David Katoatau named ONOC ambassador for climate change
David Katoatau the champion weightlifter from Kiribati, 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, and three times Olympic Games representative, has been named as an Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) ambassador for climate change as he seeks to raise awareness of the issue.
He spoke at the ONOC Assembly in Samoa on the impact of climate change which has threatened the existence of Kiribati and other Islands of the region.
The island nation of Kiribati is one of the most defenceless in the world due to rising sea levels.
David said in his presentation “Climate change might be just two words to many people but it is a threat to my nation, our livelihood and our people.”. If nothing is being done, we are guaranteed to be affected.”
“We should use sport as a platform to help avoid climate change.”
“They call me the dancing lifter. I don’t do it for the fun, I do it because I believe that the audience identifies me with Kiribati and climate change. I enjoy lifting, I love it. However, I think of the future.”
I have had the opportunity to compete at three Olympic Games. Many young kids in Kiribati may never have the opportunity to compete at the Olympics if Kiribati no longer exists. They will all become climate refugees.”
Source: OWF
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