An initiative being touted as unprecedented in college athletics, The Aloha Spirit Collection - Fan Edition Uniform Design Contest offers fans the chance to design a special edition uniform for the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine basketball program.
According to a UH athletic department announcement, the context comes with a cash prize of $1,500, roundtrip airfare to Honolulu and accommodations for one for a Jan. 25 women's basketball game, where the winning design of uniform tops and shorts will be worn and showcased to hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. Should the winner be a resident of O'ahu, a roundtrip neighbor island voucher will be given.
In collaboration with Uni Watch, UH welcomes submissions that include different themes, nicknames or creative flares. Contestants can submit one design and are encouraged to provide a brief explanation if their design incorporates an alternative concept.
Uni Watch is the premier website dedicated to the study and celebration of athletic aesthetics. Founded by Paul Lukas and edited and operated by Phil Hecken, Uni Watch provides insightful commentary, reviews and analyses of sports uniforms worldwide.
"Partnering with Uni Watch on this innovative contest is an exciting step for our athletics department," said UH athletic director Craig Angelos. "This initiative not only allows our fans to engage with Hawai'i Athletics but also gives creators everywhere the opportunity to appreciate our brand and see how great it is in the Aloha State."
"Uni Watch is rooted in the obsessive study of athletics aesthetics, but we also have a long history of featuring uniform designs and concepts from our readers," Hecken said. "We're excited to be partnering with the University of Hawai'i to showcase the immensely talented graphic artists who will no doubt come up with some outstanding and unique ideas for Hawai'i's Rainbow Wahine basketball team."
Submissions, or questions can be sent to to [email protected]. Questions can also be emailed to [email protected]. Athletics Admin, an athletic contract and consulting service, will be assisting in this campaign. Submissions will be accepted through Wednesday, July 17.
All qualifying design submissions will appear on Uni Watch and HawaiiAthletics.com for promotional purposes.
The contest is open to designers of all levels. The goal is to announce at least 10 finalists by Aug. 1.
"Finalists will be promoted on UH Athletics' social media platforms, providing creatives a chance to showcase their brand and work to hundreds of thousands of followers," per the announcement.
Finalists will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with rules and guidelines in line with UH policies prior to the announcement.
The winning selection will be part of "The Aloha Spirit Collection," a set of uniforms auctioned off annually in support of UH programs.
Contest rules, per the announcement:
- The design must incorporate University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Athletics branding. Creativity is encouraged, but the design should remain professional and collegiate.
- Variations or alterations to any current or former logos will not be accepted. The winning design must comply with NCAA regulations.
- UH Athletics reserve the right to make design modifications to the winning design as needed to comply with conference and NCAA regulations.
- Alternate theme names are approved for submission (Ex: 'Bows, Aloha State, Islanders, etc.) It's highly encouraged to provide an explanation if the submission is an alternate name.
- One (1) submission per individual.
- Submissions go to [email protected]
- UH Athletics Staff, Players and Administrators will choose one winning design.
- The winning jersey design will become the property of UH Athletics
- Designs may be submitted as .jpg, .png or .pdf files. Please keep to one (1) file/attachment if emailed. Please provide any social media handles or websites for promotional purposes.
- Submissions will be accepted through July 17.
