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).
