For both the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Summer games–now only 101 and 104 days away…
Today, in a significant reveal from Vancouver-based lululemon, in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), unveiled their first-ever summer Athlete Kit for Team Canada in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Toronto. Highlighting lululemon’s continued partnership with the COC and CPC, as they serve as the Official Outfitter of Team Canada, showcasing a collection that celebrates inclusivity, functionality, and national pride.
“Our partnership with lululemon has been transformational for Team Canada athletes,”
Calvin McDonald, CEO of lululemon
The CEO of lululemon, Calvin McDonald, expressed the company’s enthusiasm about deepening their collaboration with Canada’s top athletes. He highlighted the innovation-driven design process of the collection, which was significantly influenced by direct insights from the athletes, ensuring that their performance needs and personal styles were meticulously integrated into every piece of the kit.
“Our partnership with lululemon has been transformational for Team Canada athletes,” said David Shoemaker, CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee. “We are thrilled to be working with an outfitter that truly understands our mission and shares our values, and has worked so hard to create a team kit that can make us all proud. Not only are Team Canada athletes going to shine on the field of play – they’re going to turn heads wherever they show up in Paris.”
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Team Canada athletes will be equipped with apparel that not only supports their performance but also reflects their national pride through modern silhouettes and Canadian-inspired one-of-a-kind prints. Olympic Decathlon Champion and lululemon ambassador, Damian Warner, shared his excitement about the unique style and functionality of the kit, noting that it allows athletes to express individual style while collectively showcasing Canadian spirit.
In the development of the Athlete Kit, lululemon engaged in detailed feedback sessions with 19 athletes across 14 different sports, focusing on their diverse needs during the competitive season. This process was critical in designing adaptive features that cater to a wide range of bodies and abilities. Notable adaptive designs include the Seated-Fit Carpenter Pant and Seated-Fit Packable Rain Poncho, which offer functionality and comfort particularly in a seated position for Paralympic athletes.
Zak Madell, a Team Canada Wheelchair Rugby Player and lululemon ambassador, praised the brand for its commitment to making sportswear accessible and adaptable. He stressed the importance of both aesthetic appeal and functional comfort, which he believes will make the kit a staple in his daily wardrobe well beyond the Paris Games.
“The personalization and adaptability that went into the collection support us in so many ways,” says Madell. “Our clothing is now one less thing to worry about at the Games, so we can focus on what matters.”
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The kit features several technical advancements to ensure athlete comfort and performance are kept at the forefront. This includes thermal comfort technologies, such as lululemon’s SenseKnit™ technology, which provides breathability and temperature regulation. The kit also boasts features like four-way stretch fabrics, customizable drawstrings, and strategically designed pocket placements to enhance movement and functionality.
The design also emphasizes national pride with prints that celebrate the natural beauty of Canada and use of Jacquard to create sophisticated textures and patterns. David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and Karen O’Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, both praised the kit’s design for being one of the most adaptable and inclusive ever worn by Canadian athletes at the Games.
In addition to outfitting athletes, lululemon is extending its support through the Future Legacy program, which donates a portion of sales to the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic foundations. This program supports athletes in accessing the necessary resources and funding to excel in their sports.
The Team Canada x lululemon Collection is available to fans today (April 16) and in stores across Canada, by tomorrow (April 17). The collection will later be available in the U.S. and select stores in Paris as the Games approach, allowing fans worldwide to support Team Canada in style as well.
This partnership between lululemon, COC, and CPC not only outfits athletes for excellence but also embodies a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in sports, ensuring that Team Canada’s presence at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be as impactful in style as it will be in spirit.
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Full recap of the new 2024 Paris Games Athlete Kit by Lululemon in collaboration with the COC and CPC:
Opening ceremony outfits
“Paris will be my fourth Olympics, and I have not seen a kit quite like this.”
Damian Warner, Team Canada Track and Field Player
Podium outfits
“We’re here to win, and look cool doing it.”
Philip Kim (aka B-Boy “Phil Wizard”), Team Canada Breaking player
Media outfits
“The Team Canada kit lives up to all my expectations. It looks chic and makes me feel proud to represent Canada.”
Leylah Fernandez, Team Canada beach volleyball player
Closing ceremony outfits
“The Closing Ceremony look is probably my favourite because of what it represents. It’s a time to celebrate, throw your hands up, and just have a good time.”
Melissa Humana-Paredes, Team Canada beach volleyball player
Future legacy outfits
“When I see Canadians wearing the Future Legacy collection, it gives me that extra sense of purpose that it’s a big team effort, that it is a collective effort, and that they’re just as much a part of this journey.”
Melissa Humana-Paredes, Team Canada beach volleyball player
