Materiality
Developing communities based on sports

Today, we are able to indirectly enjoy sports by watching real-time games and matches both in our own country and abroad thanks to the development of digital technology. However, since actually playing sports requires having equipment, a facility, teammates, and/or instructors, there are people who cannot play sports even if they want to.

Mizuno believes it needs to help create equal opportunities to play sports, regardless of age, physical disability, and place of residence, if it wants to help as many people as possible enjoy sports by maximizing the potential of sports. Therefore, Mizuno puts effort into improving the accessibility of sports and promoting regional sports. By doing so, Mizuno also aims to help people connect and communicate with one another through sports.

It’s important to note that Mizuno Group’s efforts to promote sports are carried out with commercial purposes in mind, and as a rule, the provision of services or products free of charge is not implemented.

One of the most well-known activities aimed at promoting sports overseas is the Amsterdam Marathon, held in the Netherlands. Mizuno has been supporting this event since 2000, offering various categories including a full marathon, a half marathon, and an eight-kilometer run, making it an event where participants can enjoy running according to their abilities.

Although the 2020 edition was held as a "virtual run" event considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the real event was resumed in 2021 after two years. The Amsterdam Marathon is held every year on the third Sunday of October, and the 2022 edition took place on October 16. Over 30,000 runners from more than 90 countries entered, and Mizuno, as the main sponsor, set up flags bearing its name over a 2-kilometer stretch around the venue. During the event, Mizuno also set up a sales stand adjacent to the stadium for the display and sale of apparel and footwear.

Nearly half of the participants in this event are runners from outside the Netherlands, making it a distinctly international and Pan-European event, setting it apart from other races. Through the participation of various runners, Mizuno looks forward to revitalizing the local area and furthering the recognition and penetration of the Mizuno brand, with plans to continue sponsoring the event in the future.

Please click here for more details on this event.

Amsterdam Marathon 2022

Mizuno’s Booth at the Amsterdam Marathon 2022

To help all kinds of people, from children to adults, as well as beginners to those advanced, in Europe, the U.S., Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, and China, as well as other countries around the world, Mizuno co-hosts competitions and holds sports clinics relating to running, rugby, badminton and other sports.

In 2007, Mizuno began promoting regional sports, with help from current and former male and female top athletes, by holding Mizuno Victory Clinics, which have top athletes give demonstrations and advice to help participants recognize the fun of sports.

About 300 current and former athletes of 20 types of sports, who participated in domestic and international sports competitions, including the Olympics and world championships, are registered as clinic instructors, and they directly pass on their skills and spirit to participants.
In addition, Mizuno Victory Clinics aim to promote interaction between participants. Mizuno Victory Clinics, which welcome top athletes as instructors, not only promote regional sports but also provide athletes with opportunities to demonstrate their skills. The Clinics also serve as venues for top sports athletes and regional sports athletes to interact with one another.

In FY 2021, Mizuno was only able to hold 45 Clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as the response to the coronavirus has gradually eased, the number of clinics held in FY 2022 increased to 111.