UNIQLO Hosts Send-Off Ceremony for Special Olympics Athletes

Empowering Athletes with More Sustainable Uniforms for World Games

Special Olympics athletes and UNIQLO Malaysia staff showing off big smiles for the fun day ahead

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO has teamed up with Special Olympics Malaysia to send-off the Malaysian contingent participating at the upcoming Special Olympics World Games Berlin in June 2023. The send-off event, held at IPGM Kampus Perempuan Melayu, Melaka, marked a significant moment for the delegation of 39 athletes, coaches, and officials representing Malaysia in the international event.

Special Olympic athletes and UNIQLO Malaysia Staff racing toe-to-toe in the sprint race

The Special Olympics World Games is slated to take place from June 17 to June 25, 2023, in Berlin, Germany. As the official apparel sponsor for Special Olympics Malaysia at the Closing Ceremony, UNIQLO will be providing the delegation with sports uniforms made from recycled materials, in line with the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The team’s uniforms include the UNIQLO LifeWear concept, designed to make everyone’s life better with innovative production methods and performance fabrics.

“Our commitment to improving and benefiting the communities around us is deeply rooted in UNIQLO’s philosophy of making the world a better place through the power of clothing. Our team uniforms for the Special Olympics Malaysia were not only designed with quality and innovation in mind, but also made with recycled materials, contributing to a better world in more ways than one,” Evelyn Tan, Sustainability Director of UNIQLO Malaysia.

On your mark, get set, go! Special Olympians and UNIQLO Malaysia staff getting ready at the starting line

At the send-off event, Special Olympics Malaysia athletes and UNIQLO staff members came together to participate in a Unified Sports Games, which included events like the 4x100m relay, bocce and shot put.

Special Olympics Malaysia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics Malaysia promotes social inclusion through the power of sport, enabling every individual to reach their full potential and emphasizing the significance of social inclusion.

The athletes showing off their skills ahead of the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Berlin

“We are thrilled to support this initiative and to have the opportunity to work with Special Olympics Malaysia to make a difference in the lives of the athletes and the wider community,” added Evelyn Tan.

The sponsored items include:

• Pocketable UV Protection Parka (3D Cut), made from 46% recycled nylon
• DRY-EX Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt, made from 100% recycled polyester
• Ultra Stretch DRY-EX Jogger Pants, made from 33% recycled polyester

In addition to sponsoring Special Olympics Malaysia, UNIQLO is also dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. This commitment is demonstrated through fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that provides equal opportunities for everyone, by employing people with disabilities, who currently make up over 2% of its workforce in Malaysia, as well as equipping them with necessary skills through training.