Arab News Japan

DUBAI: ASICS will provide the official sportswear and shoes to eight athletes and two guide runners selected for the Refugee Paralympic Team.

As an official supplied to the International Paralympic Committee, ASICS designed sportswear featuring “Yagasuri,” that represents determination and strength, and incorporates the IPC symbol mark colors of red, blue, and green.

The material used is a lightweight material with excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties.

The Refugee Paralympic team consists of athletes who overcame extreme adversity to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and they will be the first team to march into the opening ceremony at the Place de la Concorde on August 28.

Para triathlon athlete Ibrahim Al Hussein said: “We feel more like a family than a team. There are many similarities in our difficult paths, and we understand each other as if we know each other’s lives. I am proud to be a member of the Refugee Paralympic Team and to represent so many refugees and people with disabilities.”

Taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi added: “It would be a dream to be the first to ever win a medal for the Refugee Paralympic Team.  If that happens, it will show people that no matter how difficult the struggles they face, they should never give up and provide inspiration and hope to many around the world.”

ASICS CEO and Chairman Yasuhito Hirota explained that it was an honor for the sportswear brand to be supporting the Paralympic Refugee Team.

“Seeing these athletes in action at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will give the world great dreams and hope and inspires us to think about what a truly symbiotic society should be. ASICS is committed to activities that contribute to improving the physical and mental health of all people around the world, based on its founding philosophy of “A Sound Mind In A Sound Body.”

We will continue to work toward the realization of a truly symbiotic society in which everyone can engage in exercise and sports throughout their lives and remain healthful both mentally and physically.”