British environmental enthusiasts secured the top spot at Japan’s inaugural Spogomi World Cup, a unique competition focusing on cleaning up urban spaces. Sarah Parry, along with brothers Alexander and Jonathan Winship, outperformed participants from 20 other nations in this pioneering event held in Tokyo. The competition, named after the blend of “sport” and “gomi” (Japanese for rubbish), unfolded in the vibrant Shibuya district.

Armed with protective gear, metal tongs, and garbage bags, each team was assigned a five-square-kilometer area to meticulously collect litter. The teams, given two 45-minute sessions, diligently combed the streets for various forms of waste, including plastic and cigarette butts. An additional 20 minutes were allocated for sorting the collected debris into distinct categories for recycling.

Judges awarded points based on the quantity and type of trash gathered, with extra consideration for smaller items like cigarette butts. The competition emphasized fair play, ensuring participants refrained from raiding existing bins or collecting trash from private properties.

The victorious British team, aptly named The North Will Rise Again, accumulated an impressive 126.26 lbs (57 kgs) during their designated timeframe, earning a remarkable 9,046.1 points. Their success included overcoming the French team, pre-tournament favorites, consisting of three individuals employed in refuse collection. This event not only showcases the global commitment to environmental stewardship but also demonstrates the potential for innovative and engaging approaches to waste management on an international scale.