AOC ANNOUNCES VOLLEY AS OFFICIAL CASUAL SHOE OF THE 2012 AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM

AOC, May 13: Sydney, Australia: Volley, the quintessential Australian sandshoe created in 1939 was today announced as the official casual shoe of the 2012 Australian Olympic Team for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Volley has played an important role in sporting history since its launch in 1939, with 90% of the players at Wimbledon in 1965 competing in the Volley SS; marathon man Derek Clayton training in a pair of Volleys for the 1968 Mexico City and 1972 Munich Olympic Games; and some volunteers at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games wearing Volley Internationals.

In 2012, Volley will continue to play its role in Aussie sporting history through a supplier level sponsorship with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). This will see the launch of a customised Volley designed specifically for the Australian Olympic Team and worn during the Opening Ceremony and other casual occasions throughout the Games. Volley will also have to create a bespoke size range for the team, catering from a size 3.5 women's shoe for diver Melissa Wu through to a size 17 men's shoe for Ian Thorpe, if they are both selected.

The customised Volley sandshoe is being designed under lock and key, and Volley is looking forward to revealing the final design ahead of the London opening ceremony on July 27, 2012.

Pacific Brands Sport General Manager, Chris Miles said: "Volley is an iconic Australian brand, making it the perfect fit (no pun intended) for the Australian Olympic Team.

"2011 has been a big year for Volley, with a range reset to its former glory. We've re-launched three classic styles from the previous century, including two from the archives and have begun to collect and tell the nation's rich Volley stories. And 2012 is set to be even bigger with the launch of our customised Volley for the Australian Olympic Team.

"We are truly honored that Volley will be recognised as an Official Supplier to the Australian Olympic Team, and have big plans for the customised shoe which is set to be the casual shoe of choice by our Olympians."

AOC president John Coates said: "In designing the 2012 uniform we consulted a group of Olympians who are excited about wearing Volleys in the Opening Ceremony in London. It is a long night and comfort is the key for our athletes and Volleys are the perfect shoe.

"Also, given the rich sporting history of the Volley in Australia we are very excited to have them on board as a supplier and watch this generation wear them."

Media Release issued by the AOC...