New Uniforms for New Zealand Bowlers

Delhi-bound Black Jacks' bowlers current world champion Val Smith, women's triples skip Karen Coombe and, wearing the new LEGENDZ strip 2009 world junior champion Genevieve Baildon.

MEDIA STATEMENT

28 September 2010.

New Uniforms for New Zealand Bowlers

New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games Black Jacks bowls team will compete in Delhi in a new uniform expected to be ultra-comfortable to wear in the Indian climate.

“It is made from light fabric that breathes readily in hot conditions and is tailored to be an excellent fit for our New Zealand athletes,” said Garth Sutherland, of the Postie apparel chain’s uniforms division.

Postie reached agreement with Bowls New Zealand to fit-out the Black Jacks national team after a tender won by LEGENDZ Teamwear, Postie’s sports apparel arm.

Postie’s Uniform Solutions division will also offer all bowling clubs in New Zealand whitewear options for the general member through Postie stores and specific designed team uniforms through LEGENDZ from this summer.

“We conducted surveys with a national focus group to determine the best possible construction of the uniform to suit New Zealand’s national team including taking advice from active players,” said Sutherland.

“We knew that the fabric and fit would be very important in the heat of competition in the Delhi environment; it has a specific weave and weight to handle moisture associated with higher humidity.”

Sutherland said Bowls New Zealand national team manager Lyn Johnston reports that the team consider the new uniform the ‘best they’ve ever experienced’ and we are conscious that that kind of positive reaction is good for team morale.

Postie plans to offer the same type of uniform to club bowlers and Sutherland says the publicly listed company will extend rebates to clubs similar to the concept the group’s Schooltex business has extended for many years to support New Zealand schools in the purchase by families of daywear uniforms and sports uniforms.

“This year alone we rebated over three-quarters of a million dollars direct to primary and secondary schools.

“With over 100,000 active bowlers in New Zealand, and the strong growth of participation in the sport, we’d expect to become a significant new source of funding for bowls clubs throughout the country.”

The Postie chain is owned by listed group Postie Plus Group, whose chief executive Mr Ron Boskell said, “Through our Uniforms Solutions business we will be growing our presence as a supplier of uniforms to sporting bodies through the LEGENDZ brand.

“Our manufacturing capabilities will enable the pricing to be very competitive and ensure clubs and members receive value for money when purchasing their clothing requirements.

“The emphasis is on doing the basics right to create a highly successful outcome. We believe we make a natural fit with Bowls New Zealand which we know has similar aspirations to be simply the best with the Black Jacks outstanding medal prospects.”

ENDS

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