Yesterday afternoon, lululemon gathered several hundred VIPs in Toronto and revealed its first-ever summer Athlete Kit for Team Canada ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024. This is the second time lululemon is the Official Outfitter of Team Canada, as part of their multi-year partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).
The event featured an interactive presentation with a runway show, where the clothing was modeled on the catwalk by athletes from Team Canada, and a behind-the-scenes display that showcased the collection. Athletes in attendance and on the runway were:
- Phil Kim (Breaking)
- Zak Madell (Wheelchair Rugby)
- Leylah Fernandez (Tennis)
- Matt Berger (Skateboarding)
- Sarah Douglas (Sailing)
- Kelsey Mitchell (Track Cycling)
- Félix Dolci (Artistic Gymnastics)
- Nathan Zsombor-Murray (Diving)
- Justina Di Stasio (Wrestling)
- Danny Demyanenko (Volleyball)
- Danielle Ellis (Sitting Volleyball)
- Priscilla Gagné (Para judo)
- Jesse Zesseu (Para athletics)
- Nicolas-Guy Turbide (Para swimming)
- Kamylle Frenette (Para triathlon)
- Alison Levine (Boccia)
“We took an innovation-first approach to design a collection driven by athlete insights, so they can feel and perform their best in Paris,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO, lululemon. “All of us at lululemon are honoured to support these athletes, both as individuals and a team, as they represent their country this summer.”
To better inform the design process, lululemon organized product testing and feedback sessions with 19 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes. This was conducted across 14 different sports to understand their unique needs during the Games. The new collection blends function and style through innovative construction and performance fabrics, within modern silhouettes and Canadian-inspired prints.
“Paris will be my fourth Olympics and I have not seen a kit quite like this,” said Damian Warner, lululemon Ambassador and Decathlon Olympic Champion. “We’re going to be able to showcase some of our own personal style, while showing off our Canadian pride together.”
“My biggest takeaway from this process was lululemon’s commitment to working with Paralympians to make the pieces accessible and adaptable,” said Zak Madell, lululemon Ambassador and Team Canada Wheelchair Rugby Player. “It’s not only about looking good, but also about feeling good.”
Athletes, coaches, and support staff will wear Team Canada apparel throughout key moments at the Games, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, medal ceremonies, media appearances, travel, and daily life in the Athlete Village.
The kit was designed to support more bodies and more abilities, with features including magnetic-close zippers, pull-on loops and sensory touch guides. The two adaptive styles – the Seated-Fit Carpenter Pant and the Seated-Fit Packable Rain Poncho – are intentionally designed to deliver functionality and comfort in a seated position.
To keep athletes comfortable during changing temperatures and conditions, the kit also features adjustable styles, as well as SenseKnit™ technology and sweat-wicking fabrics to enhance breathability through ventilation.
Other key features include four-way stretch fabrics, customizable drawcords and newly engineered pocket shapes.
In terms of the overall look, the designs are primarily red and feature prints inspired by Canadian symbols like the maple leaf. Fabrics like Jacquard help create modern silhouettes.
There is a charity component too, with 10% of the sales from all Future Legacy items supporting the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada. Both COC and CPC help Canadian athletes access the resources, equipment and funding they need to experience the power of sport—from dreams, to podium, and beyond. For Paris 2024, lululemon is expanding the Future Legacy program to include the Team Canada Ball Cap, Scarf and Mini Belt Bag.
Select items from the Retail Collection launched online in Canada yesterday, and are available in stores across the country starting today. Additional Team Canada apparel and accessories, for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will launch online in the U.S. and in select stores in Paris in the lead-up to Paris 2024.
Photos by Hannah Yakobi and courtesy of lululemon.
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