Mission to Seafarers raises $1.3m from Japan adventure race
Three-day event saw 64 teams from 19 countries compete in challenging weather conditions and mountainous terrain on the Izu Peninsula
Funds will be allocated to several key areas of Mission to Seafarers operations, with a significant portion going to its Emerging Port Strategy 2022-2026
MISSION to Seafarers has raised $1.3m through its Adventure Race Japan fundraising challenge to support seafarers’ welfare.
The three-day event organised by the Christian welfare charity serving merchant crews around the world ended on May 21. It involved 64 teams from 19 countries competing in the “Green Dragon” and “Black Dragon” races on the Izu Peninsula in harsh weather and mountainous terrain.
Participants included 37 women and 155 men from Japan and Singapore, with ages ranging from 22 to 65.
The funds will be allocated to several key areas of Mission to Seafarers operations, with a significant portion going to its Emerging Port Strategy 2022-2026, which aims to provide a strategic approach to new and existing operations in Asia and globally.
The rest will be used for more sustainable practices, creating green spaces for maritime workers at seafarer centres, and establishing key welfare hubs in Singapore and Rotterdam.
The funds will also support the seafarer group’s family support network in the Philippines and India.
The organisation said the fundraising event has demonstrated “the solidarity and commitment of the international maritime community and the Japanese shipping industry to seafarers’ well-being”.
“Life can often be an uphill struggle, especially so for seafarers in recent years,” said Mission to Seafarers secretary-general Canon Wright. “The outcomes have surpassed all that we might have hoped.”
Sponsors of the event include Swire Shipping, Swire Bulk, APM Terminals Japan, Arrow Sale & Purchase (UK), Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Fleet Management, Mitsui OSK Lines and Ocean Network Express.
