The Paralympic Games is an elite sports event, during which athletes compete for the best performance and highest distinction, a Paralympic medal. In 2004, athletes are invited to outdo themselves at the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games. The ATHENS 2004 Paralympic emblem features the profile of a person, an athlete, man or woman. The figure looks forward, symbolising optimism for the future. At the centre is the human face, breathing out the individual¡¯s strength and determination to succeed in all pursuits. The shape is friendly, the lines are smooth, the colour is warm, orange and bright, a harbinger of the great celebration that is coming. The composition points to the sun and the flame that resides within all athletes, inspiring and imparting strength to them. At the same time, the sun is a direct reference to Greece, host of the 2004 Paralympic Games.

Description of the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games Emblem

The spirit and the vision of the Paralympic Games that will be hosted in Athens in 2004, is reflected in four words, which express for all of us the image of our effort:

Pursuit. Strength. Inspiration. Celebration.

Simple words with a special meaning, which are visually, expressed by the emblem of the Paralympic Games of 2004.

A round shape with the colour and the warmth of the sun, whereon a white line forms the profile of a human face. The face of every man or woman.

The words ATHENS 2004 ¨C Paralympic Games and the 3 tae gauks, the logo of the International Paralympic Committee, complete the emblem of the Paralympic Games of Athens.

It is a simple emblem, but it is charged with a special meaning.

Because it reminds us that every time we turn our face towards the sun we feel the warmth of its breath. Its flame.

A flame like the one inside each and everyone of us.

The start of a pursuit, a source of strength and above all an inspiration for mankind to celebrate.

(www.athens2004.com)