The Olympic Sailing Committee of US SAILING, the national governing body for the sport, has announced that supplier Gill North America has come up with a tailored approach to its support of the US national teams. Gill will offer a choice of its specialist waterproof and breathable sailing clothing to the members of the 2002 U.S. Sailing Team (USST) ranked one through three, and the top-ranked sailors on the 2002 U.S. Disabled Sailing Team.
The athletes may choose between Gills breathable and lightweight 4330 Dinghy Smock, or their new 850 Dinghy Wetsuit. Specifically designed for dinghy sailors, the new wetsuits performance cut features special comfort panels in high-stretch areas for added Freedom Of Movement. In addition, Gill will supply their popular Compact Gear Bag to every member of the USST, the U.S. Disabled Sailing Team, and the U.S. Youth World Team.
Headquartered near Atlanta in Buford, Georgia, Gill North America has supported the U.S. Sailing Team since 1995. Last year, in renewing its support as exclusive technical apparel supplier through 2004, Gill extended its support of the national team to include the athletes on the U.S. Disabled Sailing Team and the U.S. Youth World Team. Gill North America is the sole distributor and licensee of Gill-brand foul-weather gear in the United States.
Created in 1986, the USST recruits and develops athletes for upcoming Olympiads. It annually distinguishes the top-five ranked sailors in each of the classes chosen for Olympic competition. The U.S. Disabled Sailing Team, created in 1998 to develop athletes for Paralympic competition, annually recognizes the top-three-ranked sailors in the Paralympic disciplines.
The 2004 Olympic Regatta is scheduled for August 13-29, in Athens, Greece, followed shortly thereafter by the 2004 Paralympic Games. Both events will utilize the same competition venue. The Youth World Team is selected annually to attend the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Youth Sailing World Championships. This year the 2002 US Youth World Team will compete in six events from July 18-27 in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information on these national teams visit US SAILINGs website, www.ussailing.org/Olympics. For information on Gill North America log on to their website at www.gillna.com.
