68-731: The Paralympic symbols are the icons, flags , and symbols used by the International Paralympic Committee to promote the Paralympic Games . The Paralympic motto is "Spirit in Motion". The motto was introduced in 2004 at the Paralympic Games in Athens. The previous motto was "Mind, Body, Spirit", introduced in 1994. The symbol of the Paralympic Games is composed of three " crescents ", coloured red, blue, and green, encircling
136-602: A heraldic device in battle, allowing easier identification of a knight over only the heraldic icon painted on the shield. Already during the high medieval period, and increasingly during the Late Middle Ages , city states and communes such as those of the Old Swiss Confederacy also began to use flags as field signs. Regimental flags for individual units became commonplace during the Early Modern period . During
204-606: A "stricter" geometry with consistent shapes and alignment, and the colours were brightened to match those used in the Olympic rings . The IPC also announced a new "brand narrative" of "Change Starts with Sport", to "better communicate the transformational impact the Paralympic Movement has on society and drive the human rights agenda." The first designated Paralympic logo was created for the 1988 Summer Paralympics in Seoul and based on
272-453: A closed beach (in the UK also other dangers), yellow signifies strong current or difficult swimming conditions, and green represents a beach safe for general swimming. In Ireland, a red and yellow flag indicates that it is safe to swim; a red flag that it is unsafe; and no flag indicates that there are no lifeguards on duty. Blue flags may also be used away from the yellow-red lifesaver area to designate
340-779: A general tool for rudimentary signalling and identification, especially in environments where communication is challenging (such as the maritime environment , where semaphore is used). Many flags fall into groups of similar designs called flag families . The study of flags is known as " vexillology " from the Latin vexillum , meaning "flag" or " banner ". National flags are patriotic symbols with widely varied interpretations that often include strong military associations because of their original and ongoing use for that purpose. Flags are also used in messaging , advertising , or for decorative purposes. Some military units are called "flags" after their use of flags. A flag (Arabic: لواء )
408-557: A horizontal crossbar from which it is hoisted, either by a vertical pole (no. 5a) or a horizontal one (no. 5b). The topmost stripe on the horizontal version of the flag normally faces to the left. Flags can play many different roles in religion. In Buddhism , prayer flags are used, usually in sets of five differently coloured flags. Several flags and banners including the Black Standard are associated with Islam . Many national flags and other flags include religious symbols such as
476-562: A military fort, base, station or post and at sea at the stern (rear) or main top mast of a warship, a Naval Jack flag and other maritime flags , pennants and emblems are flown at the bow (front). In times of war waving a white flag is a banner of truce, talks/negotiations or surrender. Four distinctive African flags currently in the collection of the National Maritime Museum in Britain were flown in action by Itsekiri ships under
544-489: A military or naval context began with the rise of nationalism by the end of the 18th century, although some flags date back earlier. The flags of countries such as Austria, Denmark or Turkey have legendary origins while many others, including those of Poland and Switzerland, grew out of the heraldic emblems of the Middle Ages. The 17th century saw the birth of several national flags through revolutionary struggle. One of these
612-467: A mystery, the oldest flag discovered is made of bronze: a Derafsh or 'flag-like' Shahdad, which was found in Shahdad , Iran, and dates back to c. 2400 BC . It features a seated man and a kneeling woman facing each other, with a star in between. This iconography was found in other Iranian Bronze Age pieces of art. Flags made of cloth were almost certainly the invention of the ancient peoples of
680-509: A single point on a white field. The agito ( Latin for "I move") is a symbol of movement in the shape of an asymmetrical crescent. The colours of the agitos with the white background represent the three most widely represented colours in national flags around the world. The three agitos encircle a centre point, to emphasize "the role that the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has of bringing athletes from all corners of
748-676: A special ceremony also with the first peoples, and the Paralympic flame was born and made its way to the opening ceremony at the BC Place . The concept used in these editions was refined for the 2012 Summer Paralympics ; four regional cauldrons were lit in each of the Home Nations ( England , Northern Ireland , Scotland , and Wales ) during "Flame Festival" events, as well as a fifth "heritage flame" in Stoke Mandeville , in honour of its role as
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#1732869524909816-586: A traditional Korean decorative component called a pa { Hangul : 파; Hanja : 巴}, two of which make up the taegeuk symbol at the center of the flag of South Korea . The first Paralympic flag used five pas arranged similarly to the Olympic rings and coloured identically. In 1991, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally requested that the International Coordinating Committee of World Sports Organizations for
884-513: A unique emblem that exemplifies its vision and ideals, much like the Olympic Games. Every emblem is individual and respects the local design and personality of the host nation. Each Paralympic Games version has a unique emblem that exemplifies its vision and ideals, much like the Olympic Games. See also: Category:Summer Paralympic Games and Category:Winter Paralympic Games for various Paralympic emblems. Those designs incorporates their version of
952-480: A zone for surfboarding and other small, non-motorised watercraft. Reasons for closing the beach include: A surf flag exists, divided into four quadrants. The top left and bottom right quadrants are black, and the remaining area is white. Signal flag "India" (a black circle on a yellow square) is frequently used to denote a "blackball" zone where surfboards cannot be used but other water activities are permitted. The United States uses beach warning flags created by
1020-423: Is a vertical form of the standard flag. The flag's design may remain unchanged (No. 2a) or it may change, e.g. by changing horizontal stripes to vertical ones (no. 2b). If the flag carries an emblem, it may remain centred or may be shifted slightly upwards. The vertical flag for hoisting from a beam (German: Auslegerflagge or Galgenflagge ; no. 3) is additionally attached to a horizontal beam, ensuring that it
1088-412: Is done on both the state flag of Maryland and the flag of Kiribati . The de jure flag of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi , which consisted of a rectangular field of green, was for a long period the only national flag using a single colour and no design or insignia. However, other historical states have also used flags without designs or insignia, such as the short-lived Soviet Republic of Hungary and
1156-605: Is equivalent to a brigade in Arab countries. In Spain, a flag (Spanish: bandera ) is a battalion -equivalent in the Spanish Legion . The origin of the flag is unknown and it remains unclear when the first flag was raised. Ships with vexilloids were represented on predynastic Egyptian pottery c. 3500 BC . In antiquity, field signs that can be categorised as vexilloid or "flag-like" were used in warfare, originating in ancient Egypt or Assyria . Examples include
1224-409: Is fully displayed even if there is no wind. The vertical flag for hoisting from a horizontal pole (German: Hängeflagge ; no. 4) is hoisted from a horizontal pole, normally attached to a building. The topmost stripe on the horizontal version of the flag faces away from the building. The vertical flag for hoisting from a crossbar or banner (German: Bannerflagge ; no. 5) is firmly attached to
1292-408: Is not symmetric and should be read in the same direction, regardless of whether the hoist is to the viewer's left or right. These cases can be divided into two types: Common designs on flags include crosses, stripes, and divisions of the surface, or field , into bands or quarters—patterns and principles mainly derived from heraldry . A heraldic coat of arms may also be flown as a banner of arms , as
1360-476: Is to maintain the engagement on the host country and keep the energy dissipated in the Olympic Games. With the exception of the 1992 Summer and 1994 Winter Games, when the Olympic flame was conserved at the host city for use at the Paralympic Games. Each city performed its specific ritual days after the closing ceremony and in a unique way respecting its local culture and since then it has been normal for each one to take
1428-401: Is used to mark the limits of the bathing area on a beach, usually guarded by surf lifesavers . If the beach is closed, the poles of the flags are crossed. The flags are coloured with a red triangle and a yellow triangle making a rectangular flag, or a red rectangle over a yellow rectangle. On many Australian beaches there is a slight variation with beach condition signalling. A red flag signifies
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#17328695249091496-502: The 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, where a new Paralympic flag with the emblem was handed over to Beijing, host of the 2008 Summer Paralympics . The agitos were used as part of the Paralympics branding for the first time at the 2006 Winter Paralympics . In October 2019, the IPC unveiled a new corporate identity and a refreshed version of the emblem; the three crescents were changed to have
1564-439: The 5 October 1910 revolution which brought this party to power. Throughout history, monarchs have often had personal flags (including royal standards ), representing the royal person, including in personal union of national monarchies. Flags are often representative of an individual's affinity or allegiance to a country, team or business and can be presented in various ways. A popular trend that has surfaced revolves around
1632-564: The Indian subcontinent or the Zhou dynasty of Ancient China . Chinese flags had iconography such as a red bird, a white tiger, or a blue dragon, and royal flags were to be treated with a level of respect similar to that given to the ruler. Indian flags were often triangular and decorated with attachments such as a yak 's tail and the state umbrella. Silk flags either spread to the Near East from China or it
1700-678: The International Life Saving Federation and endorsed and conditionally approved by the United States Lifesaving Association . Railways use a number of coloured flags. When used as wayside signals they usually use the following meanings (exact meanings are set by the individual railroad company): International Paralympic Committee Too Many Requests If you report this error to the Wikimedia System Administrators, please include
1768-559: The Sassanid battle standard Derafsh Kaviani , and the standards of the Roman legions such as the eagle of Augustus Caesar 's Xth legion and the dragon standard of the Sarmatians ; the latter was allowed to fly freely in the wind, carried by a horseman, but depictions suggest that it bore more similarity to an elongated dragon kite than to a simple flag. While the origin of the flag remains
1836-554: The cross , the crescent , or a reference to a patron saint. Flags are also adopted by religious groups and flags such as the Jain flag , Nishan Sahib ( Sikhism ), the Saffron flag ( Hindu ) and the Christian flag are used to represent a whole religion. Because of their ease of signalling and identification, flags are often used in sports . Some countries use diplomatic flags, such as
1904-570: The national flag . Other countries' armed forces (such as those of the United States or Switzerland) use their standard national flag ; in addition, the U.S. has alongside flags and seals designed from long tradition for each of its six uniformed military services/military sub-departments in the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security . The Philippines' armed forces may use their standard national flag , but during times of war
1972-648: The rainbow flag was adopted as a symbol of the LGBT social movements . Its derivatives include the Bisexual pride and Transgender pride flags . Some of these political flags have become national flags, such as the red flag of the Soviet Union and national socialist banners for Nazi Germany . The present Flag of Portugal is based on what had been the political flag of the Portuguese Republican Party previous to
2040-458: The Disabled (ICC) modify the Paralympic logo due to the similarity between the five-pa symbol and the Olympic emblem, and therefore the potential for confusion between the two. In November 1991, IPC members voted against adopting a new logo comprising six overlapping pas in a circle (representing the then 6 IPC regions - Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Oceania), opting instead to retain
2108-610: The IPC, the five-pa symbol would be discontinued after the 1994 Winter Paralympics in Lillehammer , Norway , since the Lillehammer Paralympic Organizing Committee (LPOC) had already started a marketing program based on the five-pa version. The three-pa version officially remained in place from the closing of the Lillehammer Games through the 2004 Summer Paralympics . Each Paralympic Games version has
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2176-543: The Paralympic Movement. Starting in 2022, the International Paralympic Committee introduced post nominals , PLY, to recognize their contribution to the Paralympic movement, similar to the International Olympic Committee's OLY . It was first awarded to Ragnhild Myklebust and Kevin Coombs . Each Paralympic Games have a mascot , usually an animal native to the area or occasionally human figures representing
2244-517: The Paralympic relay to places where its Olympic counterpart did not go, as was the case in the Atlanta 1996 relay. The first time that the current Paralympic torch relay concept was used was for the 2002 Winter Paralympics . The Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee (SLOOC) selected 15 communities in the state of Utah to host their local celebrations between the period of March 1–4, 2002 when they lit their local flames. After
2312-445: The Paralympic symbol, used at the time, the name and year of the event, and one or more distinctive and cultural elements of the host country or city to identify the event. It is the responsibility of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to approve Paralympic emblems for the Paralympic Games. The Paralympic emblems are used in promotional materials, by sponsors, and on the uniforms of every Paralympic competitor. All emblems are
2380-627: The United Kingdom (see image of the Embassy flag ) and the Kingdom of Thailand (see image of the Embassy flag ). The socialist movement uses red flags to represent their cause. The anarchist movement has a variety of different flags, but the primary flag associated with them is the black flag . In the Spanish Civil War , the anarchists used the red-and-black bisected flag. In the 20th century,
2448-479: The alphabet. Each flag or pennant has a specific meaning when flown individually. As well, semaphore flags can be used to communicate on an ad hoc basis from ship to ship over short distances. Another category of maritime flag flown by some United States government ships is the distinctive mark . Although the United States Coast Guard has its own service ensign, all other U.S. government ships fly
2516-485: The birthplace of the Paralympic movement. The four flames were transported to Stoke Mandeville Hospital and combined with the heritage flame during a ceremony on 28 August 2012, creating a singular flame for the final leg of the torch relay to Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremonies . Following the Games, calls emerged for the "heritage flame" to become a permanent tradition of the Paralympics. In August 2013, this process
2584-519: The control of Nana Olomu during the conflict in the late 19th century. One is the flag generally known as the Benin Empire flag and one is referred to as Nana Olomu's flag. Among international flags are the United Nations , Europe , Olympic , NATO and Paralympic flags . Flags are particularly important at sea, where they can mean the difference between life and death, and consequently where
2652-436: The cultural heritage. Nowadays, most of the merchandise aimed at young people focuses on the mascots, rather than the Paralympic flag or organization logos. Flag A flag is a piece of fabric (most often rectangular) with distinctive colours and design. It is used as a symbol , a signalling device, or for decoration. The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed, and flags have evolved into
2720-399: The design of their own flags. Some prominent examples include: National flag designs are often used to signify nationality in other forms, such as flag patches . A civil flag is a version of the national flag that is flown by civilians on non-government installations or craft. The use of civil flags was more common in the past, in order to denote buildings or ships that were not crewed by
2788-515: The end the ashes were collected and placed in a box that was sent to Vancouver .In addition to Ottawa, outside British Columbia, local celebrations were held in Toronto and Québec City had local legs. These rituals were performed in 9 selected cities and communities in British Columbia. In the early hours of the morning of the day of the opening ceremony, all the boxes with the ashes were opened in
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2856-399: The face of a foreign warship traditionally indicates a willingness to fight, with cannon , for the right to do so. As of 2009 , this custom is still taken seriously by many naval and port authorities and is readily enforced in many parts of the world by boarding, confiscation and other civil penalties. In some countries yacht ensigns are different from merchant ensigns in order to signal that
2924-452: The five-pa symbol. Nevertheless, the IOC made it clear that it would refuse future collaborations with the IPC if the five-pa symbol remained in place. During the 1992 Winter Paralympics , a new Paralympic symbol, using a new simplified version utilizing only three pas, representing the new motto of the institution - Body, Soul, and Spirit was revealed. Following this agreement between the IOC and
2992-400: The flag is turned upside down. Bulgaria's flag is also turned upside down during times of war. These are also considered war flags, though the terminology only applies to the flag's military usage. Large versions of the war flag flown on the warships of countries' navies are known as battle ensigns . In addition, besides flying the national standard or a military services' emblem flag at
3060-612: The flame, and the torch lit by fellow wheelchair athlete Caz Walton . In October 2023, it was announced that future Paralympic torch relays would officially begin with a flame created in Stoke Mandeville, in a direct parallel to the traditional Olympic flame lighting in Olympia . The Paralympic medals awarded to winners are another symbol associated with the Paralympic Games. The medals are made of gold-plated silver (commonly described as gold medals ), silver , or bronze , and awarded to
3128-478: The idea of the 'mobile' flag in which an individual displays their particular flag of choice on their vehicle. These items are commonly referred to as car flags and are usually manufactured from high strength polyester material and are attached to a vehicle via a polypropylene pole and clip window attachment. In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Ireland and the United Kingdom, a pair of red-yellow flags
3196-571: The local stages were carried out and at the end each torch was sent inside a lantern to Salt Lake City. At the evening before the Opening ceremonies, the 15 flames were merged in a special cauldron at the front of the Utah State Capitol .At the early hours of the next morning, the last leg of the 2002 Winter Paralympic flame relay started and during the Opening Ceremonies the Paralympic cauldron
3264-423: The lyrics for the anthem in 2001. The Paralympic Oath is recited at the opening ceremonies of each Paralympic Games . It is a solemn promise made by one athlete , one judge, and one coach, as representatives, respectively, of all of the participating Paralympic competitors, all officiating Paralympic referees and other officials, and all coaches and other members of the athletes entourage. The athlete, from
3332-603: The military. In some countries the civil flag is the same as the war flag or state flag , but without the coat of arms, such as in the case of Spain , and in others it is an alteration of the war flag. Several countries, including the Royal Air Force , British Army and the Royal Navy ( White Ensign ) of the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union have had unique flags flown by their armed forces separately, rather than
3400-559: The more recent Sultanate of Muscat and Oman , whose flags were both a plain field of red. Colours are normally described with common names, such as "red", but may be further specified using colourimetry . The largest flag flown from a flagpole worldwide, according to Guinness World Records, is the flag of the United Arab Emirates flown in Sharjah . This flag was 2,448.56 m (26,356.1 sq ft). The largest flag ever made
3468-594: The national ensign as their service ensign, following United States Navy practice. To distinguish themselves from ships of the Navy, such ships historically have flown their parent organisation's flag from a forward mast as a distinctive mark. Today, for example, commissioned ships of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fly the NOAA flag as a distinctive mark. Flags are usually rectangular in shape (often in
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#17328695249093536-437: The peak of the sailing age , beginning in the early 17th century, it was customary (and later a legal requirement) for ships to fly flags designating their nationality; these flags eventually evolved into the national flags and maritime flags of today. Flags also became the preferred means of communications at sea, resulting in various systems of flag signals; see, International maritime signal flags . Use of flags beyond
3604-498: The property of the IPC . The Paralympic flag has a white background, with the Paralympic symbol in the centre. The current version of the Paralympic flag was first flown in 2019. Until the 2010 Winter Paralympics , each Organizing Committee was free to choose which method and how the Paralympic torch would be lit. and since the 1988 Summer Paralympics , the Paralympic torch had the role
3672-459: The ratio 2:3, 1:2, or 3:5), but may be of any shape or size that is practical for flying, including square, triangular, or swallow tailed. A more unusual flag shape is that of the flag of Nepal , which is in the shape of two stacked triangles. Other unusually shaped flags include the civil flags of Ohio (a swallowtail ); Tampa, Florida ; and Pike County, Ohio . Many flags are dyed through and through to be inexpensive to manufacture, such that
3740-415: The reverse side is the mirror image of the obverse (front) side, generally the side displayed when, from the observer's point of view, the flag flies from pole-side left to right. This presents two possibilities: Some complex flag designs are not intended to be shown on both sides, requiring separate obverse and reverse sides if made correctly. In these cases there is a design element (usually text) which
3808-412: The rules and regulations for the flying of flags are strictly enforced. A national flag flown at sea is known as an ensign . A courteous, peaceable merchant ship or yacht customarily flies its ensign (in the usual ensign position), together with the flag of whatever nation it is currently visiting at the mast (known as a courtesy flag ). To fly one's ensign alone in foreign waters, a foreign port or in
3876-507: The standard horizontal flag in central and eastern Europe, particularly in the German-speaking countries. This practice came about because the relatively brisk wind needed to display horizontal flags is not common in these countries. The standard horizontal flag (no. 1 in the preceding illustration) is nonetheless the form most often used even in these countries. The vertical flag (German: Hochformatflagge or Knatterflagge ; no. 2)
3944-464: The team of the organizing country, holds a corner of the Paralympic Flag while reciting the oath : Athletes' Oath The judge, also from the host nation, holds a corner of the flag but takes a slightly different oath: Judges' Oath ( Officials' Oath ) The coach, from the host nation, holds a corner of the flag but takes a slightly different oath: Coaches' Oath The first Paralympic Oath
4012-669: The top 3 finishers in a particular event. For each Paralympic Games, the medals are designed differently, reflecting the host of the games. The Paralympic Anthem , also known as the Paralympic Hymn , is played when the Paralympic Flag is raised. It is a musical piece, "Hymne de l’Avenir" ( en. "Anthem of the Future") composed by Thierry Darnis . The anthem was approved by the IPC in March 1996. Australian country singer Graeme Connors wrote
4080-407: The world together and enabling them to compete". The shape also symbolises the Paralympic vision "to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world". The emblem was designed by the agency Scholz & Friends as a modernisation of a tri-coloured emblem first adopted in 1992. It was used in a formal capacity for the first time during the closing ceremony of
4148-459: The yacht is not carrying cargo that requires a customs declaration. Carrying commercial cargo on a boat with a yacht ensign is deemed to be smuggling in many jurisdictions. Traditionally, a vessel flying under the courtesy flag of a specific nation, regardless of the vessel's country of registry, is considered to be operating under the law of her 'host' nation. There is a system of international maritime signal flags for numerals and letters of
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#17328695249094216-546: Was just the silk itself, later fashioned by people who had independently conceptualized a rectangular cloth attached to a pole. Flags were probably transmitted to Europe via the Muslim world , where plainly coloured flags were used due to Islamic proscriptions . They are often mentioned in the early history of Islam and may have been copied from India. In Europe, during the High Middle Ages , flags came to be used primarily as
4284-552: Was lit by Chris Waddell and Muffy Davis . The next edition to use this concept was the 2010 Winter Paralympics when indigenous celebrations were held between 3–12 March 2010. They started in Ottawa where bearers from all 10 provinces and 3 Canadian territories participated in the Canadian capital, the flame was born through a ritual carried out by representatives of all Canadian indigenous nations who used their traditional methods to and in
4352-404: Was made official as part of a partnership between the IPC and Buckinghamshire County Council ; beginning with the 2014 Winter Paralympics , a ceremonial heritage flame is lit during a ceremony at Stoke Mandeville Stadium , which is then contributed to the Paralympic flame created in the host country. For 2014, this ceremony featured Hannah Cockroft generating sparks with her wheelchair to create
4420-638: Was taken at the Olympic Games in Sapporo in 1972 . The first Coach's Oath was taken at the Paralympic Games in London in 2012 . Athletes and judges that have taken the Paralympic Oath are listed below. The Paralympic Order is the highest award of the Paralympic Movement. The recipients get a medal with the IPC logo on it. The Paralympic Order is awarded to individuals for particularly distinguished contribution to
4488-592: Was taken at the first Paralympic Games, in Rome in 1960 . The Paralympic Oath is identical to the Olympic Oath , with the exception of the word 'Olympic' being substituted by 'Paralympic'. The Oath was originally written by Pierre de Coubertin . The first oath (an Athlete's Oath) was taken at the Olympic Games in Antwerp in 1920 . The original text by Coubertin, has since been modified several times. The first Judge's/Official's Oath
4556-433: Was the flag of Qatar ; the flag, which measures at 101,978 m (1,097,680 sq ft), was completed in December 2013 in Doha . The general parts of a flag are: canton (the upper inner section of the flag), field or ground (the entire flag except the canton), the hoist (the edge used to attach the flag to the hoist), and the fly (the furthest edge from the hoist end). Vertical flags are sometimes used in lieu of
4624-530: Was the flag of the Netherlands, which appeared during the 80-year Dutch rebellion which began in 1568 against Spanish domination. Political change and social reform, allied with a growing sense of nationhood among ordinary people, led to the creation of new nations and flags all over the world in the 19th and 20th centuries. One of the most popular uses of a flag is to symbolise a nation or country . Some national flags have been particularly inspirational to other nations, countries, or subnational entities in
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