ICONIC RED MITTENS RELAUNCHED

New design features uniting maple leaf on palms

To tweet this release: http://bit.ly/b9rGgX

The following athletes are available today for interview opportunities:

    
    Toronto: Adam Kreek, two-time Olympian, 2008 Olympic gold medallist
     (rowing)
    Calgary: Chris Le Bihan, 2010 Olympic bronze medallist (bobsleigh)
    Halifax: Sarah Conrad, two-time Olympian, 2006 and 2010 (snowboard)
    Montreal: Tania Vicent, four-time Olympian and four-time medallist, 2
     silver, 2 bronze (short track speed skating)
    Vancouver: Rick Say, two-time Olympian, 2000 and 2004 (swimming)
    

TORONTO, Sept. 28 /CNW/ - The Canadian Olympic Foundation today officially launched a new design of the Canadian Olympic Team Red Mittens for fall 2010 in partnership with the Hudson's Bay Company. Net proceeds from each $10 pair will benefit the Canadian Olympic Team, through athlete development, coaching and equipment.

The original Red Mittens, launched in October 2009, generated an outpouring of Olympic spirit across the country in the lead up to 2010 Olympic Winter Games and quickly became an iconic symbol of Canada's Games.

The new Red Mittens embody that same Olympic spirit, and symbolize Canadians' ongoing support for their national athletes. The new design, featuring a maple leaf wrapped around the palm with "Canada" written on the wristband, can be registered online for Olympic updates and a chance to win a trip to cheer on Canada at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"With over 3.5 million pairs sold of original Red Mittens, this first launch was truly a rousing success," said David Armour, Canadian Olympic Foundation Chief Executive Officer. "We have no doubt that this next generation of Mittens will once again be a hot ticket item, reminding Canadians of our athletes' incredible achievements in 2010 as well as raising much-needed funds for the next generation of athletes."

Some of Canada's greatest winter and summer Olympians including medallists Joannie Rochette (figure skating), Alex Bilodeau (freestyle skiing), Adam Kreek (rowing), Helen Upperton (bobsleigh) and Marianne St-Gelais (short track speed skating) will help the Foundation launch its Red Mittens campaign in a variety of advertisements and promotional appearances across the country.

"The Hudson's Bay Company's long tradition of supporting Olympic athletes dates back to 1936," says Don Watros, Chief Operating Officer of the Hudson's Bay Trading Company, "It is such an honour to be able to support our athletes on their path to the podium. The Mittens allow all Canadians to contribute to their success and display their national pride."

The Red Mittens are now available at the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters stores, as well as online at www.hbc.com/redmittens beginning in mid-October.

About the Canadian Olympic Foundation

The Canadian Olympic Foundation is a national charitable organization that provides Canadians with the opportunity to support the success of high performance athletes across all Olympic sports. The Foundation is part of the Olympic family and works with all National Sport Organizations, from Alpine Canada to Skate Canada, Gymnastics Canada to Swim Canada. For further information, please visit www.olympicfoundation.ca.

About the Hudson's Bay Company

Hudson's Bay Company, the Canadian retail entity of Hudson's Bay Trading Company (HBTC), is Canada's largest diversified general merchandise retailer. Founded in 1670, The Hudson's Bay Company operates the Bay, a major department store, Zellers, a mass merchandise format, Home Outfitters, a kitchen, bed and bath specialty store, and value-priced Fields stores. With more than 600 retail outlets and over 60,000 associates in Canada, Hudson's Bay Company banners provide Canadians with stylish, quality merchandise at great value and with a dedicated focus on exceeding customer expectations.

For further information: Nicole Plener, Hudson's Bay Company, Public Relations, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Isabelle Hodge, Canadian Olympic Committee, Manager, Media Relations, Tel : [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]