China's 361 signs Rio 2016 uniform deal

RIO DE JANEIRO - Chinese sports apparel maker 361 will be the official uniform supplier for the Rio 2016 Olympics, organizers said on Wednesday.

The company will provide more than 106,500 uniforms to technical staff, volunteers, test event personnel and torch relay participants, according to a statement on the Rio 2016 website.

"With the responsibility of supplying uniforms to the volunteers and staff, which are extremely important groups for us and for the staging of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are confident that 361 will do a great job in our challenge of delivering excellent and memorable games," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Chinese firm's CEO, Ding Wuhao, said production of the uniforms would begin in 2015.

"Our group has long been seeking a partnership and there couldn't be a better time to achieve this goal," Wuhao said. "This is a milestone in our history and we are very happy that everyone will have the opportunity to get to know our brand and products in the country."

Founded in 2003, 361 sponsored the Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014 Asian Games, and the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.