It marks the first time U.S. residents can buy authentic Sydney Games merchandise directly from the official Web site. IBM designed and created the official site in collaboration with the Sydney Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. IBM and the committee anticipate it will be one of the most popular sports event Web sites in the history of the Internet. Featuring more than 3,000 authentic Sydney Games items in The Olympics Store On-line, fans can buy apparel, pins and collectables, and souvenirs from special events such as the Olympic Torch Relay.
Merchandise is available in adult and children's sizes.
All products are designed to reflect the relaxed and informal nature of Australian culture while embodying the Olympic spirit. All transactions are encrypted, and users are notified by e-mail when orders are shipped. As the Worldwide Technology Partner and Official Internet Technologies and Solutions Provider for the Sydney Olympic Games, IBM is providing the technology to make the Sydney 2000 Games experience available to fans around the world via the Web. Additionally, IBM developed the core information technology for the Games, including the systems to manage results.