LONDON, February 23, 2024 (ATP Press Release)
ATP players Mackenzie McDonald, Ben Shelton and Cameron Norrie have come together to direct $100,000 of charitable donations to support environmental sustainability initiatives. The donations, made on their behalf by ATP, were awarded in recognition of the players’ climate leadership through ATP Carbon Tracker in 2023.
Carbon Tracker, an app launched last season in collaboration with Infosys, Digital Innovation partner of the ATP Tour, enabled players to track, assess and offset carbon emissions from travel on Tour. Through their actions players competed for position on an in-app leaderboard, with the Top 3 players at the end of the season winning the opportunity to elect charitable causes to support.
Mackenzie McDonald: $50,000 to Greenaction
Greenaction is a charitable organisation that mobilises community power to change government and industry policies to protect health and promote environmental, social, economic, racial, and climate justice. McDonald’s donation supports the Bayview Hunters Point campaign, a project providing a major lift to an underserved area of San Francisco. McDonald became aware of the need for environmental intervention when he learned of the restoration of four Hunters Point tennis courts personally opened by Arthur Ashe in 1987 and set to be reopened in March 2024.
McDonald said: “It means a lot to be able to support Greenaction and the Bay Area tennis community with this donation. The work the organisation is doing to drive environmental justice is really inspiring and close to my heart. Big thanks to the ATP for making this possible through the Carbon Tracker. Such a great initiative!”
“The ATP donation from Mackenzie McDonald to Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice will directly support our work to reduce harmful pollution, reduce climate change impacts, and improve the environment for residents of Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco,” said Bradley Angel, Executive Director of Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice. “With this support, we will conduct a special Bayview Hunters Point Youth Environmental Justice Leadership Academy so kids in the community become more aware and empowered as environmental justice leaders.”
Ben Shelton: $30,000 to High Impact Athletes
High Impact Athletes (HIA) connects professional athletes with the most cost-effective, evidence-based charities in the world and harnesses the power of athlete voices. HIA has built a community of more than 200 world-class athletes and influenced more than $800,000 in donations to date. Shelton’s donation is being directed to HIA’s Environmental Portfolio, supporting the most effective climate initiatives focussed on emissions reduction, clean air and agriculture innovation.
Shelton said: “I’m a big fan of HIA’s vision to get the most impact out of every dollar donated. That was a big pull for me in deciding which environmental causes to support with this donation. Super happy to join the other athletes that have given their voice to this movement too.”
Marcus Daniell, High Impact Athletes Founder and Executive Director, said: “I’m excited and honoured to have a player of Ben’s calibre support our High Impact Athletes Environmental Portfolio. The fact that Ben was a winner of the ATP’s Carbon Tracker prize pool is a testament to his conscientiousness, and the fact that he is donating the prize to such a highly impactful set of charities is a testament to his selflessness and smarts. We couldn’t have thought of a more apt role model for young athletes to look up to, both on the court and in the charity space. Bravo, Next Gen!”
Cameron Norrie: $20,000 to Sported
Sported is a UK-based charity that resources community groups to transform the lives of young people through sport. It offers programmes and specific support that lower barriers to participation and address social issues. Norrie’s donation will fuel Sported’s work to promote sustainability at local clubs and organisations, enabling them to survive, thrive and be positive net contributors to the environment.
Norrie said: “Sported does amazing work to inspire young people through sport. When the chance came about through ATP Carbon Tracker to donate a positive cause, it was the opportunity to help the next generation that really stood out for me. I’m thrilled that this donation will help Sported develop their sustainability programme as part of that”.
Sarah Kaye, CEO of Sported, said: “We’re really grateful for Cam’s support for our efforts to help grassroots sports clubs become more sustainable and to underpin their role as net contributors to their communities. These groups give transformational opportunities to our young people in dealing with so many of the barriers that they face. Like Cam, the local heroes who run them have to work tirelessly every day to make good things happen. This donation allows us to provide even more invaluable help to them and it is a real smash!”
The 2024 ATP Carbon Tracker season is currently underway and open to all ATP players. To learn more about the app, its impact and vision, and the ATP Serves programme, click here.
