WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following the news that the Olympic opening ceremony uniforms that will be worn by American athletes are entirely made in China—spurring bipartisan outrage—U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are asking the CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to consider holding a domestic sourcing summit with American apparel manufacturers for the Olympic Games in 2014 and beyond. While most of the uniform work for 2012 has already been completed, the senators are offering to connect the USOC with these manufacturers, who they note “would be honored to participate in this work.” Brown delivered the letter in a meeting today with Blackmun and USOC Chairman of the Board Larry Probst.
“A number of our offices have received inquiries and offers to assist the USOC in any remaining orders for the 2012 Games, scheduled to commence July 27. We understand that most of the uniform work for 2012 is complete and that athletes are already securing their opening ceremony uniforms,” the senators wrote. “Following the London Games, we ask you to meet with and consider American manufacturers for any uniform demands of the USOC, such as a White House ceremony with medal winners. We also request the USOC consider holding a domestic sourcing summit with American apparel manufacturers, following the London Games and as you prepare for the 2014 Games.”
The full text of the letter is below.
Scott Blackmun
Chief Executive Officer
U.S. Olympic Committee
27 South Tejon
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Dear Mr. Blackmun:
Thank you again for your prompt response to the several inquiries sent last week to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to ensure uniforms made for the 2014 Olympic Games are Made-in-America, and to consider American-made apparel manufacturers for the 2012 Ceremony and Games.
A number of our offices have received inquiries and offers to assist the USOC in any remaining orders for the 2012 Games, scheduled to commence July 27. We understand that most of the uniform work for 2012 is complete and that athletes are already securing their opening ceremony uniforms. Following the London Games, we ask you to meet with and consider American manufacturers for any uniform demands of the USOC, such as a White House ceremony with medal winners.
We also request the USOC consider holding a domestic sourcing summit with American apparel manufacturers, following the London Games and as you prepare for the 2014 Games. We stand ready to connect you with the several dozen American manufacturers who would be honored to participate in this work.
Thank you and please let us know if we may be of assistance.