Luke Donald, Sally Gunnell, Dwight Yorke and other leading Mizuno ambassadors today launched the Japanese brands innovative new Performance Centre. Opening at central London’s iconic Centre Point building the pop up experience welcomes both Londoners and city visitors alike through its doors between 24th July and 12th August.
To the sound of traditional Japanese drumming, Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson started proceedings before President of the brand, Akito Mizuno, cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Mizuno Performance Centre.
Jackson then hosted a Q&A with the Mizuno ambassadors – Luke Donald, Sally Gunnell, Dwight Yorke, Tasha Danvers, Dan Norton, Simon Wittlin and Heidi Møller – who provided an insight into their own experiences of competing at major competitions. Whilst renowned Japanese brushstroke artist Hidekichi Shigemoto painted bespoke life size pieces which will be on display for the duration of the event.
World Number One Golfer Luke Donald commented, “It’s great to have been involved in the opening of the Mizuno Performance Centre, a stunning London attraction which I’m sure will be hugely popular this summer. Providing a great chance for visitors to try out different sports and test out the latest Mizuno equipment it’s a must for any sports fan.”
Demonstrating the state of the art activity zone supplied by GlobalGames®Sports, former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke showed off his skills in the specially made football area whilst renowned England Rugby Sevens speedster Dan Norton went head to head with an augmented reality version of himself on the 20m track.
And GB Handball players Simon Wittlin and Heidi Møller let loose on the handball court showing the gathered crowds what the sport can offer. Elsewhere in the specially designed space, visitors took advantage of the free biomechanical running analysis and tried out a variety of Mizuno sports products.
“I’m thrilled to be opening the Mizuno Performance Centre ahead of what will be a brilliant summer of sport” said Akito Mizuno. “We believe the iconic status of the building is a perfect reflection of the Mizuno brand. Our customers have a wonderful opportunity to try out the latest Seiei Collection products, interact with our sports stars and explore more about our Japanese heritage in what will be a truly exciting day out for all the family.”
Olympic Gold medallist Sally Gunnell, along with the other Mizuno ambassadors, showcased the brand’s limited edition Seiei Collection of footwear. ‘Seiei’ (pronounced “say ay”) is Japanese for the word ‘elite’ and this exclusive new range will be worn by Mizuno’s top sporting athletes this summer.
The limited edition footwear range is made up of the renowned Wave Ronin 4, Wave Rider 15, Wave Kudos, Wave Universe 4 running shoes, as well as Volleyball’s Wave Lightning RX and Wave Tornado 7, the Wave Stealth 2 for Handball and the Morelia Neo MD for Football.
As a company founded in Osaka by brothers Rihachi and Rizo Mizuno in 1906, Mizuno has evolved from a small shop selling sporting sundries to a worldwide multisport network consistently crafting revolutionary technical goods to improve elite sporting performance. Despite their global growth, Mizuno has stayed loyal to the values and beliefs upon which it was founded and the Performance Centre showcases a wonderful blend of Japanese culture and advanced modern sports technology and innovation.
For your opportunity to visit the Mizuno Performance Centre, find out more about what is going on each day and to take part in all of the activities with prizes to be won, register online at www.mizunoseiei.com.
Additionally on weeknights from 24th July to 12th August the Mizuno Performance Centre is available for free corporate use. For your chance to have exclusive 7pm-10pm access to the space please register at www.mizunoseiei.com/corporate-hospitality.php.
Mizuno Performance Centre, Centre Point Building, 103, New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DU www.mizunoseiei.com.
Notes to Editors:
As part of the Seiei campaign the following Mizuno ambassadors will be wearing the elite range during 2012;
Wave Stealth 2 (Handball) - Laszlo Nagy, Cristian Ugalde, Viran Morros
Wave Lightning RX (Volleyball) - Jordan Larson
Morelia Neo (Football) - Hulk
Chrono Break WR-I (Sprinting) - Christian Malcolm
GX2 (Swimming) - Federica Pellegrini