New logo launched as Sheffield gears up to host Special Olympics

A new logo has been launched by Special Olympics GB as they gear up for the Sheffield 2017 Games.
Niall Guite, David Richards, David Briggs, Karen Wallin, Michelle Guite, Jayne Thompson, Tom Barker and Alexander Thompson with the new Special Olympics logoNiall Guite, David Richards, David Briggs, Karen Wallin, Michelle Guite, Jayne Thompson, Tom Barker and Alexander Thompson with the new Special Olympics logo
Niall Guite, David Richards, David Briggs, Karen Wallin, Michelle Guite, Jayne Thompson, Tom Barker and Alexander Thompson with the new Special Olympics logo

Athletes and officials unveiled the new logo, described as ‘flourishing and positive’ by its designers.

Sheffield beat Bath to host the event for the second time – after last staging the games in 1993.

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The new logo displays an individual celebrating with their arms aloft with a tree above them – representing Sheffield as a green city.

Special Olympics chief executive Karen Wallin said: “Sheffield is steeped in history in terms of sport. The 1993 games are remembered as a really fantastic games.”

She said the new logo was ‘wonderful’ and added: “I love the way there is an athlete at the bottom representing an athlete lifting their arms in joy.

“Seeing someone who has probably been told they can’t do something all their life on a podium with a gold medal around their neck, there’s no feeling like it.”

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Sheffield-born competitors Alex Thompson and Niall Guite, fresh from securing basketball gold for GB in Los Angeles, are both eagerly anticipating the games.

Alex, aged 24, from Fulwood, who has been involved in Special Olympics for 13 years, said: “It’s going to be amazing with the stadium and everything.”

Niall, from Millhouses, added: “I’m very excited and really looking forward to it.”

Niall’s mum Michelle said the Special Olympics had ‘changed’ the pair. She said: “It has changed them both actually, made them much more confident. It means a massive amount to them.”

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The games kick-off on August 7, with the opening ceremony at Bramall Lane the following day.

Sheffield creative agencies Test Creative and Glue said they were ‘delighted’ to be involved in creating the logo .

Glue creative director David Briggs said: “It’s empowering to the athletes, it’s a flourishing and positive symbol. We wanted a logo which represents the journey the athletes are going on.”

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