A year out from the Opening Ceremony of the Athens Olympic Games, the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) signed a million dollar agreement with Orca, the sportswear company, to design and outfit the New Zealand team.

The NZOC is pleased to be associated with Orca, a company with a respected history in developing and creating high-end sporting garments for many national teams worldwide (These have included Great Britain, Spain and Australia).

NZOC Secretary General Barry Maister says this agreement is an outstanding one for the New Zealand team.

‘We are proud to have done a deal with a New Zealand owned company. Orca has already proved itself with its own export success’

‘Since Sydney 2000 we have involved an athlete’s design team in developing concepts for team gear that they will wear. Workshops are already underway for 2004 with athletes and Orca’s designers, to ensure we meet all needs, sizes and fabrics most suitable for Athens and develop leading edge garments.’

Orca Chief Executive Scott Unsworth says the opening ceremony presents a unique opportunity for Orca to express our nation’s values and showcase our best to a worldwide audience.

‘We are proud to be associated with New Zealand’s best and to be part of the athlete’s dream to represent our country. Orca has a great affinity with New Zealand athletes in that we are small company in world terms, but we’re taking on the world with great success.’

www.olympic.org.nz