Missions to Seafarers Adventure Race Japan raises $1.3 million

The fundraiser held on the Izu Peninsula at the end of last week exceeded its $1.2 million target raising some $1.3m for the Mission’s work in supporting seafarer welfare.

The race saw 192 participants, in 64 teams from 19 countries take part in a three-day event combining trekking over mountainous terrain with two mini-challenges: a squat challenge and a creativity challenge using natural resources. Unfortunately planned stand-up paddle boarding was cancelled due to strong winds.

Revd. Canon Andrew Wright, Secretary General, The Mission to Seafarers, said: “It was an absolute privilege for me to have attended, and taken part in, the incredible Adventure Race Japan. I was the oldest race competitor and can say from experience how very challenging it was – for those of all ages and abilities! My congratulations go to all who took part.

“To be in such a beautiful part of Japan was especially wonderful. Japanese maritime is such an important part of global shipping and this was a ground-breaking event for so many of its companies as well as for us at The Mission to Seafarers.”

The teams were recognised for outstanding performance in various categories, including overall winners, fastest completion times, highest fundraisers, and winners of the squat challenge and creativity challenge at a Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner. The dinner hosted by Christopher Eve, Managing Director at Informa Markets Japan and Chairman of MtS Japan, and he welcomed distinguished guests, including President & CEO Takeshi Hashimoto of MOL and President Yukito Higaki of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, both Gold sponsors, who presented prizes.

Of the $1.3 million raised $900,000 is being allocated to the frontline work of the MtS. A significant portion will fund MtS’s 'Emerging Port Strategy 2022-2026', which aims to provide a strategic approach to new and existing operations in Asia, and globally. These include new welfare hubs at Tuas Port in Singapore and in Rotterdam.

Jan Webber, MtS Director of Development on behalf of the organising committee, said: “This event proved to be the most ambitious and successful event organised by a maritime welfare charity and certainly within the history of The Mission to Seafarers. Overcoming various challenges, the organising committee brought together diverse cultures and styles, uniting the international maritime community and the Japanese shipping industry in their shared commitment to seafarers' welfare.”

Gold sponsors, included Swire Shipping, Swire Bulk, APM Terminals Japan, Arrow Sale & Purchase (UK), Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd, Fleet Management Limited, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Ocean Network Express.

Awards and Achievements

The winning teams celebrated for their remarkable performances and fundraising efforts were:

Green Dragon Race – Overall winner

(The Green Dragon Race team with the highest fundraising amount and fastest race completion time)

1^st BW Hikers

2^nd Sole Mates

3^rd Brave Blossoms

Black Dragon Race – Overall winner

(The Black Dragon Race team with the highest fundraising amount and fastest race completion time)

1^st BSM Global

2^nd MOL A

3^rd Core Burners

Green Dragon Race – Fastest team

(The Green Dragon Race team with the fastest completion time)

1^st TST

2^nd BW Hikers

3^rd Shoei

Black Dragon Race – Fastest team

(The Black Dragon Race team with the fastest completion time)

1^st ISC

2^nd MOL A

3^rd Core Burners

Green Dragon Race – Highest fundraiser

(The Green Dragon Race team who has raised the highest amount)

Norstar Green Dragons

Sole Mates

BW Hikers

Black Dragon Race - Highest fundraiser

(The Black Dragon Race team who has raised the highest amount)

1^st Keido and IDO (joint winners)

2^nd City of Edinburgh

3^rd Norstar Black Dragons

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