#Japan #hummel #Gamba Osaka #Suita #GENKI Morita

Hummel x Gamba Osaka: An Inclusive Charity eSports Event

On September 13, 2023, Danish sports brand Hummel partnered with Gamba Osaka during the Meiji Yasuda J1 League match against Urawa Reds, marking the 29th round of the season, celebrated as Hummel Partner Day. Players donned special jerseys promoting sign language, aimed at supporting the hearing-impaired in their home community.

The charity shirts featured a theme of "waving the flag of the heart," symbolizing freedom and hope. As players entered the field, they not only contributed to raising awareness but brought a significant moment to the match's atmosphere.

Before the kickoff, team captain Takashi Usami delivered a powerful fair play declaration, emphasizing the importance of respect and the right of everyone to enjoy football and sports without violence or abuse. His inspiring message called for a world free of discrimination and violence, underlining the necessity of mutual respect in sports.

eSports Engagement with GENKI Morita

This unique event wasn't limited to the pitch. For the third consecutive year, Gamba Osaka hosted a special eSports event in collaboration with professional gamer GENKI Morita. This year was particularly special as students and teachers from hearing support schools were invited to participate, alongside families of able-bodied individuals.

In a touching comment, a teacher from the hearing support school remarked, "I felt that all the children were able to share the joy of the experience together. While there were clear operation manuals, having visual aids made it even more accessible for everyone."

One parent whose son attends the support school shared their delightful experience, noting, "Outside, my child does not often express emotions. However, to see him celebrating with a fist pump during PK battles with Morita made me incredibly happy. On our way home, we couldn’t stop discussing the match. Despite this being our first experience watching soccer, we promised, 'Let’s go to Panasonic Stadium again.'"

A Celebration of Togetherness in eSports

GENKI Morita also competed against Gamba Osaka’s Club Relations Officer Hiroyuki Abe in exhibition matches. Following these, he engaged with elementary school teams and middle-high school groups, effectively bridging gaps and fostering a spirit of unity.

Reflecting on the occasion, Morita expressed satisfaction in witnessing numerous fist pumps from children. He noted, "The novelty of eSports lies in the fact that anyone can participate without language barriers if they can operate as described in the game instructions. I recall how during international eSports tournaments, communication is often not reliant on words, but rather actions and their universal understanding."

Morita further emphasized the significance that the event held for everyone involved, stating, "It was heartwarming to see not just the children enjoying themselves, but their parents actively participating, cheering, and celebrating together."

About Gamba Osaka

Gamba Osaka, a football club in the J1 League, operates primarily from Suita City, which serves as its home town alongside six other cities in the northern Osaka prefecture. Established in 1980 as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.'s football division, Gamba became one of the original ten teams in the J-League since its launch in 1993. The name 'Gamba' derives from the Italian word meaning 'leg', also phonetically echoing the Japanese term 'ganbaru', which means to persevere or do one’s best.

The club has won numerous titles, including the AFC Champions League in 2008 and achieving a treble in 2014, solidifying its status in Japanese football. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021, Gamba Osaka underwent rebranding, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading sports experience brand in Japan.

For more info, visit Gamba Osaka's Official Website.

About GENKI Morita

Born on January 4, 1991, in Nara Prefecture, GENKI Morita is a professional gamer who secured a Winning Eleven pro license after coaching at a soccer school in 2018. Alongside his achievements in sports gaming, Morita has focused on creating spaces for support and interaction for people with disabilities.

To see more about his journey, visit GENKI Morita's Official Website or follow him on YouTube.

About Hummel

Founded in 1923, Denmark's Hummel was the first brand to innovate the football boot by adding studs, replacing the flat leather soles that limited players. Inspired by the remarkable bee, or 'hummel', known for its unlikely ability to fly despite its size, the brand embodies determination and perseverance. With a vision to "CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH SPORT," Hummel tells a unique brand story while continuing to take on new challenges. For more information, visit Hummel's Official Website.