BOSTON (WHDH) - The 2016 Summer Olympics kick off Friday as Team USA is introduced to the world, they will be wearing clothing made right here in New England.
The outfits for the opening and closing were designed by Ralph Lauren. The boat shoes athletes will be wearing to both ceremonies are in patriotic red, white and blue and were made in Lewiston, Maine by Rancourt & Co. Owner Mike Rancourt said he was proud that Lauren asked him to make the shoes.
“I have great pride in the fact that we are gonna make shoes that’ll be seen on the world stage,” said Rancourt. His company made 1,100 pairs of shoes for athletes and officials.
For the closing ceremony in two weeks, American athletes will be wearing button-down Ralph Lauren shirts in red, white and blue with “USA” across the back. The shirts were made by New England Shirt Company in Fall River, in a factory that dates back to 1883.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)