Germany's Adidas unveils wheelchair basketball uniforms

Earlier in April, during the reveal of the adidas kits for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the sports brand announced that 86% of pieces of apparel worn on and off the field of play have been created using design principles that ensure they work for athletes with and without a disability alongside the development of adaptive training apparel. The combination of rethinking existing design for the broadest impact with focusing on a specific sport and group of athletes to innovate for is the basis of the adidas approach to creating the best for the athlete.

The new wheelchair basketball jersey and shorts feature innovative ergonomic advancements in pattern engineering, specifically tailored for seated positions to reduce bulk and increase comfort. Materials were selected based on detailed athlete feedback sessions and data analysis to unlock performance for seated athletes. The uniform features lightweight woven front panels for durability and full mesh back panels for breathability. Focus on the fit was paramount to deliver a uniform that felt light and comfortable.

“From the very first conversations and open discussions that we had with almost 200 athletes with disabilities, it was clear that the main challenge had been the same for years: wheelchair basketball players wear 'stand-up' uniforms that are not designed for them and do not meet their needs. They were ill-fitting, long, and had too much volume, resulting in excess fabric, heat buildup, and discomfort. Simply put, they were not designed to help athletes perform at their best. With the creation of these uniforms, we delivered a solution that will help wearers feel more comfortable and confident on court. This uniform innovation is a true representation of our ambition: to create 'only the best for the athlete”, said Beatrice Fuller, Director of Concepts Apparel Innovation.

Players of both genders have actively participated in rounds of feedback and ergometer testing sessions to measure maximum speed over pushes, providing the adidas team with invaluable insights into the mechanics of speed that will inform future research and development. In addition, the feedback was used to measure fit, performance, durability, and overall comfort to make the uniforms match the needed requirements. Finally, through the validation process, the PNW Reign basketball team confirmed that adapted patterns have been proven to reduce fabric bulk, decrease heat build-up and enhance confidence.

“The biggest difference with the partnership with the adidas innovation team is the direct contact with our athletes. For the first time athletes have been part of the entire process - they got to see the people behind the work, their passion through every interaction, their commitment to finding the best product for wheelchair basketball players. The PNW Reign ladies have been invested in the partnership just like the adidas innovation team has been invested in them. I truly believe this is a game changer”, said Jennifer Armbruster, the Executive Director of ASNW, a seven-time Paralympian in the sport of goalball and four-time Paralympic medalist with over twenty-five years of experience in adaptive sports world.

“The jersey design is more than just a piece of clothing. It is a symbol of empowerment and inclusion; a product that suits our needs and preferences, making it easier and more comfortable for us to play. It is a statement that we belong, and we matter; that our team is respected, and we are recognized as athletes. It is showing that sportswear can be designed for all people”, added Jenn Waggoner, PNW Reign athlete and Board of Directors President of Seattle Adaptive Sports, ASNW sister organization.

“In a world where almost one in seven people is estimated to live with a disability, and wheelchair basketball has more than 100,000 players worldwide. adidas is excited to bring apparel innovation to the sport and the athletes dedicated to it.”, said Beatrice Fuller.

The uniforms have been created initially to support the PNW Reign Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team as they set out on a quest to win the NWBA Championship Series. adidas plans to increase availability of the apparel during 2024 with further details around release dates and retail destinations to be determined.

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)