ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is proud to unveil its “Table Tennis Planet Ambassador” programme on the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June. This initiative aims to empower players committed to fostering a more sustainable sports ecosystem.
The ITTF has appointed Adriana Diaz and Martin Perry as the first Table Tennis Planet Ambassadors. Both are professional table tennis and Para table tennis players willing to make a difference and to be more involved in sustainability efforts.
Table Tennis Planet Ambassadors are elite athletes who demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. These athletes actively work towards a more responsible lifestyle and a sustainable indoor sports ecosystem.
Adriana Diaz, currently ranked World No. 12, is one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated sports icons. She has achieved remarkable success at the Pan American Games and made history as the first female table tennis player to represent Puerto Rico at the Olympics in 2016. In 2019, she won the island’s first gold medals in the Pan American Games. Her exceptional achievements earned her the title of “Athlete of the Decade” in Puerto Rico in 2020. With her sisters, Adriana has launched a notebook collection designed and manufactured only with eco-friendly, alternative and sustainable materials.
"I am thrilled to be a part of this program as l strongly believe in the importance of promoting sustainability and being mindful of our impact on the world. I was fortunate to grow up on a beautiful island, rich in nature and biodiversity. As an indoor sport athlete, I know how important nature is to well-being and I want to act now, to ensure future generations can also have access to nature. I look forward to identifying some concrete actions I can support and encourage others to join." -- Adriana Diaz
Martin Perry is a Para table tennis player competing in class 6 representing Great Britain. He is a double European Team Champion and a World Championships bronze medallist. Perry will make his Paralympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Martin is also an advocate for reducing plastic waste and has been actively involved in campaigns promoting the use of reusable materials within the sports community.
“I was unaware of the impact of climate change and the importance of living a more sustainable life until I started competing for Great Britain and was privileged to travel the world playing table tennis. It was an eye-opening experience for me as I was made aware of just how much waste we pollute and the impact it has on people’s lives, particularly in deprived countries and areas. It’s only now that I’m able to look back on my upbringing and understand the cost-effective lifestyle my parents had to live by, but now I am able to see the damage such a lifestyle and lack of available alternatives leaves not only on us as people but the environment and the world around us. I can’t for one second claim to lead the most sustainable lifestyle, who can? But what I can claim is to actively look for more sustainable solutions to my everyday actions. I am excited ITTF and table tennis are taking necessary steps and commitments to climate change and nature and look forward to playing my part and encouraging others to do the same as every action counts.” -- Martin Perry.
