Olympic athlete and NBA superstar Yao Ming is one of the most famous and admired basketball players in the world today. As such, it’s not surprising that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) should want the sports star as a spokesperson. The UNEP announced that Ming will be the Programme’s first Environmental Champion.
Ming is a national icon in China, where he represents the country in the Summer Games in Beijing. On August 6, Ming carried the Olympic Flame into Tiananmen Square and served as the country’s flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremonies.
The UNEP released a statement with Ming’s response:
“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.”
Part of Yao Ming’s campaign will be focused on working with youth worldwide, encouraging them to plant trees, practice energy efficiency light bulbs 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.”
To learn more, go to: unep.org
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