Sport has the power to change the world…
These were the iconic words of Nelson Mandela at the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony in Monaco in 2000. This year – 2018 – would’ve been Madiba’s 100th birth year and ASICS – long time apparel sponsor of both the Springboks and Blitzboks – has created a limited edition rugby jersey in celebration.
The jersey – which takes its green-and-gold design inspiration from the intricately patterned shirts Madiba was famous for wearing – will be worn by the South African Seven’s rugby team at the Cape Town 7s in December. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has allowed ASICS to endorse Madiba’s famous words from his speech in Monte Carlo.
“Sport has the power to change the world... it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.” - Nelson Mandela
Indeed those words have inspired many and, as a part of the campaign to showcase how sport changes lives, ASICS will air a series of five videos featuring various inspiring individuals and teams. Among that lineup will be Aimee Barret-Theron, the first female to be included in the South African Rugby Referees' Association's National B panel; The Maties Wheelchair Rugby Team; The Blitzbokke and Chester Williams.
“It shows how sport can unite a nation,” explains Williams, who was the first ever player of colour for the Springboks. It is perhaps however the Blitzboks, who most embody the rollout of change Mandela started. Their lives have been changed by rugby and there are many others like them in the world of sport and specifically rugby.
The unique jersey will be a very limited edition jersey, worn only at the December event, however fans will be able to win 1 of 350 exclusive Mandela Centenary and two tickets to Day One of the Cape Town Sevens where the Blitzbokke will be wearing the jersey.
Stay tuned to the ASICS South Africa channels over the next two weeks to see how Sport is changing our lives daily and a reveal of the Mandela Centenary Jersey.
How to enter
Tell ASICS via Instagram or Twitter how sport has changed your life and how you’re using sport to change the lives of others. Posts must include the hashtags; #Mandela100 and #ASICSRugby and must tag @ASICS_ZA.
Two winners will be chosen and will receive two tickets each to day one of the Cape Town Sevens on 8th December 2018 and one limited edition Mandela Centenary jersey. Winner announced on 7 December 2018.
