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Beginning October 1, Canadians everywhere will want to sink their hands into a thick and cozy pair of Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens. The iconic Canadian Red Mittens will become a symbol of the 2010 Winter Games and the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

The knit Red Mittens — with their soft fleece lining and white maple leaf on the palm — are $10 (plus taxes) with all net proceeds going toward supporting Canadian athletes. Manufactured by the Hudson’s Bay Company, Red Mittens are sold through the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters. They’ll also be available at Olympic Stores, The Olympic Store at vancouver2010.com, and in select areas along the Torch Relay Route.

Torch Relay and Red Mittens

The Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens were first seen in Whistler on February 12, 2009 during the one-year countdown celebrations when the 2010 Olympic Torch was unveiled for the first time. Next to the mostly white torchbearer uniform, these hot little mittens will certainly become a stand-out piece.

VANOC has heard of torch relay celebration communities getting a jump on the Red Mitten craze. For one, Tara Semchuk of Drumheller, Alberta, sewed a special (unofficial) pair of red fleece mittens for their 86-foot-tall, 65,771 kilogram Tyrannosaurus Rex. Talk about community spirit! The world’s largest replica dinosaur will be wearing her Red Mittens during the winter holiday season and of course January 3 to 16, around the time that the Olympic Flame comes through town. Another sign that torch relay communities are getting creative and ready for some fun.