The kit for Rio 2016 was made by Chinese company 361º and was criticised by athletes, officials and media who complained about its poor quality and the fact that it resembled, it was claimed, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
South Africa’s kit for the rearranged Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, designed by four young, emerging local designers from KwaZulu-Natal, has been unveiled.
Kit sponsor Mr. Price Sport has partnered with the four youngsters and revealed the bold on and off-the-field wear for the Olympic and Paralympic teams at the official kit launch.
The reveal was more of a low-key affair than originally planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic but there was no hiding the excitement among the small group of athletes who put on the kit for the first time in Durban.
This is the first time for the Olympic or Paralympic Games that South African athletes will wear kit produced locally.
The kit for Rio 2016 was made by Chinese company 361º and was criticised by athletes, officials and media who complained about its poor quality and the fact that it resembled, it was claimed, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
South Africa expects to take a team of about 140 to the Olympics and 30 to the Paralympics in the Japanese capital.
The four designers - Mbali Zulu, Nompumelelo Mjadu, Sandile Sikhakhane and Sipho Lushaba - are a product of the Durban Fashion Fair development programme which provides skills development and mentorship.
For the Opening Ceremony ensemble, the team will be wearing an animal print look, paired with vellies - leather field shoes - provided by Veldskoen.
- insidethegames.biz