ASICS is delighted to announce it has become an official sponsor of the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team (ART). The partnership, which took effect in June and will run until 2026, offers training, competition kits, and footwear for the elite and U20 refugee teams, and for the first time includes access to ASICS training facilities around the world.
Founded in 2016 to provide training and competition opportunities for athletes who had fled violence, conflict and injustice at home, members of the team made their first competitive appearance as part of the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero. Since that debut in Brazil, the Athlete Refugee Team has competed at nearly every World Athletics Series event.
This official sponsor contract was made possible with ASICS’s commitment to achieve “Lifetime Athletes in All of Us”, the theme of ASICS’s long-term vision “VISION2030” on top of ASICS philosophy of “a sound mind in a sound body”.
Sebastian Coe, World Athletics Presidentsaid: “I am deeply grateful that ASICS has stepped aboard to join us in this humanitarian venture at a time when the world is witnessing an ever-increasing influx of refugees. Our refugee team programme is making a difference in the lives of many of these talented athletes, who, through the power of our sport, are inspiring millions with their determination to overcome the challenges they’ve encountered.”
Yasuhito, Hirota, President, CEO and COO, Representative Director, ASICS Corporation said: “We are proud to be able to support the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team. Their courage and determination give dreams and hope to people around the world. ASICS will continue to contribute to a society where anyone can achieve sound mind and sound body through sports. “
The World Athletics refugee program is currently comprised of 32 athletes based in Kenya, Israel, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The team will make its next appearance at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 that will take place on 19th to 27th August.
ASICS has been an Official World Athletics Partner since 2017. Underscoring their commitment to the world of athletics, its partnership was extended in 2019 through 2029 to ensure its involvement and presence at all World Athletics Series events.
For further information about the World Athlete Refugee Team, please visit:
https://worldathletics.org/athletics-better-world/athlete-refugee-team
