English athletes have been using virtual platforms to play a part in the design of kits for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Team England announced on Tuesday that it would once again be partnering with sportswear firm Kukri and athletes from a range of sports have already taken part in a panel in consultation with the manufacturer.
The panel was originally due to take place in person, but with the coronavirus pandemic limiting interaction, 23 athletes from 17 sports instead joined a video conference and were shown concept designs, having already been sent sketch books to come up with ideas.
Commonwealth Games England president and former Olympic heptathlon champion Denise Lewis said: “It’s fantastic that athletes have agreed to give up their time and contribute to such an integral part of Team England’s identity.
“The look, feel and the general WOW factor of the team kit for our home Games in 2022 is so important. When it comes to kit, each sport has specific requirements and needs, therefore the functionality of the apparel produced has to be right. It’s also important that we look and feel like ‘One Team’.”
Kukri, who have made the England team attire at each of the last two Commonwealth Games, plan to continue to involve athletes in the design process in the build-up to Birmingham 2022.
Paul Blanchard, CEO of Commonwealth Games England, added: “It’s been incredible, given the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 that we have been able to engage with so many athletes in an innovative way and I would like to thank our partner Governing Bodies for their support in this process.”
