Pittards provides jackets for Ethiopian Olympians
UK-based leather producer Pittards has created special
jackets for Ethiopian Olympic team members who were concerned that a major
change in temperature could affect their performance.
Pittards has had close contacts with Ethiopia for nearly
100 years and recently opened new leather garment and glove making factories in
the country. The idea for team jackets originated from a meeting between the
company and Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie.
Pittards head of garment design, Christina Charles,
said it had been a very exciting project.
"There are about 70 people in the Ethiopian Olympic
team including athletes, officials and managers, so we needed something that
would work for everyone," she said.
"I based the design on a black nappa unisex baseball
style jacket with raglan sleeves and a poppered front.
"Each jacket has the badge of the Ethiopian Olympic committee comprising the Olympic rings and the Ethiopian flag embroidered on the chest and our garment team worked closely with the committee to ensure we provided exactly what they wanted. Fittings were conducted for each athlete on an individual basis."
Pittards was also asked to make a jacket for the
Ethiopian Prime Minister and a slightly different version has been made for
Haile Gebrselassie. While the jackets won't be worn at the Olympic ceremony,
where the Ethiopian team will be clothed in traditional dress, they will be
worn around the Olympic village and at other times during the games.
"Of course we will now be watching the Ethiopians'
performances with particular interest," said Ms Charles. "But at
least we know that if it does rain or turn chilly, they will be well protected
against the elements."
