March 7, 2024

Nassau, a leading sports equipment company in Korea, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hana Plus, a social enterprise based in Siheung City, to promote disability awareness and the development of sports for persons with disabilities.

The signing ceremony took place on March 4 at Nassau’s headquarters in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. Both parties agreed to actively collaborate by sharing resources to enhance welfare services in disabled sports and pursue mutual growth.

Hana Plus, established in 2011, operates as a nonprofit organization and a certified social enterprise in Hajung-dong, Siheung. It has been recognized for its contribution to sports welfare and for creating employment opportunities for individuals with severe developmental disabilities. As the first organization in Siheung to provide sports welfare facilities for persons with developmental disabilities, Hana Plus continues to expand its initiatives in the field of special physical education.

Founded on November 16, 1971, Nassau is Korea’s representative sports equipment brand. Over the past 50 years, Nassau has been selected as the official match ball provider for the Korea Football Association (KFA), the official ball of the 1988 Australian Open and Seoul Olympics tennis events, and has obtained certifications from major international sports federations such as ITF, IHF, and FIFA. In addition to supporting elite sports, Nassau has contributed to expanding the base of grassroots and recreational sports by building partnerships with various sports associations and organizations domestically and abroad.

Ju Eun-hyung, Chairman of Nassau, stated, “I’m truly pleased to partner with an organization like Hana Plus that carries such strong social value. In fact, I feel a sense of admiration for the good work that Hana Plus is doing. If Nassau can become a meaningful support to the special needs athletes involved with Hana Plus, there would be nothing more rewarding. While a company should of course pursue profit, Nassau also aims to be a business that creates and shares social value. For that reason, I am very hopeful about what we can achieve together.”

Ahn Deok-hee, CEO of Hana Plus, commented, “It is an honor to collaborate with a professional sports company like Nassau. I have high expectations that this partnership will help promote sports welfare for individuals with developmental disabilities. Currently, there are limited opportunities and demand for persons with disabilities to participate in physical activity. Through this collaboration, I hope to build a more inclusive environment where they can engage in lifelong sports activities in a healthy and accessible way. It brings me great joy and honor to be working with Nassau on this journey.”

[Weekly Siheung = Reporter Ham Mi-hae]