Adidas: Ready for Sport: The Anthem by iris
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Adidas has unveiled 'Ready for Sport: The Anthem', a campaign film that reflects on recent sporting history to celebrate the true magnitude of what it brings to the world. With a bold opening line exclaiming sport might not be the answer, the film goes on to explore how it can bring communities together as we see a montage of raw emotion, dedication and exhilaration through leading global athletes.
As athletes face unprecedented challenges, the 60-second film is narrated by South African rugby icon, Siya Kolisi, who made history as the first Black man to be appointed Test captain of the South African team in 129 years of rugby, and with sheer determination, led the South African Rugby team as they were crowned world champions against England in 2019. His personal journey of growing up in the impoverished township of Zwide to captaining the national team embodies adidas’ belief that sport has the power to change lives.
“Sports might not be the answer right now, but it teaches us that impossible challenges must be faced and overcome,” says Kolisi. “Now that sport is back, we can’t waste this chance. We should be playing with more heart and more fire, because nobody knows what the future holds. Opportunities will come, and we must be ready”
Kolisi’s poignant message is echoed to athletes in the film against a backdrop of scenes including Paul Pogba scoring the winning penalty with seconds to go, Noah Lyles racing to finish line and going for gold, Caroline Dubois practicing her knockout in the boxing ring, and Candace Parker’s steely focus as she practices her shot – showcasing the sheer optimism and excitement that sport can bring to elite and every day athletes alike.
Credits
Client – adidas
Lead strategic & creative agency – Iris
Executive Creative Directors – Henry Scotland & Rachid Ahoiuyek
Creative Director – Gabi Mostert
Creative team – Eve Anthony
Designer – David Missen
Strategy Director – Rory Natkiel
Managing Partner – Nico Tuppen
Group Account Director – Simone Botherway
Agency Producer – Annabel Singer
Agency Producer – Emily Hendrey
Production Company – POPs Production
Director – Gabi Mostert
Editor – Kevin Palmer
Editor – Andy Sowerby
Editor – Jamie Rathbone
Editor – Iain Finlay
Editor – Adam Beasley
Editor – Danny Carlyle
Post Production – POPs Production
Audio post-production – GCRS