Activewear brand ASICS has partnered with charity Right To Play, in Lebanon on the launch of a new project to change the lives of refugee children.

This has been made possible by ASICS’ commitment to donating $10 per sale of every KO100 edition shoes.

The KO100 shoe series was launched earlier this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the brand’s founding father Kihachiro Onitsuka and consists of the Onitsuka Tiger CorsAir, Asics Tiger Gel Mai and the Asics GEL-QUANTUM 360, all decked out in shades of beautiful sunflower yellow.

ASICS was originally launched in 1949 and was established with a clear philosophy, to help people move and feel healthy in both body and mind. 

Reflects Onitsuka’s Pioneering Spirit 

And this new project in Lebanon reflects a continuation of founder Onitsuka’s pioneering spirit and the long term partnership between brands.

Explained Motoi Oyama, Chairman and CEO, Representative Director of AISCS Corporation, “Onitsuka built ASICS because he wanted to help people develop a healthier and active lifestyle and be happier, ultimately.”

And Oyama added, “This partnership demonstrates ASICS’ commitment and belief in the power of sport to improve lives and society as a whole.”

What Right To Play Is About

Right To Play is a global organisation that is committed to improving the lives of children and youth affected by conflict, disease and poverty in 15 countries around the world. They have pioneered a unique play-based approach to learning and development.

So the organisation uses sport and play to help children rise above adversity in deprived communities around the world in the hope of creating a lasting impact and empowering children with the knowledge and skills to drive changes in their lives.

Aligns Closely With ASICS’ Vision

And this aligns very closely with ASICS’ I MOVE ME campaign which was launched in 2007 and is still ongoing today. 

The goal of that 2007 campaign is to bring people together and inspire them to be healthy and happy through movement and exercise.

ASICS To Work With Lebanon Schools

So for the new mission, ASICS will work with local schools and communities in Lebanon to ensure that every $1 donated will go towards sponsoring one child in Lebanon to have access to one week of play.

ASICS aim to support these refugee children and youths in engaging in play and sport to make for a healthier and stronger generation that can develop life skills and build peaceful communities.

Said Oyama, “We are excited to take our partnership with Right To Play globally. As an organisation that mirrors many of our brand values, together, we will be able to share our brand message, I MOVE ME, and support children in Lebanon.”