Unique Celtic shirts will help Japan Appeal
By: Paul Cuddihy on 25 Mar, 2011 13:08
CELTIC players will wear special Hoops shirts with their names printed in Japanese lettering for the SPL game against Hibernian at Celtic Park on Wednesday, April 6. The move is a gesture of support for the people of Japan and a tribute to all those who sadly lost their lives during the recent earthquake and tsunami which struck the country.
These unique Celtic tops will be signed by each player and then auctioned, with the money raised being donated to help Oxfam’s Japan Appeal. Oxfam are one of Celtic’s charity partners and this will continue the great work being done by both organisations.
The move has been welcomed by former Celt Shunsuke Nakamura, who will sign a special No.25 ‘NAKAMURA’ Celtic top which will have his name in Japanese on the back. And this shirt will also be auctioned.
Speaking to the official Celtic website, Nakamura said: “I’m delighted to back this great initiative. As everyone will know, the earthquake and tsunami have caused incredible damage in my country.
“It is a very difficult time in Japan and we are all working here to try and make things better for the many hundreds of thousands of people affected.
“The warmth, generosity and charitable spirit of Celtic supporters is something which I will forever remember from my time at the club.
“I was always very aware of everything which the club did in this area to help people in need and I know this was always such an important element in the club's history and formation.”
And the former Celt added: “I wish all Celtic supporters the very best and I thank you very much for any support you can provide to the people of Japan.”
A Celtic spokesperson said: “The club has made lasting links with Japan through the time Shunsuke Nakamura and Koki Mizuno spent at the club.
“Those friendships remain as strong as ever, with the club having also gained many new supporters in Japan, in addition to the many Celtic fans who were already based there.
“The consequences of the devastating earthquake and tsumani moved everyone who saw the reports from Japan, and we hope this initiative, in some small way, will help with the process of healing in the country.
“And we also know that people in Japan are continuing to suffer the in the aftermath of this tragedy.
“Our supporters are always generous in their charitable efforts, something that goes to the very heart of who we are as a club and as a support, and we know that the Celtic fans will respond with the same generous spirit this time around.
“As ever our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Japan and all of those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
Details of how you can bid for these unique Celtic shirts will be announced after Celtic’s SPL game against Hibernian on Wednesday, April 6.