The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has announced the official uniforms for the employees and volunteers who will be working during the Games.

Together with the Hudson’s Bay Company, jackets in a vibrant blue called “Wave” with a subtle pattern found in the Look of the Games have been designed and produced as a six-piece set. The workforce will be wearing the bright blue winter jackets on the back throughout the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

In addition to the waterproof jackets, the workforce which includes volunteers, will be kitted out with navy pants, as well as a toque, two long-sleeve inner layer T-shirts with the same pattern as the jacket and a vest (all in Wave) - perfect for layering. Three specific staff groups will also be uniquely identified with full sleeve armbands for easy recognition: medical in red, event services in yellow and anti-doping personnel in purple.

The Vancouver 2010 workforce uniform was designed by the Hudson’s Bay Company design team, led by fashion director Suzanne Timmins, in collaboration with VANOC. The palette of blues is inspired by the breathtaking scenery of the Sea to Sky region linking Whistler and Vancouver, the Host Mountain Resort and Host City of the 2010 Winter Games, respectively.

The fingertip-length jacket is standard for all workforce members and features a high collar to keep out the wind and snow, attached full hood, silver reflective details, and a slightly longer back length for warmth. The only difference between city and mountain workforce uniforms is the pants.

The heavier “mountain pants” are designed for colder weather on Cypress Mountain and in Whistler and are made out of the same waterproof fabric as the jacket and have fully-taped seams, reinforced knees and ankles, and a breathable lining. Vancouver 2010 is written down the right leg in reflective silver. The lighter weight “city pants” are wrinkle resistant and have Vancouver 2010 written in a slant across the right back pocket. The workforce can supplement their uniform with their own choice of gloves and footwear and they may also purchase a coordinating backpack if they choose.

The clothing is made out of eco-friendly bamboo, cotton and spandex (T-shirts), acrylic (toque), polyester (vest), and nylon with polyurethane coating (jacket and mountain pants). Workforce members will officially start wearing the Paralympic uniform on 6 March 2010.

The cost of the workforce uniforms is funded through the Hudson’s Bay Company’s value-in-kind sponsorship agreement with VANOC as described in the Organizing Committee’s business plan.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 12-21 March 2010, with approximately 600 athletes from 45 countries expected to compete in five sports: Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling.

For more information about the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, please visit www.vancouver2010.com.