Environment

Olympic Athlete Yao Ming becomes UNEP's first Environmental Champion

by PlanMyGreen | August 9, 2008 at 01:26 pm

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With all eyes on China during the current Olympics, it appears many important issues are beginning to be addressed by leaders and national icons. Yao Ming is using his status as an international basketball star to bring awarness to the masses, especially the younger generation. Steps like these are relatively small, but do bring about a change in the attitudes of many people. China has to begin somewhere in their road to environmental friendly policies, and this definately helps bring the issues home. Ming will be a great addition to helping to promote eco-friendly ideas and conservation.

Top Olympic Athlete Yao Ming becomes UNEP's first Environmental Champion

Beijing, 9 August 2008-Top Olympic athlete Yao Ming is the UN Environment Programme's first-ever Environmental Champion, UNEP announced today.

Basketball megastar Yao Ming, who plays for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and for China's Olympic team, is one of the most famous athletes in the world today. He is a national icon in China and carried the Olympic Flame into Tiananmen Square on 6 August, as well as being his country's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony.

"I am delighted and greatly honored to accept the UN Environment Programme's offer to become their first ever 'Environmental Champion'", Yao Ming said. "In my role as Environmental Champion, I will work with governments, the private sector and the public to promote good and effective management of our environment so we can preserve the planet for future generations."

Yao Ming said he will work with young people across the world and try to inspire them to plant trees, use energy efficient light bulbs, harvest rain water and to become environmental champions in their own communities.

"I welcome Yao Ming to our team," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, who is in Beijing for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games. "As one of the most high profile athletes in these Games and with a fan base of millions across the world, I am sure he can help us raise public awareness on the environment and Climate Change issues. I look forward to working closely with Yao Ming and wish him and all other athletes the very best for the Games."