DHL EXPRESS DELIVERS 30,000 RUGBY BALLS TO SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT JAPAN

DHL collaborates with top rugby brand Canterbury to sponsor delivery of rugby balls to elementary schools and education boards across Japan

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has delivered 30,000 rugby balls to 3,500 elementary schools and education boards throughout Japan. The corporate social responsibility initiative in collaboration with Canterbury of New Zealand Japan (Canterbury Japan), which produced and supplied the rugby balls, aims to foster interest in rugby amongst the younger generation.

“DHL is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this great CSR project with Canterbury. Interest in rugby has grown steadily since last year’s Rugby World Cup, and we want to further encourage the younger generation to develop a healthier lifestyle through this sport,” said Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Japan. “In rugby, players trust one another and move toward the goal with teamwork. This spirit is very much in line with the culture of DHL, which is why we are proud supporters of the sport.”

At a presentation ceremony held today at the Japan Sports Agency in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, Mr. Kunio Morimoto, President of Canterbury of New Zealand Japan and Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Japan handed over a symbolic rugby ball to the commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, Mr. Daichi Suzuki.

Mr. Kunio Morimoto, President of Canterbury Japan said “We have been providing rugby jersey for the Japan National Team since 1997. The team’s fantastic performance in last year’s Rugby World Cup had brought massive courage and strength to our nation and beyond. In hopes of extending our gratitude for the team and amplifying the growth trend of the sport’s popularity, we have donated rugby balls to elementary schools around the country, with the cooperation of Japan Sports Agency and DHL. We hope that it promotes  a sound mind and body, and exercising habits among children, as well as the beauty of the sport of Rugby..”

DHL has been the official logistics partner of the previous three Rugby World Cup^TM events since 2011. In the most recent Rugby World Cup 2019^TM which was held in Japan, DHL Express delivered more than 60 tons of equipment for all 20 participant national teams and over 100,000 tickets worldwide. In addition, DHL has been supporting the sport with sponsorships in top clubs and teams, as well as hosting grassroots activities for amateur teams across the globe.