Initiative is model as inherited joint project through surfboards, contributing to promotion of international contribution projects through sports

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) today announced that it was received a letter of gratitude from Japan Sports Agency Commissioner Daichi Suzuki for its contributions to the “Surf for Smile” project, one of the government’s “Sports For Tomorrow” (SFT) initiatives.

At the ceremony. From second from left in the front row: Representative of Ichinomiya-cho Surfing Business Union in Japan Mr. Kiyohisa Uzawa, Japan Sports Agency Minister Mr. Daichi Suzuki, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.  Executive Officer Ms. Kayo Ichikawa, Deputy Mayor of Ichinomiya Town Mr. Toshibumi Kawashima
At the ceremony. From second from left in the front row: Representative of Ichinomiya-cho Surfing Business Union in Japan Mr. Kiyohisa Uzawa, Japan Sports Agency Minister Mr. Daichi Suzuki, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.  Executive Officer Ms. Kayo Ichikawa, Deputy Mayor of Ichinomiya Town Mr. Toshibumi Kawashima
SFT is a Japanese government-backed international contribution project based on sports, announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Assembly named Tokyo as the host city for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The project focuses on over 10 million people in 100 countries, aiming to promote the benefits of sports to people of different generations.

In May 2017, MOL took part in the “Surf for Smile” project, providing ocean transport of about 100 surfboards donated by the Ichinomiya-cho Surfing Business Union in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, to the non-governmental organization Surfers Not Street Children in South Africa. The organization is founded on the idea that children who can experience the fun and excitement of surfing will live happier, more rewarding lives, and be less likely to turn to drugs or violence. 

MOL’s cooperation in this project corresponds to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) , specifically Goal 10 - “Reduce inequality within and among countries - and Goal 17 - “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.” 

The “Surf for Smile” project is the second time MOL has contributed to an SFT program. The company provided ocean transport of SFT-donated sporting goods to Ghana in 2016.

As a good corporate citizen, MOL continually engages in projects that further the UN’s SDGs, while leveraging its global transport network to promote worldwide economic growth.