| Paralympic Games |
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TheParalympic symbols are the icons,flags, and symbols used by theInternational Paralympic Committee (IPC) to promote theParalympic Games.
The current Paralympicmotto is "Spirit in Motion". It was introduced at the2004 Summer Paralympics.[1]
| Emblem of the Paralympic Games ("Paralympic Agitos") | |
|---|---|
| |
| Armiger | Andrew Parsons,President of the International Paralympic Committee |
| Adopted | 28 September 2004; 21 years ago (2004-09-28) |
| Shield | Three agitos, coloured red, blue, and green, the three colours. |
The symbol of the Paralympic Games consists of three red, blue, and greencrescents encircling a single point on a white field.[1][2] It was modernized from the 1992 emblem by advertising agencyScholz & Friends[3] and was formally used for the first time during the closing ceremony of the2004 Summer Paralympics.[4][3]
In October 2019, the IPC unveiled a new version of the emblem with a "stricter" geometry and brightened colours to match those used in theOlympic rings.[5][6]
The first Paralympic logo was created for the1988 Summer Paralympics inSeoul and based on a traditionalKorean decorative component called apa, two of which make up thetaegeuk symbol used in theflag of South Korea. The first Paralympic flag used five identically coloredpas arranged similarly to theOlympic rings.[1][2]
In 1991, theInternational Olympic Committee (IOC) requested that the IPC modify its logo due to its similarity to the Olympic emblem.[1][2][7][8] As a result, a new Paralympic symbol utilizing only threepas was revealed at the1992 Winter Paralympics.[7] It took effect after the1994 Winter Paralympics and officially remained through the2004 Summer Paralympics.[1][2]
Like the Olympics, each Paralympic Games has a unique emblem[9] incorporating a version of the Paralympic symbol, the name and year of the event, and distinctive and cultural elements of the host nation. The emblems, once approved by the IPC, are used in promotional materials, by sponsors, and on Paralympic uniforms.
.svg) | |
| The Paralympic agitos | |
| Use | Sport |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 3:5 or 1:2 |
| Adopted | 20 October 2019 |
The Paralympic flag consists of the Paralympic symbol on a white background. The current version of the flag was first flown in 2019.
Since the1988 Summer Paralympics, the Paralympic torch was used to maintain energy and keep energy dissipated before the Paralympic games.
Until the2010 Winter Paralympics, each Organizing Committee was free to choose which method and how the Paralympic torch would be lit.[10] Following the Games, calls emerged for a "heritage flame" to become a permanent tradition of the Paralympics.[11] In August 2013, a ceremonial heritage flame was lit during a ceremony atStoke Mandeville Stadium,[12] and on October 2023, it was announced that future Paralympic torch relays would officially in begin Stoke Mandeville, in a direct parallel to the traditional Olympic flame lighting inOlympia.[13][14][15]
Paralympicmedals are made ofgold-plated silver,silver, orbronze and are awarded to the top 3 finishers in each event. They are designed differently for each Paralympic Games.
| Hymne de l’Avenir Hymne der Zukunft | |
Official anthem of theParalympic Games and theInternational Paralympic Committee | |
| Lyrics | Graeme Connors, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Music | Thierry Darnis, March 1996 |
| Adopted | 1996 |
The Paralympic Anthem, also known as the Paralympic Hymn, is played during the raising of the Paralympic Flag. The anthem, "Hymne de l’Avenir" (en. "Anthem of the Future"), was composed byThierry Darnis.[16] It was approved by the IPC in March 1996,[17] and lyrics were added by Australian country singerGraeme Connors in 2001.
The Paralympic Oath is recited at every Paralympicopening ceremony. It is a solemn promise made while holding the Paralympic Flag by oneathlete, judge, and coach representing, respectively, all participating competitors, officiating referees and officials, and coaches.
The Paralympic Oath has been taken since thefirst Paralympic Games and is identical to the originalOlympic Oath written byPierre de Coubertin, with the exception of the word 'Olympic' being substituted by 'Paralympic".
The Paralympic Order is the highest award given by the Paralympic Movement to individuals for particularly distinguished contributions to the Movement.[18][19]
Starting in 2022, the IPC introduced thepost nominal letters PLY, similar to the IOC'sOLY, to recognize individuals' contribution to the Paralympic movement. They was first awarded toRagnhild Myklebust andKevin Coombs.[20][21]
EachParalympic Games has amascot, usually an animal native to the area or, occasionally, human figures representing the host nation's cultural heritage.