Yao Ming, Chinese basketball star famous for his 7′ 6 frame, has been elected the first ever UN Environment Champion at the Beijing Olympics. Ming might not have been able to lead his team to victory during the U.S.-Chinese game, but this eco-distinction is sure to inspire more environmental awareness in his home country and abroad. It’s all about baby steps, or in Ming’s case, a Goliath-sized gait. Ming has pledged to work with young people around the world to raise awareness about green issues and to try to inspire them to plant trees, use energy-efficient light bulbs, harvest rain water and personally advocate for a healthier environment,” according to the U.N. Environment Program. Here’s more from The Daily Green:

As a sportsman, I believe sport has a major role to play in promoting environmental issues so I 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,” Yao said.

“As the world celebrates the Beijing Olympic Games, I would also like to call upon the organizers of all major sports events in the world to make sure they use public transport facilities, build proper waste management systems and use greener forms of energy.

“I sincerely believe small actions done by many over a long period of time can really bring about positive change,” he added. “By doing a little now we can avoid doing a lot later. Please join me in this global team effort.”

takepart and check out these other heroes of the environment from Time Magazine.

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