On A Mission To Becoming New Zealand’s First “Green Player”: Paralympic Badminton Athlete Wojtek Czyz Is Breaking Barriers For Climate Action And Incl

Discover the extraordinary journey of Wojtek Czyz, a Para badminton Player, Keynote Speaker and Marketer whose pursuit of excellence on the court is matched only by his commitment to fighting climate change. Join us to experience the inspiring intersection of sports and sustainability, where an athlete’s mission crosses boundaries, promotes inclusion, and leaves a remarkable impact in the world.

Wojtek Czyz ’s journey is a testament to his passion for sports and the environment. Initially recognized as a professional soccer player in Germany, his life took a transformative turn when he lost his leg, which did not stop him from continuing to be an athlete. He went on to achieve four Paralympic gold medals across Athens, Beijing, and London.

Driven by a deep humanitarian calling, he co-founded sailing4handicaps and sailing the globe to create prostheses for those in need. Today, Wojtek lives in New Zealand and is dedicated to improving infrastructure for the disability community, while excelling in Para badminton and setting his sights on the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

As a leader of the Green Player initiative, he advocates for sustainability in sports and promotes environmentally friendly practices. His journey reflects resilience, inclusivity, and his commitment to fighting climate change, making him an inspiring figure for a greener, more inclusive future.

“Every win, every milestone I achieve in my sporting career is an opportunity to give back. From tree planting drives to beach clean-ups post tournaments, I want my victories to be victories for the planet too”, says Wojtek.

In the following conversation with Wojtek, you will learn more about how he Unites to Act to achieve the SDG:

Building a sustainable future for all means taking action today and flipping the current global narrative on everything from climate change and gender inequality to food insecurity. Zooming in on one priority, what challenge speaks to you the most and how are you uniting to act for the SDGs?

The challenge that resonates most with me is climate change, especially as I’ve experienced the beauty of our world firsthand while sailing around it. My mission to become New Zealand’s first “Green Player” is a testament to this. I’m uniting for the SDGs by reducing my CO2 footprint through partnerships like with Ebbett Group here in New Zealand and by advocating for sustainability in sports. Our planet’s health is crucial, and I believe every step, however small, makes a difference.

You are aiming to become a “Green” Athlete. What does that mean exactly, and how are you merging your career as an athlete with advocating for climate action?

Being a “green” Player to me means embracing sustainability in every aspect of my sporting journey and beyond. Here’s how I envision merging my career with climate advocacy:

Opt for Green Training Facilities:

My training plays a significant role in my daily routine, so I’m exploring options to train at sports facilities that prioritize sustainability. These facilities would ideally utilize renewable energy, water conservation measures, and sustainable building materials. By choosing to train here, I aim to set a standard for where and how athletes should train to minimize their carbon footprint.

Promote Eco-friendly Sports Equipment:

One of the direct ways I interact with the environment in my sport is through the equipment I use. I’m in talks with various brands to both use and endorse badminton gear made entirely from sustainable materials. I believe that if we can make eco-friendly choices mainstream in sports, it could have a ripple effect in other industries as well.

Travel Sustainably:

Tournament tours often mean a lot of travel. While it’s not always possible to avoid flights, I’m actively looking into carbon offset programs for every mile I fly. Additionally, choosing green accommodations and modes of transportation on the ground is on my agenda. I believe that if athletes like me set a precedent, it could influence fans, organizers, and other players to make greener choices.

Forge Green Partnerships:

Beyond my personal practices, I’ve started collaborating with environmental NGOs. Every win, every milestone I achieve in my sporting career is an opportunity to give back. From tree planting drives to beach clean-ups post tournaments, I want my victories to be victories for the planet too.

Rethink My Diet and Nutrition:

Food plays an integral role in an athlete’s life. I’m transitioning to a more sustainable diet that emphasizes local, seasonal, and organic produce. I believe this not only benefits my health but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting and producing food.

In essence, my ambition to become a “green” Player is about more than just personal choices; it’s about setting an example, influencing change in the sports industry, and championing a cause that’s larger than any individual achievement.

Your mission of sailing around the world and building prostheses for people with disabilities is truly inspiring. How do these efforts contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly in the context of inclusion and climate action?

Sailing4handicaps not only let us see the beauty of our world but also the challenges many face. By building prostheses, we promote inclusivity, directly impacting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring those with disabilities aren’t left behind. Additionally, by sailing and experiencing nature firsthand, we’ve become champions for SDG 13 (Climate Action). We believe in a world where everyone has a place and where we actively safeguard our environment for future generations.

This year marks the half-way point to Agenda 2030 and yet indicators show that progress on the SDGs is lagging. Only about 12% of the Goals are currently on track while close to 50% are moderately or severely off track. What do you want to see happen right now that can contribute to inverting this negative trend and putting us back on the right path?

It’s concerning, but I remain hopeful. I’d like to see more collaboration between governments, corporations, communities, and individuals. From my experience, partnerships can be powerful catalysts for change. We need to prioritize education and awareness, especially in schools and sports. If every athlete, artist, and influencer can advocate for the SDGs, we can create a global movement to fast-track our progress.

What has been a key turning point in your life? What have you learned from this that gives you hope for the current turning point we find ourselves in?

The pivotal moment of losing my leg was more than just a physical transformation; it became a profound catalyst for redefining my relationship with the world around me. Being enveloped by the vastness of the oceans while sailing, and diving deep beneath its waves, I was brought face-to-face with the sheer magnificence of nature and its delicate balance. These experiences weren’t just recreational for me; they became classrooms where I learned about the beauty, vulnerabilities, and resilience of our planet.

The very essence of my Para badminton mission mirrors this journey: confronting challenges, defying odds, and striving for excellence, not just for personal gain but to inspire countless others. As I embark on my “Green Player” ambitions, it is with a renewed commitment to integrate sustainability into the world of sports. I want to redefine what it means to be a high-performance athlete in today’s age — demonstrating that success on the court can go hand-in-hand with a commitment to the environment.

Education is the cornerstone of this mission. Through my green player campaign, I aim not just to adopt sustainable practices, but to educate and inspire fans, peers, and communities about the urgency of climate action. By sharing my story and leading by example, I hope to illuminate the path for others, emphasizing that change is not only possible but essential, and that each one of us has a role to play in sculpting a sustainable future.

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