KUKRI OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF ATHLETICS NI CLOTHING - 21 October 2009

Athletics Northern Ireland this week revealed their new competition kit and merchandising range along with a clothing sponsorship deal with Kukri.

On hand to launch the new gear at the Thompson Dry Dock in the Titanic Quarter was City of Lisburn athletes Ciara Mageean and Kelly McNeice who both have already achieved the qualifying time for the Commonwealth Games which will be held in Delhi in 2010 along with European Junior 800m finalist Mark Patterson of North Down AC.

The competition kit was first trialed by the NI Commonwealth Youth Games Team last year and since then Athletics NI has made the necessary changes to ensure a top quality and fashionable kit is in place. This includes a new merchandising range beginning with branded polo shirts and hoodys. These will be available to buy on the new e-shop also launched this week on www.niathletics.org

Jonathan Bennett from Kukri said:
"Kukri are proud to be a kit sponsor to Athletics Northern Ireland. The athletes looked fantastic at the launch and we look forward to enjoying plenty of success from them kitted out in our gear over the coming years".

Speaking at the launch, one of Ireland’s most aspiring athletes Ciara Mageean said:
“The new Athletics NI kit and tracksuits are fantastic- a great fit, fashionable and most importantly comfortable for running in. I look forward to wearing the new gear in the future”.

The partnership between Kukri and Athletics NI will extend for the next year taking in the McCain UK Challenge, AAA Championships and the Commonwealth Games in India in October.

The new merchandising range can be found on www.niathletics.org which go live today.

Please note there has already been quite a demand and we will be selling a limited range of the gear at the NI & Ulster Juvenile Championships this weekend at Coleraine.

Postage will cost extra.

A NUMBER OF PHOTOS FROM THE LAUNCH WILL BE ADDED TO THE GALLERY THIS WEEK