{{Short description|none}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}{{Paralympic Games infobox}} The '''Paralympic symbols''' are the icons, [[flag]]s, and symbols used by the [[International Paralympic Committee]] (IPC) to promote the Paralympic Movement and the [[Paralympic Games]].
==Motto== Since 2019, the Paralympic motto has been "Change Starts with Sport" which highlights the transformational impact of the Paralympic Movement's activities on society.<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Paralympic Committee - Who we are |url=https://www.paralympic.org/ipc/who-we-are |website=International Paralympic Committee}}</ref> Before this the motto was "Spirit in Motion" which was introduced at the [[2004 Summer Paralympics]].<ref name=psm>{{cite web|title=New Logo and Motto for IPC|url=http://www.paralympic.org/paralympian/20032/20030201.html|publisher=International Paralympic Committee|access-date=18 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406004147/http://www.paralympic.org/paralympian/20032/20030201.html|archive-date=6 April 2008|date=2003}}</ref>
==Symbol== ===Current=== {{Infobox coat of arms |name = Emblem of the Paralympic Games ("Paralympic Agitos") |image = Logo of the International Paralympic Committee 2019.svg |middle_caption = |image_width = 200 |middle = |middle_width = |lesser = |lesser_width = |lesser_caption = |armiger = [[Andrew Parsons (sport administrator)|Andrew Parsons]], [[International Paralympic Committee#Presidents|President of the International Paralympic Committee]] |year_adopted = {{start date and age|2004|09|28|df=y}} |crest = |torse = |shield = Three agitos, coloured red, blue, and green, the three colours. |supporters = |compartment = |motto = |orders = |other_elements = |earlier_versions = |use = }}
The symbol of the IPC consists of three red, blue, and green [[crescent]]s encircling a single point on a white field.<ref name=psm/><ref name=flags>[http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/oly@ipc.html International Paralympic Committee – The IPC logo, motto and flag], CRWFlags.com</ref> It was modernized from the 1992 emblem by advertising agency [[Scholz & Friends]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=No. 18: The Agitos, the Paralympic symbol is unveiled|url=https://www.paralympic.org/feature/no-18-agitos-paralympic-symbol-unveiled|access-date=2021-07-30|website=International Paralympic Committee|language=en}}</ref> and was formally used for the first time during the closing ceremony of the [[2004 Summer Paralympics]].<ref>[http://www.paralympic.org/paralympian/20032/20030201.html New Logo and Motto for IPC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406004147/http://www.paralympic.org/paralympian/20032/20030201.html|date=6 April 2008}}, [[International Paralympic Committee]] (IPC)</ref><ref name=":0" />
In October 2019, the IPC unveiled a new version of the emblem with more consistent geometry, and brightened colours to match those used in the [[Olympic rings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=IPC Launches New Look: Change Starts with Sport |url=https://www.paralympic.org/news/ipc-launches-new-look-change-starts-sport |access-date=2021-07-30 |website=International Paralympic Committee |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Refreshed IPC logo designed to give "parity" with Olympic Rings|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1090495/ipc-logo-update-parity-olympic-rings|access-date=2021-07-30|website=www.insidethegames.biz|date=13 February 2020 }}</ref>
=== Previous === [[File:Paralympics logo 1988-94.svg|thumb|The first Paralympic symbol (1988–1994) used five ''pa''.]] The first IPC logo was created for the [[1988 Summer Paralympics]] in [[Seoul]] and based on a traditional [[Korea]]n decorative component called a ''pa'', two of which make up the ''[[taegeuk]]'' symbol used in the [[flag of South Korea]]. The first Paralympic flag used five identically colored ''pa''s arranged similarly to the [[Olympic rings]].<ref name=psm/><ref name=flags/>
In 1991, the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) requested that the IPC modify its logo due to its similarity to the Olympic emblem.<ref name=psm/><ref name=flags/><ref name=museum>[http://www.sportmuseum-leipzig.de/Ablage-Zeitung/1+2-2003/Seite6.htm Vom Rehabilitationssport zu den Paralympics] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305103827/http://www.sportmuseum-leipzig.de/Ablage-Zeitung/1+2-2003/Seite6.htm |date=5 March 2012 }} ([[German language|German]]), Sportmuseum Leipzig</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=jdyW8XlhaM4C&dq=tae-geuks+1992+france&pg=PA113 Athlete first: a history of the paralympic movement], by Steve Bailey, [[Google Books]]</ref> As a result, a new Paralympic symbol utilizing only three ''pa''s was revealed at the [[1992 Winter Paralympics]].<ref name="museum" /> It took effect after the [[1994 Winter Paralympics]] and officially remained through the [[2004 Summer Paralympics]].<ref name="psm" /><ref name="flags" />
==Paralympic emblems== Like the Olympics, each Paralympic Games has a unique emblem containing the name and year of the event, and reflecting the distinctive and cultural elements of the host nation. Due to the increased integration and synergy between the two events, recent Paralympics have generally shared their overall branding with their corresponding Olympics, and have accordingly used emblems with concepts that are a complement to their corresponding Olympic emblem. The [[2012 Summer Paralympics]] were the first to share a common design with the Olympic emblem,<ref>{{cite news |date=4 June 2007 |title=London unveils logo of 2012 Games |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/olympics_2012/6718243.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613121008/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/olympics_2012/6718243.stm |archive-date=13 June 2007 |access-date=4 June 2007 |work=[[BBC Sport]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 October 2013 |title=Pyeonchang 2018 unveils official Paralympic emblem |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1016703/pyeonchang-2018-unveils-official-paralympic-emblem |access-date=9 February 2018}}</ref> while the [[2024 Summer Paralympics]] were the first to use the exact same emblem with no variation between the two events.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2019 |title=Paris 2024 unveil new shared Olympic and Paralympic Games emblem |url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1086210/paris-2024-new-emblem-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022034112/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1086210/paris-2024-new-emblem-launch |archive-date=22 October 2019 |access-date=2019-10-22 |website=insidethegames.biz}}</ref>
==Flag== {{Infobox flag | Name = The International Paralympic Committee | Article = | Nickname = {{lang|en|The Paralympic agitos}} | Image = Paralympic flag (2019 10).svg | Use = Sport | Symbol = {{FIAV|normal}} | Proportion = 3:5 or 1:2 | Adoption = 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.
==Flame and torch relay== As with the Olympic Games, ahead of each edition of a Paralympic Games a [[torch relay]] is held in order to build awareness and engagement in the upcoming event. During the torch relay the Paralympic flame is transferred from torchbearer to torchbearer while taking in key locations often in the host city and country. The flame is used to light the Paralympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
In October 2023, the IPC announced that beginning for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the Paralympic flame would be created in Stoke Mandeville, the spiritual birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, just as the Olympic flame is ceremonially created in [[Olympia, Greece]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-06 |title=Stoke Mandeville revealed as permanent home of Paralympic flame |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-67020029 |first1=Danny |last1=Fullbrook |access-date=2024-03-24 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=Stoke Mandeville to stage first standalone Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1141463/stoke-mandeville-paralympic-flame |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=insidethegames |first1=Patrick |last1=Burke |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017134503/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1141463/stoke-mandeville-paralympic-flame |archive-date= October 17, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Paralympic Flame to be created at Stoke Mandeville for all future Paralympic Games |url=https://www.paralympic.org/news/paralympic-flame-be-created-stoke-mandeville-all-future-paralympic-games |date=6 Oct 2023 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=International Paralympic Committee |language=en}}</ref> Until 2024, Stoke Mandeville was used from 2014 onwards to create a "heritage flame" which then contributed to the Paralympic flame in the host country of the Games.
For Paris 2024, the Paralympic Flame was transferred from the UK through the Channel Tunnel to France before it was split into 12 parts and visited multiple French cities before coming together again as one flame for the Opening Ceremony.
A common format for the Paralympic torch relays between 2012 and 2022 was to have multiple ceremonial flames kindled in different regions of the host nation (with London using four flames kindled by scouts at the highest peaks of each country in the United Kingdom, and Tokyo using flames from each of [[Prefectures of Japan|Japan's prefectures]]), which are then united to form the official Paralympic flame for the remainder of the route.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-01-03 |title=Bid to make Stoke Mandeville permanent home of Paralympic Torch lighting gathers momentum |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1012294/bid-to-make-stoke-mandeville-permanent-home-of-paralympic-torch-lighting-gathers-momentum |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=insidethegames |first1=Emily |last1=Goddard }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 December 2018 |title=Tokyo 2020: Torch Relay concept revealed |url=https://www.paralympic.org/news/tokyo-2020-torch-relay-concept-revealed |website=paralympic.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tokyo 2020 Unveils Paralympic Torch Relay Concept : "Share Your Light" |url=https://tokyo2020.org/en/games/torch/paralympic/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322103623/https://tokyo2020.org/en/games/torch/paralympic/ |archive-date=22 March 2019 |work=Tokyo 2020}}</ref><ref name="bbc-torchrelay">{{cite news |date=15 August 2012 |title=London 2012: Scouts to spark Paralympic flame |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19265010 |access-date=16 August 2012 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="ind-relay">{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Jerome |date=15 August 2012 |title=Mountain cauldrons will spark Paralympic torch relay |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympics/mountain-cauldrons-will-spark-paralympic-torch-relay-8050170.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympics/mountain-cauldrons-will-spark-paralympic-torch-relay-8050170.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=19 August 2012 |work=[[The Independent]] |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 April 2015 |title=Rio 2016 reveals first details of Paralympic Torch Relay as part of 500 days to Games celebrations |url=https://www.rio2016.com/en/news/rio-2016-reveals-first-details-of-paralympic-torch-relay-as-part-of-500-days-to-games-celebrations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809144048/https://www.rio2016.com/en/news/rio-2016-reveals-first-details-of-paralympic-torch-relay-as-part-of-500-days-to-games-celebrations |archive-date=9 August 2016 |access-date=15 August 2016 |publisher=Rio Organizing Committee |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
==Medals==
{{Expand section|date=March 2026|reason=Very small section with only one paragraph and not much information added}} Paralympic [[Medal|medals]] are made of [[gold-plated]] silver, [[silver]], or [[bronze]] and are awarded to the top 3 finishers in each event. They are designed differently for each Paralympic Games.
==Anthem== {{Infobox anthem | title = Hymne de l’Avenir<br />Hymne der Zukunft | transcription = Anthem of the Future<br />{{langx|fr|Hymne de l’Avenir|italic=no}}<br />{{langx|de|Hymne der Zukunft|italic=no}} | alt_title = | en_alt_title_2 = | image = | image_size = | alt = | caption = | prefix = Official | country = the [[Paralympic Games]] and the [[International Paralympic Committee]] | author = [[Graeme Connors]] | lyrics_date = 2001 | composer = [[Thierry Darnis]] | music_date = March 1996 | adopted = 1996 | sound = | sound_title = ''Paralympic Anthem'' }}
The Paralympic Anthem, also known as the Paralympic Hymn, is played during the raising of the Paralympic Flag. The anthem, "Hymne de l’Avenir" ([[English language|en.]] "Anthem of the Future"), was composed by [[Thierry Darnis]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=2001 |title=Graeme Connors adds Lyrics to Paralympic Hymn |url=http://www.paralympic.org/paralympian/20014/2001417.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020106221526/http://www.paralympic.org/paralympian/20014/2001417.htm |archive-date=6 January 2002 |access-date=2017-03-20 |magazine=The Paralympian |issue=4 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> It was approved by the IPC in March 1996,<ref>[http://www.paralympic.org/export/sites/default/IPC/IPC_Handbook/Section_1/2009_11_20_Intellectual_Property_Bylaws_GB_approved.pdf IPC Handbook – Bylaws Governance and Organizational Structure] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826054743/http://www.paralympic.org/export/sites/default/IPC/IPC_Handbook/Section_1/2009_11_20_Intellectual_Property_Bylaws_GB_approved.pdf |date=26 August 2016 }} ([[.pdf|.pdf file]]), [[International Paralympic Committee]] (IPC)</ref> and lyrics were added by Australian country singer [[Graeme Connors]] in 2001.
==Paralympic Oath== The Paralympic Oath is recited at every Paralympic [[opening ceremony]]. It is a solemn promise made while holding the Paralympic Flag by one [[sportsperson|athlete]], judge, and coach representing, respectively, all participating competitors, officiating referees and officials, and coaches.
===History=== The Paralympic Oath has been taken since the [[1960 Summer Paralympics|first Paralympic Games]] and is identical to the original [[Olympic Oath]] written by [[Pierre de Coubertin]], with the exception of the word 'Olympic' being substituted by 'Paralympic".
== Paralympic Order == {{See also|List of recipients of the Paralympic Order}} The Paralympic Order is the highest award given by the Paralympic Movement to individuals for particularly distinguished contributions to the Movement.<ref>[http://www.paralympic.org/export/sites/default/Media_Centre/News/Paralympian/2010_06_Paralympian_1_2010.pdf The Paralympian – Issue 1/2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619215300/http://paralympic.org/export/sites/default/Media_Centre/News/Paralympian/2010_06_Paralympian_1_2010.pdf |date=19 June 2010 }}, [[The Paralympian]] page 14, [[International Paralympic Committee]] (IPC)</ref><ref>[http://www.paralympic.org/IPC/Awards/Paralympic_Order/index.html Paralympic Order], [[International Paralympic Committee]] (IPC)</ref>
==Post nominal letters==
Starting in 2022, the IPC introduced the [[post nominal letters]] PLY, similar to the IOC's [[OLY]], to recognize individuals' contribution to the Paralympic movement. They was first awarded to [[Ragnhild Myklebust]] and [[Kevin Coombs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.paralympic.org/news/ipc-introduces-ply-post-nominal-titles-recognise-paralympians|title=IPC introduces PLY post-nominal titles to recognise Paralympians}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.paralympic.org/feature/paralympic-pioneers-who-helped-create-ply-legacy|title = The Paralympic pioneers who helped create a PLY legacy}}</ref>
==Mascots== {{Main|Paralympic mascots}}
Each [[Paralympic Games]] has a [[mascot]], usually an animal native to the area or, occasionally, human figures representing the host nation's cultural heritage.
==See also== * [[Olympic symbols]]
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.paralympic.org/ Official site of the Paralympic Movement] {{Paralympic symbols}} {{Paralympic Games}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Paralympic Symbols}} [[Category:Paralympic symbols| ]] [[Category:Anthems of sports organizations]] [[Category:1996 songs]]