Thanks to the excellent response from the maritime industry, as well as the funds raised through team registrations and corporate sponsorships for Adventure Race Japan, we have raised US$1M of our US$1.2m target which will go towards our vital frontline work supporting seafarers’ welfare.
The Mission to Seafarers (MtS) is pleased to announce that we have raised $US1.1m of our US$1.2m target for the highly anticipated Adventure Race Japan (ARJ) challenge, which is taking place from 18-21 May 2023. We are incredibly grateful to all those that have contributed through team registrations and funds raised by participants, who we hope will continue their philanthropic efforts to help us reach our target to support seafarers across the globe in the numerous challenges they face.
Adventure Race Japan has attracted considerable interest from around the world, particularly from Asia, and is The Mission to Seafarers’ first bespoke maritime industry challenge in Japan. The event will see 64 teams of three taking part in a two-day challenge on the Izu Peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a designated UNESCO Geopark, with views of Mount Fuji. Participants will benefit from three days of networking, with the challenge itself consisting of a trail race, team-building challenges, and a water element.
The funds raised through Adventure Race Japan will be used to support several key areas of The Mission to Seafarers’ operations. A significant portion will be used to fund our ‘Emerging Port Strategy 2022-2026’, which aims to provide a strategic approach to new and existing operations in Asia, as well as globally. Funds will also support our frontline services so we can continue to provide for seafarers’ welfare, as we have done for 167 years.
Examples of where the ARJ funds will be allocated include funding more sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of MtS activities; the creation of more green spaces for seafarers at our Seafarers Centres; and the establishment of Key Welfare Hubs in Singapore and Rotterdam to offer an enhanced service to seafarers on key shipping routes with a considerable through-put of seafarers. The Mission to Seafarers’ successful Family Support Network in the Philippines and India will also receive support, helping them to continue providing counselling, financial guidance, basic social and welfare services, transportation services, and training for seafarers and their families. More information can be found in our Statement of Intent, which gives more detail on how the money raised will be spent.
We are excited to see so many teams and individuals rally around this important cause, with corporate and team sponsorship allowing us to raise the funds necessary to support seafarers. As such, we would like to give a special shoutout to the top five teams currently leading the race in our Fundraising League Table:
- Team IDO from MtS Hong Kong who has raised $41,725 of their $50,000 target.
- Team KEIDO from MtS Hong Kong team 1 who has raised $41,725 of their $50,000 target.
- Team Norstar Green Dragons from Norstar who has raised $16,425 of their $25,000 target.
- Team BWEK Hikers from BW Epic Kosan who has raised $13,140 of their $10,000 target.
- Team Norstar Black Dragons from Norstar who has raised $12,830 of their $20,000 target.
We thank all those who have contributed so far and encourage those who have not yet reached their target to keep fundraising!
On behalf of all at The Mission to Seafarers and the 1.89 million crewmen and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat, we thank all those involved for their ongoing support.
For more information on the Adventure Race Japan please visit the website.