Sportwear giant Adidas has teamed up with Parley for the Oceans to launch a sustainable tennis court in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, on the occasion of the Australian Open.
Founded with the mission of reducing waste to the oceans, Parley for the Oceans helps people come together to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of the oceans and to collaborate on projects that can help end their destruction.
Adidas has collaborated with Parley for the Oceans to create clothing and footwear made from recycled plastic before.
Now, in an effort to raise awareness and positive discussion around how people can help end plastic waste, the tennis court was created from recycled plastic materials and mounted on a working barge, which travels through the Great Barrier Reef servicing important environmental marine construction and diving projects.
Australian sports stars Ian Thorpe, Jess Fox, Nathan Cleary and Steph Claire Smith marked the launch by playing a game of mixed doubles on the floating court.
Adidas will donate the court to a school in a nearby city of Townsville after the tournament finishes.
Meanwhile, Adidas has also launched a new tennis apparel range made with Parley Ocean Plastic and which takes inspiration from the heritage-protected Queensland marine park, the Great Barrier Reef.
“The new Adidas tennis apparel collection, that will be worn by players during the Australian Open in Melbourne, has been inspired by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and consists of products from one of our sustainability innovators, Made with Parley Ocean Plastic,” said an Adidas spokesperson.
“We have chosen to launch this collection in the heritage-protected Queensland marine park to raise awareness and positive discussion around how we can help end plastic waste and protect the Great Barrier Reef.”
Adidas has also committed to its “Own the Game” strategy through to 2025, which is focusing on increasing brand credibility, elevating the experience for its consumer and pushing the boundaries in sustainability.
