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Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games emblem unveiled
(BOCOG)
Updated: 2006-09-20 14:30

On 16 September, the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games emblem was launched during a concert-styled ceremony at Whistler Golf Course Driving Range in Whistler, Canada.


The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games emblem.[File Photo]
The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games emblem, 'Man Becomes Mountain', incorporates a dynamic human form into West Coast blue and green colours in clean graphics that represent Vancouver and Whistler's lush coastal forests, dramatic mountains and majestic sky.

The emblem also reflects the athletes' mountainous inner strength and personal transformation as they push themselves to new heights in the pursuit of excellence. 'Man Becomes Mountain' symbolizes the heart of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, a celebration that will bring together Paralympic athletic heroes and Canada's passion for sport and nature in one of the world's most breathtaking winter playgrounds.

The emblem creates a distinctive and powerful visual identity for the Paralympic Games and reflects the unique spirit and values of the Paralympic Movement. The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic emblem will now join the 2010 Olympic Winter Games emblem to form the core visual identity for the 2010 Winter Games.

Said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board Member Patrick Jarvis, who attended the launch ceremony: "In less than four years from now, right here in this community, and in Vancouver, thousands will be watching as Paralympians demonstrate to the world their athletic abilities and triumphant spirit.

The emblem of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is representative of that spirit as well as that of Vancouver and Whistler, where the dreams of athletes from all over the world will have the chance to become a reality."

The free afternoon concert, hosted by Canadian Olympic Games TV commentator Brian Williams and Paralympian Carla Qualtrough, has been specifically designed to appeal to music lovers of all ages and particularly families. Canadian stars, including Chantal Kreviazuk, The Philosopher Kings and Jim Byrnes, along with Spirit of the West and Jeremy Fisher, performed at the concert and made it an unforgettable event.

Guests from the world of politics, media and sport, including Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan, BC Government Minister Colin Hansen, Paralympians Lauren Woolstencroft, Sonja Gaudet, Brad Lennea, Brian McKeever and Phil Chew attended the concert. Video messages were sent by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Paralympian Rick Hansen.

Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee (VANOC) CEO John Furlong, who also took part in the Emblem's unveiling, praised its design - in his view, a symbol of the very best Canada has to offer the global Paralympic Movement. "The emblem's representation of the athlete in nature, literally and metaphorically, symbolizes Vancouver 2010's vision to deliver an inclusive Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate excellence, sustainability and creativity in every endeavour," he said.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler 12 to 21 March 2010. Approximately 650 athletes from 45 countries are expected to participate in five sports (Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling).