Athletes get into top gear for Manchester

New Zealand's athletes have gone for style and colour in the formal uniform for July's Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

After the successful response to the uniform for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, it was again decided to use a group of athletes to design the uniform for Manchester.

That uniform was unveiled at a black-tie function at Government House in Wellington yesterday, hosted by the Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright.

Marlene Castle (bowls), Sandy Bennett (hockey), Bernice Mene (netball), Nigel Avery (weightlifting), Stephen Petterson (shooting) and Dean Kent (swimming) were responsible for this year's look.

Petterson, who also sat on the development committee for the Sydney Olympic Games, said the athletes were clear in what they wanted.

"Over a period of six months we met regularly to nut out a range that would be exciting in style, comfortable and create an impact, especially at the opening ceremony," Petterson said.

"It was unanimously decided that stretch fabrics and zips were the most favourable. It was clear that black was to be retained for the suits, while the men's shirts and women's tops needed to have some depth to them."

The athletes finally decided on avocado and rust-coloured shirts/tops. Pleats and ties were voted out.

"The men wanted a look that was less formal but more fashionable, with the shirts having a more casual look but a more up-to-date cut," Petterson said.

"The ladies were keen to have a neat, tailored look tying in with the zip and stretch theme."

Team casual wear, developed by Christchurch firm Wstar, included the traditional black polo and T-shirts and a range of fleecy tops in case the summer weather in Manchester is not as warm as promised.

- NZPA