Inspiration

    The olive leaf was the source of inspiration for the Paralympic Torch that will convey the message of the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. The Torch itself resembles an olive leaf.

    The olive tree is one of the most powerful symbols of Greece. It has been a sacred tree throughout the Mediterranean for thousands of years, and was an important symbol for the Athenian city-state; the olive tree is a precious gift from mother nature, a global symbol for peace and freedom. What other symbol could be better identified with the Flame, and what other element could represent the Flame so perfectly, in its design and shape?

    The Torch has the harmonious lines of an olive leaf. It weighs 700 grams and measures 68 centimetres. The strong dynamic upward line of the Torch sets off the Flame, which is the main and most recurrent emblem of the Games.

    Its ergonomic design, dominated by curves, establishes the Torch as the continuation of the Flame itself in its free movement. The Paralympic Flame rises from the Torch as the extension of the Torchbearer¡¯s hand, enhancing the values of the 2004 Paralympic Games.

    The two-toned sides and gentle stroke of the olive leaf inspired the design. It is made of metal and wood (olive tree) in their natural colours. The designer used the philosophy of ¡°Pan Metron Ariston¡± (all things in moderation) to give the Torch its structure and beautiful simplicity.

    The design of the Paralympic Torch is the same as that of the Olympic Torch. The common design underlines further the fact that the Olympic and the Paralympic Games constitute a unified sport celebration. This, of course, is already evident in every Olympic and Paralympic artistic application, such as the emblem and the pictograms.

    The Torch features the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic emblem: this consists of the profile of a person outlined in white within a warm, orange and brightly colored circle, like the sun.

    Before the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, the Paralympic Torch will travel for nine days through 54 municipalities in Attica. At the end of its journey, the Torch will come to rest at the Athens Olympic Stadium, and from there the Paralympic Flame will radiate its light to the entire world.

(www.athens2004.com)