This is an example of the cotton t-shirts that Bonds manufactured for local volunteers to wear at torch relay celebrations. The graphic design represents a map of Australia and lists the communities that hosted the events. The t-shirts served as casual volunteer uniforms and as souvenirs that acknowledged the contributions of torch relay volunteers.

From September 1998 onwards, SOCOG and Local Community Working Groups formed a schedule of daily festivities that would take place along the Sydney 2000 Torch Relay route. In all, 188 Australian communities would welcome the Olympic flame and host vibrant festivities to celebrate their culture, heritage and participation in an Olympic event. Ultimately, these celebrations would become major expressions of civic pride and Olympic spirit in the weeks preceding the Sydney 2000 Games.

The Sydney 2000 Olympic torch relay, from 10 May to 15 September 2000, was the longest torch relay in Olympic history, and it required a crew of 130 personnel to provide essential daily services that ranged from first aid and security to assembling stages for community celebrations. Supporting this crew were teams of local volunteers who supervised road closures, maintained clear paths for torchbearers, and provided other practical assistance. The size of these teams varied from 30 to 100 volunteers, and depended upon the size and needs of local councils. An additional team of local police also assisted at the events, and their numbers ranged from 12 to 50 personnel.

Designed by Bonds, Sydney c.2000

Made by Bonds, Australia c.2000

Unused

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.

Volunteer t-shirt, Sydney 2000 Olympic torch relay, Olympic Games, Sydney, 2000, cotton, designed by Bonds, Sydney c.1999, made by Bonds, Australia c.2000

T-shirt, Olympic torch relay t-shirt, (Large), cotton, white with aqua machine knit ribbed neckline. Left sleeve red with Bonds label sewn near hemline. Right sleeve yellow. Body of the t-shirt features red text "Olympic" followed by blue text "Torch / Relay" and the torch relay logo - figure running with torch. Below this in aqua "8 June - 15 September". Below this is an outline of Australia in aqua and listed in a column over the top of this are the names of places the torch passed through. Below the list in red text "Sydney 2000" and the Olympic rings. Sewn into the back of the inside neckline are two labels. One is white with black text "Cotton / Made in Australia / Large" and gives care instructions for the shirt. The other is black with white text "Bonds". PHM label sewn into bottom left side seam.

Made: 2000

2001/84/584

2000