The red-white-and-blue mittens being sold to the public to raise funds for U.S. Olympic athletes were made in China, less than two years after a firestorm erupted over the athletes’ “Made in China” uniforms for the 2012 summer games.
The U.S. Olympic Committee is charging $14 a pair for the mittens that say “Go USA.” Inside, a tag reads, “100% acrylic,” ’’One Size Fits Most” and “Made in China,” the Associated Press reported.
USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said the “official” mittens — and the rest of the Olympic ensemble — that will be worn by the athletes at the opening ceremony are made in the USA and are available for people to buy at the Ralph Lauren website.
“We wanted to create a fundraising opportunity where almost anyone could support Team USA,” Mr. Sandusky said.
The committee has already raised $500,000 on mitten sales, the AP reported.
Controversy surrounding the origin of the U.S. team’s uniforms erupted in 2012 when it was revealed that every piece of the team’s uniform was made in China.
The USOC had vowed that all future team uniforms would be made in the United States, the AP said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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