Last Updated: 2019.11.15
UNIQLO to Provide Clothing for South Sudan Athletes
UNIQLO CO., LTD.
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UNIQLO, the Japanese global apparel retailer, today announces that it will provide clothing for the South Sudan track and field team during their training camp in Japan ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
The domestic situation in South Sudan is unstable, with ongoing civil war and ethnic violence. To allow the athletes from that country to concentrate on training with calmness, the city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, is providing support through a long-term training camp for the country's track and field team*. UNIQLO agrees with this initiative, and through the city offices will provide the five people from the South Sudan team (four athletes and one coach) with everyday clothing during their stay. Items provided will be from regular UNIQLO items, with support continuing over a 10-month period from November 2019 to August 2020.
As part of its assistance for South Sudan, UNIQLO group company Fast Retailing is providing U.S. $700,000 in aid to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support efforts in assisting displaced persons in the country. In addition, through its product recycling program launched in 2006, Fast Retailing has been providing clothing for refugees and others in need around the world. As of the end of August 2019, the company has delivered 36.57 million items of recycled clothing for displaced persons in 72 countries and regions, including South Sudan.
By providing clothing to athletes from South Sudan, a country that it has been supporting up to now, UNIQLO hopes for the success of the athletes, and is working to promote peace through sports. UNIQLO will further pursue assistance that contributes to the resolution of the refugee issue.
*Reference: "Long-term Training Camp Project for South Sudan Olympic Athletes" (Maebashi City)
https://www.city.maebashi.gunma.jp/bunka_sports_kanko/2/6/18876.html
Details on Fast Retailing's refugee assistance activities:
https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/sustainability/community/refugees.html
