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USOC in New Attempt to Defuse Row over Chinese-made US Olympic Team Uniforms |
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Olympics - 16 Jul 2012 -
The US Olympic Committee has issued a new statement apparently aimed at appeasing its critics in a growing row over its decision to appoint Ralph Lauren to outfit the US Olympic team that is competing at this summer’s Olympic Games in London.
The appointment has sparked outrage among some US lawmakers because the outfits, which will be worn by the team at the opening ceremony, are made in China. The USOC’s statement betrays its own concern that the row could compromise support for the US team at the games.
Scott Blackmun, the USOC’s chief executive, said that it “takes seriously” the concerns of “members of Congress and the American public” over the issue, but added: “With athletes having already arrived in London, and the apparel distribution process beginning this weekend, we are unfortunately not able to make a change for London. We are absolutely committed, however, to working with our sponsors to ensure that the concerns voiced are addressed. To that end, Ralph Lauren has agreed to domestically manufacture Team USA's apparel for Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
“In the meantime, we ask for the American people's support. The members of Team USA have dedicated their entire lives to training for this one moment. They are some of the finest men and women this country has to offer and they are prepared to succeed both on and off the field of play in London. Our country should be proud of the individual athletes that will represent them in London and I'm hopeful that everyone will rally around Team USA.”
The row comes against a background of a struggling US textiles industry, with many US workers desperate for jobs.
Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader, said: “I am so upset. In think the Olympic committee should be ashamed of themselves. I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again.”
John Boehner, the House Speaker, said of the USOC: “You’d think they’d know better.”
But the USOC earlier defended itself in a statement, saying: “Unlike most Olympic teams around the world, the US Olympic team is privately funded and we’re grateful for the support of our sponsors. We’re proud of our partnership with Ralph Lauren, an iconic American company, and excited to watch America’s finest athletes compete at the upcoming games in London.”
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