Olympics News and Info

Beijing Paralympics – Pictograms and Medals

Attention is now turning to the Paralympics, which many hope will improve the situation for the disabled in China.

The pictograms will be widely used in the road signal system, in the symbols and decorations in and outside the venues, as well as in the guides for athletes and spectators. They will also be used in TV broadcasting, in promotion, in advertising and in marketing, to enrich the public experience of the Paralympic Games. Being important components of the image of the Paralympics, the pictograms must reflect the Paralympic sports clearly and in keeping with the other visual elements of the Beijing Paralympics such as the emblem and the color system, and act as carriers of the concepts of the Paralympic Games and of the culture of the host county.

The design of the medals for Paralympic Games is inspired by the ancient Chinese dragon-pattern jade disc: jade disc wedged on the obverse of the medal with the Emblem of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the center. The color of jade varies with the gold medal, silver medal and copper medal from white, gray-white to gray. The design of the medal hook derives from jade “huang”, a ceremonial jade piece with decoration of double dragon pattern and “Pu”, the reed mat pattern, classic and elegant.

The design concept and pattern of the medals for the Paralympic Games is similar to those of the medals for the Olympic Games, reflecting the fairness and mutual respect of all people. The medals for Paralympic Games have the same value and honor with those for Olympic Games and are the best symbol for the concept of “One World One Dream”.

Jade culture has lasted for over 8000 years in China. Jade disc used to be a ritual ware for grand ceremonies in ancient China. Besides, Chinese nationality has the tradition of regarding jade as the supreme symbol of prestigious morality. The jade on the Paralympic medals is an honorable recognition of winners and also a modern interpretation of the traditional values of Chinese people, representing the perfect match of the Chinese civilization and the Paralympic Spirit.