Last Updated: 2021.09.09
UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Shingo Kunieda Awarded Special Bonus - Recognizing the wheelchair tennis player's inspirational plays and elevation of parasports
FAST RETAILING CO., LTD.
UNIQLO CO., LTD.
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UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing today announces the company, along with UNIQLO Founder and Fast Retailing Chairman, President & CEO Tadashi Yanai, will award a special bonus of JPY100 million to UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador Shingo Kunieda, who reaffirmed his position at the peak of parasports at the games held this summer.
Parasports has long struggled to receive the same support as other sports in terms of perceived economic value, recognition, prize money amounts and other aspects. However, in spite of these hurdles, Kunieda's exemplary performance on this occasion blurred the boundaries between sports and parasports and highlighted the possibilities of parasports, raising their profile within the sports world.
Kunieda's achievement serves to inspire everyone in the parasports scene and will surely drive a great number of people aiming to become future parasports athletes. UNIQLO, thankful to be associated with Kunieda, looks forward to expanding activities carried out with the top player, such as wheelchair tennis events and sports clinics, to encourage children who aspire to be parasports athletes in the future.
Comment from Shingo Kunieda
"When I announced that I was going pro in 2009, it was UNIQLO that reached out to me first and foremost," said Kunieda. "Since then, through the good times and the bad, they have always been by my side, supporting me in my journey as a wheelchair tennis player. I came to this event determined to win and after coming out on top I couldn't be happier. What's more, when I first heard my performance was to be acknowledged with this special bonus, I was deeply moved, and I couldn't be more grateful. Going forward I will continue to deliver great performances and continue to prove my worth. UNIQLO has suggested working with me on activities to support children who aspire to be parasports athletes in the future. This is something I have always wanted to do, so I am ecstatic to be on board and look forward to fostering the next generation of athletes."
Comment from Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President and CEO of Fast Retailing
"Firstly, I wish to express my sincere congratulations to Mr. Shingo Kunieda on his achievement. I can only imagine the pressure he must have felt participating in an event that was in jeopardy because of the pandemic. And so, to see him achieve the best possible result despite such circumstances was simply moving. It is thanks to Mr. Kunieda, our first UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador, that we could establish meaningful relationships with our other Ambassadors. I am truly appreciative of his continuous effort, outstanding record as World No. 1, bright personality that captivates everyone he meets, and positive outlook. Thank you for evoking such deep feelings in me."
