The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in the world and attracts tremendous attention from all over the world. The Beijing Olympics of 2008 is no exception and it is estimated that the amount of money invested for this particular event exceeds the total investments for any sporting event in the whole world. Sports demand discipline, dedication and commitment. It becomes quite obvious that sports and fashion pair up to be very incompatible bedfellows. Since these two are different from each other in terms of ideas and concepts it might seem that fashion clothing has no place in sports. The modern era has introduced new ideas into every field and sports are no exception. Clothing and equipment are the most important necessities for any sport. The Beijing Olympics, 2008 witnessed a similar change in think-tank of sports organizers. All the major sports equipment manufacturing brands and clothing companies were invited as sponsors for the Olympics. The specialized ranges of clothing were used in each and every sporting event. Clothing also makes a very important distinction between the participants of other countries.
The major sporting equipment manufacturing brands like Adidas and Nike get the right to sponsor and manufacture clothing and equipment in most of the major sporting events. Apart from active sports wear, these companies also manufacture sports clothing for off the field events like prize distribution ceremony. This year's Olympic was also ruled by sporting majors like Nike and Adidas.
A few countries like France, South Africa and Australia did not disclose the pattern and design of their uniforms prior to the opening ceremony. Ralph Lauren Polo was chosen as the official clothing designer for the Beijing Olympics, 2008. The company also won the right to produce Olympic replica clothing and other merchandise, which will sell out increasingly fast in the International arena. It can be expected that the contract with Ralph Lauren Polo will be extended till the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Ralph Lauren created exquisite clothing and matched style and comfort. The right combination of style and comfort clothing helps the athletes to deliver their peak performance. Moreover, the patent Polo necked shirts became very popular in the Olympic games, 2008.
The task of dressing the home team is enormous and Nike was entrusted with the duties of dressing the whole home team of China. Nike has been a partner in the games for many a time now. Out of the 28 sporting bodies in China, Nike has contracts with almost 26 of these sporting bodies. Nike finds the lucrative market of China very attractive and sees popularity of the brand in near future in China. China is the second largest market of Nike products around the world other than The United States of America.
Chinese athletes mainly wore Nike designed sports apparel. Nike is also a specialist footwear manufacturer. Nike designs clothing for all sporting events and the materials and fabrics used in designing such clothing are of special quality.
Ralph Lauren has also designed much specially designed merchandise for the International Olympic Committee. These clothing will be used as gift items for the dignitaries who have come as Guests for the Olympics.
One can very well understand the relationship between sports and specialized clothing from the Beijing Olympics, 2008, which showcased every single bit of the rapport between them.