- Birmingham 2022 unveils the official uniform which will be worn by 14,000 volunteers and the Games workforce
- Uniform design has been inspired by the culture and heritage of Birmingham, the proud host city
- Design for technical officials’ uniform and formal delegates outfits have also been revealed for the first time
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has today unveiled the uniform that thousands of volunteers and staff members will be wearing at the Games. The uniform design for technical officials and the formal outfits for delegates have also been revealed.
The uniforms will be worn by over 14,000 people from across Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond, who make up the ‘Commonwealth Collective’, a community of passionate and dedicated people who will play a vital role in helping to deliver the biggest multi-sport event in the UK since London 2012.
The Commonwealth Collective will be a visible presence in the city and across the wider region for more than a million spectators who will be visiting the West Midlands during the Games.
A number of students from the city have worked with Birmingham 2022 to shape the uniform design, which has been inspired by Birmingham’s architecture and rich cultural heritage.
We drew inspiration from local landmarks and architecture to create authentic and eye-catching designs
The uniform features patterns from the iconic Library of Birmingham design and waves inspired by the architecture of Birmingham’s Grand Central and Bullring building. These are included on all upper body garments, such as the polo shirt, gilet and waterproof jacket.
The uniforms have been produced by Coleshill-based workwear company, Incorporatewear Ltd, who has taken steps to ensure the production process is as sustainable as possible. Any excess material will be made into sports bibs for local schools and clubs, forming part of the Games’ legacy.
Volunteers from the ‘Commonwealth Collective’ were given an exclusive first glimpse of the uniform on Sunday evening as part of the Orientation kick-off to their training journey. Each member of the collective will receive two polo shirts, trousers, waterproof jacket, gilet, belt, bag and hat.
Over 41,000 people have applied to volunteer across more than 300 different types of roles to help the Games run smoothly. Volunteers were selected earlier this year and will altogether receive approximately 250,000 hours of training and complete one million hours of volunteer service.
Max Jimminson, Uniforms Operations Manager at Birmingham 2022, said: “The uniform reflects Birmingham’s unique history and culture, whilst also ensuring that it is comfortable and functional for all wearers to carry out their roles.
“We drew inspiration from local landmarks and architecture to create authentic and eye-catching designs, and to help our workforce feel a sense of connection with the city and each other, as they carry out their important roles at the Games.”
Two-time Commonwealth Champion Colin Jackson, who has been supporting the Birmingham 2022 volunteer campaign from the beginning, commented: “Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Commonwealth Games and play a hugely important role in making both athletes’ and spectators’ journeys very special.
“They are often the first people that visitors to the city meet, and the uniforms will help them stand out from the crowd and give them that special recognition they deserve.
“I really hope the volunteers share my excitement and will wear their uniforms with pride, knowing the difference they will make as they embark on their journey with the Games.”
Ed Grigg, Managing Director of Incorporatewear, said: “From the moment Incorporatewear was first awarded this prestigious contract, we have been working closely with Birmingham 2022 to design and produce a uniform that will visually unite the Games workforce and incorporate the look and the vision of the Games.
“The fact that we are a local company based in Coleshill in the West Midlands has added to the excitement for the whole team at Incorporatewear.
“As a local company, it’s a fantastic boost for us and we’re delighted that our workforce will have the chance to supply and be associated with such an iconic event, right on our doorstep this coming summer.”
Craig Cooper, Birmingham City Council’s Programme Director for the Commonwealth Games, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that local students and firms have played such a key role in design, development and production of the uniform for the Commonwealth Collective.
“Our volunteers will offer a warm welcome and project the city’s strengths and qualities to thousands of visitors to the region during the Games – this uniform and the way it demonstrates our local heritage will perfectly complement everything they do in their ambassadorial roles.”
Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Games Federation said: “The volunteers really are the face of the Commonwealth Games and it is fantastic to see their bright new uniforms for the first time, which are inspired by the culture and heritage of the city. I cannot wait to meet the ‘Commonwealth Collective’ in Birmingham and I know that they will help us showcase the very best of the city, the country and the Commonwealth.”
Source: BC2022
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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