Australian Merino performs in the heat of Athens
20th August 2004

Release Ref: W30/08/04

The Woolmark Company, long time partners to the Australian Olympic Team with Australian Merino Apparel, is delighted with the community interest shown in their involvement with the 2004 Olympic Games.

"The Opening Ceremony Uniform has definitely generated a lot of debate and discussion", stated Mr Andrew Walton, General Manager Operations, The Woolmark Company. "And it has provided Woolmark with an unrivalled opportunity to communicate the key wool comfort and performance benefit messages in an otherwise cluttered environment."

"Whilst everyone has their own opinion on the look and style of the uniforms, the thing that we are hearing loud and clear from the athletes is that the Merino Wool uniforms are cool because the wool 'breathes' well in the heat of Athens and comfortable due to their relaxed and informal cut and design - a style adopted by many of the other leading countries in the world".

The Woolmark Company has outfitted over 500 Australian athletes and officials in their Ceremonial Uniforms and Formal Uniforms for the 2004 Olympic Games.

The uniforms are made from Australian Merino Wool - Sportwool™, Cool Wool and Sensory Perception Technology™ are examples of some of the innovative wool technologies that have been incorporated into the uniforms.

"The Athens Olympics have provided the ideal showcase to communicate to a wider audience the practicality and versatility of Australian Merino Wool as an all-climate fibre" added Mr. Walton.

To help further communicate the wool message to more Australians, The Woolmark Company has joined with fellow Australian Olympic Team partners Australia Post and Qantas.

The Woolmark Company has run a replica uniform program for Australia Post employees, while working with Qantas to display the Opening Ceremony Uniforms at their Lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

The Woolmark's Olympic website www.woolmark.com/athens2004 is providing the world's media and the public with a dedicated area to access the images and wool technologies behind the Australian Olympic Team Uniform.


For further information, please contact:
Andrew Walton Stuart Osbourne
Group Manager Operations - Australia Javelin PR - for Woolmark
The Woolmark Company (03) 9696 2636
(03) 9341-9257 0412 190 820
0408 308 470