Bosco unveils Russia's new look for London 2012

Bosco, the General Partner and official outfitter to the Russian Olympic team, today unveiled Russia’s new-look kit for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, at an event to mark the official opening of the Russian Outfitting Centre on Moscow’s iconic Kudrinskaya Square.

Bosco helped the Russian team announce itself to the world with a bold design and their summer slogan: "Privet London!" ["Hi, London!"] In less than one month, Russia’s athletes will step out onto the Olympic stage in front of billions of spectators and TV viewers, dressed in their traditional red and white. But while the colours remain the same, the Bosco Original London 2012 Collection has a brand new and distinctive style.

The recurring motif – or "Ornament" – in the new design features two mythological creatures: Pegasus, and the griffin. Both have their counterparts in Russian folklore, symbolising light, generosity, power, speed and wisdom – exactly the qualities Bosco is hoping to inspire in Russia’s Olympians. Along with its heraldic reference to Russia’s history and traditions, the new ornament also presents Russia as a gateway to the future. Pegasus forms the letter ‘R’ and the griffin the letter ‘U’. Together, they make ".ru", Russia’s domain name and a symbol of a modern, hi-tech nation in the global arena.

Mikhail Kusnirovich, the head of Bosco, said:

"It is always a challenge to come up with a kit that unites not only 1,000 athletes, coaches and support staff into one team, but also bonds that team with 140 million Russians. As Russia’s official London 2012 outfitter, our task is to dress the team and its supporters. The expression, "You are what you wear" is more true during the Olympic Games than at any other time. The Opening Ceremony is watched by four billion people – so you better be looking your best!"

Kusnirovich went on to say that a bold, instantly recognisable kit helps the Russian team leave indelible marks on Olympic history every two years. Every item created by Bosco must look good, last long and stay as fresh and as stylish as the day it was made.

Alexander Zhukov, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and President of the ROC, joined Mikhail Kusnirovich for the official opening of the Outfitting Centre. He said:

"Outfitting the team is a vital part of the pre-Games process. The kit unites athletes, coaches, supporters and all the other participants for this major event, and it becomes the face of Russia at the Games. It is essential that the kit fits the athletes comfortably and that they feel good wearing it."

Natalia Ishenko, a member of Russia’s Olympic synchronised swimming team with 17 world titles to her name, shared her feelings ahead of collecting her kit:

"Today is an emotional day. It’s only when you find yourself at the Outfitting Centre that you realise how close you are to the Olympic Games. Putting on the kit for the first time makes you feel part of something bigger – the Olympic team. It creates that feeling of unity and you understand that you are representing everyone in your country."

Bosco’s Original London 2012 Collection consists of 30 items and 49 separate pieces, to cover every moment of the athletes’ Olympic experience: from the Opening Ceremony to their evening shower. Over the next month, 80 employees and volunteers will spend over 40,000 hours kitting out up to 1,000 members of the Russian delegation.

Bosco endeavours to highlight the national characteristics of both the competing country and their hosts when designing their Olympic kits. On 27 July, the Russian Olympic team will join the Parade of Nations in London’s Olympic Stadium in a ceremonial outfit inspired by London in 1948 – the last time the UK capital hosted the Olympic Games. The outfit consists of a mackintosh jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, wide trousers and moccasins, bringing a bygone age into the 21st Century with a modern Bosco twist.

Russia’s Chef de Mission and Olympic fencing champion, Pavel Kolobkov, commented:

"Anyone involved in sport knows the importance of getting kitted out. Getting your equipment is one of the key pre-Games moments. The Olympic uniform unifies athletes from different sports into a single team, and it gives them a real connection with the fans."

Bosco’s Original London 2012 collection is currently on sale at Bosco stores in Russia and in the first UK store at Westfield Stratford City, the gateway to London’s Olympic Park. The collection of licensed replicas also features designs in blue and white, and a range of accessories.

Maria Kiseleva, a three-time Olympian and press attaché for the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), said:

"It is hard to express how inspiring a full stadium can be. You come out into the arena, you look in the stands and you see thousands of supporters with ‘Russia’ across their chests. That’s what motivates you – you feel like you can’t lose!"

Today’s guest list also included legendary Olympians like Larisa Latynina, Galina Gorokhova, Irina Rodnina, Alexey Nemov, Svetlana Zhurova and Evgeniy Kafelnikov. A team of celebrity Olympic fans arrived at the ceremony in a classic London double decker bus, which will transport them from Moscow to London in time for the Games.

One of the highlights of the day was a flash mob performed by 500 city hall and Sochi 2014 Organising Committee volunteers, alongside students of the Moscow University of Culture. Dressed in Russia’s new Olympic kit, they formed the shape of ".ru", "Privet London!" and the Olympic rings.

For more information, please contact Niva Shrestha at:

Media@BoscoSport.ru; +44 7557 435 323; +44 2035 861 032

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