This is an example of the green hip bags that were made in China for Technical Officials at the Sydney 2000 Games. Technical Officials were part of Games Force 2000, the accredited workforce of volunteers, contracted staff and paid staff that provided skilled and unskilled labour for the Games. In this role, they received Games Force uniforms; the dark green details distinguishing Technical Officials from the six other contingents (Games Services, Spectator Services, Transport Services, Security Services, Medical Officials and the Sydney Olympic Broadcasting Organisation).

From 1997, the Australian clothing manufacturers, Bonds, collaborated with the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games to design the Games Force uniforms. The results were casual and business uniforms, and a small range of clothing accessories. Colour-coded to identify the seven Games Force groups, the casual uniforms included polo shirts, waterproof jackets, wide-brimmed hats, hip bags and beige trousers. These same trousers featured in the business uniforms, along with business shirts, ties or scarves and blazers. Personnel wore their own black shoes.

Around 3,500 technical officials, including lines persons, judges, juries, umpires and referees, worked at the Sydney 2000 Games. On arrival in Australia, the international officials received an accreditation pass (which wavered Australian visa and immigration laws from 15 August to 1 November 2000), and a casual and business uniform. As members of the Olympic Family, Technical officials were accommodated at Macquarie University during the Games.

The entire Games Force uniform was designed by Wendy Paulucci at Bonds in 1999. Called 'Sydney Story', it was lightweight, comfortable and sun-protective, and its colour-coded polo shirts and waterproof jackets distinguished the seven groups within the Games Force team. The hip bag and other accessories, such as water bottles and waterproof ponchos, supplemented this uniform.

This nylon and polyester hip bag was made in China for Technical Officials at the Sydney 2000 Games. It supplemented the uniform that was distributed to Games Force personnel.

Though this hip bag is unused, it is identical to those that were worn by Technical Officials during the Sydney 2000 Games.

Made for and owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after use in the Games.

Hip bag, nylon/ polyester, Games Force uniform, Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, designed by Wendy Paulucci at Bonds, April 2000, made in China, 2000

Hip Bag, green synthetic material. The main front compartment can be opened with a grey zip. On the front of the main compartment 'Sydney 2000' has been stenciled in grey. A black Bonds label appears of the top of the front compartment. There are two pockets in the back of the hip bag. The larger of the two pockets opens using black Velcro. The smaller pocket opens with a grey zip. The strap of the bag is adjustable and made of green webbing. A black plastic squeeze clip allows the strap to be fastened. A gloss paper label is attached to the front compartments zipper. The label is white with the Bonds logo in black on one side and black text 'Hip Bag / [barcode] / Green S / Made in China' written on the other side.

Made: 2000

2001/84/597

2000

120 mm

100 mm