Sports cannot be enjoyed if there is no proper environment. The JOC has established the JOC Sport and Environment Commission for the sake of creating an environment conducive for sports at all times by promoting environmental awareness using posters and banners at sporting events and roping in Olympic players and teams to spread the message of environmental conservation.
Shuzo Matsuoka (Tennis)
Born 1967 in Tokyo. Competed in the the Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta games.
"During my playing days, I suddenly experienced breathing difficulties during a match, and had to abandon the game. The cause was due to photochemical smog which I learned was due to the effect of global warming. Since then, I have felt that sports is something that can only be carried out in a proper natural environment. If global warming proceeds as it is now, it will only be a matter of time before the Winter Olympic can no longer be held. Because of this, I believe it is our duty to relay to people the importance of protecting the natural environment."
