shall be accessible due to their public nature that anyone can use them (parking lots exclusively for companies, organizations, etc. shall not be allowed).

    Observe separation rules.

    Observe traffic rules.

    Point Reduction and Disqualification


    You may receive a caution from the judge when violating the rules. If a player is cautioned by the judge and repeatedly (two or more times) fails to comply with the caution, points may be deducted, and in the case of malicious behavior, the judge may disqualify the player at his/her own discretion.

    ▼Cases with point reductions

    • Violation of the "Rules of Competition"
    • If you do not return after completing trash pickup in time
      -10 points for every minute, disqualification for more than 10 minutes late
      (e.g.) 1~59 seconds late is -10 points, and 60~119 seconds late is -20 points
    • If the trash is not properly separated at the time of weighing, -100 points
      -Weighing is performed again after the trash is separated
    • If you pick up something that "What not to pick up" (see above for details), -100 points

    Cases of disqualification

    • If you travel by means other than walking, such as train/ bus/ taxi/ bicycle, etc.
    • Any increase in the weight of trash by any means other than picking up fallen trash
      (e.g.)Bulk up the weight with water/ add trash from the trash can/ get trash from stores, etc.
    • Behavior not in keeping with good sportsmanship
      (e.g.)Engaging in violent behavior, swearing at other teams or judges, etc.
    • When you do not heed the warnings of judges and staff and continue to engage in malicious acts
    • In the event that you return to the venue more than 10 minutes later than the designated time for trash pickup.

    Any other actions not listed here that are deemed dangerous, malicious, or otherwise inappropriate for the purpose of sports trash pickup will be subject to point deductions and disqualification.