April 11, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Paris Glove of Canada Ltd., the premier manufacturer of Auclair racing gloves, will supply the nation’s best cross-country ski athletes with lightweight racing gloves as part of an eight-year deal struck on Tuesday with Cross Country Canada.

Canadian Team skier Ivan Babikov © Nordic Focus

The longest-standing partner of Cross Country Canada, dating back nearly 40 years to the 1970’s, Paris Glove of Canada has contributed more than $500,000 in product and financial support to Canada’s cross-country ski athletes, and will continue to do so through the 2018 Games.

“Canadian athletes are proud to be able to compete internationally using Canadian-designed Auclair gloves, knowing they have the financial backing of a Canadian company,” said Davin MacIntosh, executive director, Cross Country Canada. “It is our goal to continue producing podium results, and ultimately, to have the gloves of our Canadian athletes touching a gold medal on the international stage.”

Auclair, the premier sport and outdoor division of the family-owned company, is recognized worldwide for its unflagging desire to create highly technical winter-sport racing gloves that deliver unmatched performance.

As part of the agreement, Auclair has worked closely with athletes and coaches of Cross Country Canada to develop better product that meets the specific needs of each athlete to ease their journey to producing medal-winning results.

In addition, the deal also guarantees annual financial support for the team. Paris Glove will also continue to actively promote racers in advertising and marketing campaigns.

“Paris Glove is excited to be the official glove supplier of Cross Country Canada,” said Peter Monk, president, Paris Group of Companies. “As the national leader in technical handwear, we will continue to find innovative ways to better the equipment for Canada’s cross-country ski athletes in order to help guide, and develop, them into medal-winning athletes.”