Climate action is a team sport - Interzero deepened its partnership with ALBA BERLIN
True all-rounders: After many years as the main sponsor and environmental partner of the men’s team and sponsor of the youth division at ALBA BERLIN, Interzero became a partner of the women’s team for the first time in the 2024–25 season. “Climate action is a team sport – and one that needs total commitment”, said Dr Axel Schweitzer, Chairman of Interzero and President of ALBA BERLIN. “This spirit unites Interzero with a club whose top-tier men’s and women’s teams not only excel in sport but also make a valuable contribution to society by encouraging broader participation in sport in innovative and sustainable ways.”
Sporting, social and environmental success: Even off the basketball court, ALBA BERLIN and Interzero continue to work together for greater sustainability. One example is the ‘Donate a phone, give someone a future’ campaign, which once again ran successfully during the 2024–25 season. It gave fans the opportunity to drop off their used smartphones in special collection boxes at all home games for the men’s and women’s teams. Interzero professionally refurbishes the used devices, with all resale proceeds going towards ALBA JUGEND’s community work with young people. This closes the loop – and could even help discover the next generation of talented young professional athletes.
Three questions for Svenja Brunckhorst
3×3 basketball Olympic champion and team manager of the women’s and girls’ teams at ALBA BERLIN since September 2024.
Svenja, you won the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris – and inspired a generation to take up women’s basketball. What does it take to turn hype into a lasting success story?
The attention around the Olympics is a huge opportunity for the entire sport. But when we hear that girls are getting excited about basketball, we need to make sure they have opportunities to play – and we also need to create more professional structures in women’s basketball. Among other things, we need more qualified coaches and training sessions in locations beyond just school sports halls. ALBA BERLIN has been committed to equal opportunities in sport and sustainable youth development for years now, and we can build on that.
What does sustainability mean in sport – and for you personally?
Encouraging participation in sport – regardless of background or social status – makes a big difference to society. Sport is about much more than just peak performance. It also teaches you a lot about fair play and responsibility – for yourself, your team and your environment. Those are values that matter to me personally.
Germany is hosting some important women’s basketball events in the near future, with both the European Championships and World Cup set to take place here in 2025 and 2026. What kind of message do you want the country to send?
I hope we can make the most of our home advantage – and spark a financial rethink in women’s sport by delivering exciting tournaments. Dedicated partners like Interzero are not just valuable for ALBA BERLIN. Together, we can show what winning truly means, both on the court and in terms of sustainability.
+ + + +
Scoring points for the environment: The joint ‘Donate a phone, give someone a future’ campaign collected 702 used smartphones during the 2023–24 season. By refurbishing these devices, ALBA BERLIN and Interzero saved 8,700 kg of greenhouse gas emissions and 2,100 kg of primary resources, and raised EUR 3,807.57 to support the club’s community youth work.
![[Translate to English - Englisch:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/1/4/csm_230606-AGA-Tridi-Indonesia-PET-recycling_e3dcd2ad90.jpg "[Translate to English - Englisch:]")