Congressman: RI mill can make berets for athletes
WOONSOCKET, R.I.—A firm that manages a woolen mill in Woonsocket says it could deliver American-made berets for the U.S. Olympic team ahead of the opening of the games later this month.
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (sihs-ih-LEE'-nee) said Monday he was "extremely disappointed" to learn that U.S. Olympic athletes would be wearing uniforms manufactured in China. Designer Ralph Lauren and the U.S. Olympic Committee have been heavily criticized for the decision.
Cicilline says the CEO of the Brickle Group, which manages Northwest Woolen Mills in Woonsocket, told him the mill could manufacturer and deliver the berets, a part of the uniform, in time for the Olympics' July 27 opening ceremony.
The mill produces wool products, including blankets, for the U.S. military. Cicilline held a news conference there Monday.
U.S. Rep. James Langevin (LAN'-jih-vin) also weighed in, asking the Olympic Committee in a letter to "at least rectify the situation" for the Paralympic Games, if it's too late to do so for the Olympics.
The Paralympic Games begin late next month.
