ONE CANADIAN NOT GOING TO THE OLYMPICS

The co-founder of Roots Canada says the company has decided not to pursue contracts to outfit Olympic athletes.

Michael Budman's comments come after an announcement that Roots will not be designing uniforms for the U.S. Olympic team at this summer's games in Beijing.

In 2005, Roots lost the contract to outfit Canada's Olympians to Hudson's Bay Company.

Budman says the company is very interested in supporting athletes but does not want to be involved with the politics associated with the Olympics.

He describes the parting of ways with the U.S. Olympic Committee as mutually beneficial, adding the company's bottom line did not suffer thanks to a significant payout.

The U.S. team's uniforms will now be designed by Polo Ralph Lauren.