Abstract
Small-scale sport events are an important research component in the domain of sport tourism. Such events are considered to be contributors to the overall tourism impacts associated with destinations that host them. However, most of the research that has analysed the cause and effects of the hosting of small-scale sport events have focused on the impacts linked to socio-economic benefits. Regrettably, the focus on environmental consequences remains scant, even though such events are hosted on the environment and could enhance the environmental agenda. Therefore, the overall aim of this study was to assess the environmental impacts of small-scale sport events in South Africa. Following a mixed-method research approach, quantitative data was collected in the form of questionnaire surveys (n=316) administered to residents who have previously attended small-scale sport events at different locations in Johannesburg. Qualitative data was obtained in the form of semi-structured interviews (n=9) with small-scale sport event organisers. The current study’s key findings reveal that small-scale sport events are not environmentally sustainable as the events cause major negative environmental impacts. This study further found a lack of implementation of environmental impact measures that seek to mitigate the negative environmental impacts at small-scale sport events. Additionally, the findings reveal that small-scale sport event attendees exhibit different environmental behavioural traits at different small-scale sporting events. The present study contributes to the general understanding of environmental sustainability and environmental impacts of small-scale sport events. Furthermore, the present study highlights the importance and role of effective environmental impact measures in achieving environmental sustainability at small-scale sport events.