Emblem of the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver was designed by Karacters Design Group of Vancouver to be the heart of Vancouver Paralympics. The emblem reflects a dynamic human profile which is created using images of the valley, mountains and sun of the West Coast, reproducing inner strength of the mountains, and the personal changes that occur with athletes when reaching new heights sports skills.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games emblem represents the harmony which exists between paralympic athlete, sport and environment. It symbolizes the holiday of greatness of the Paralympic sport and love of Canada to the nature and sport, which will spread at the main winter sports grounds of the world in 2010.

2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games Mascot

Despite the fact that designers developed three cheerful characters mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Paralympic Sumi has become a real talisman of the Games 2010: it is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia.

Name Sumi comes from the Salish word Sumesh which means guardian spirit. Sumi takes his role very seriously, such as protecting the land, water and all the creatures of his homeland. Sumi is a fan of the Paralympic Games. He decided to learn all the sports, so he can play and race with his animal friends all winter long.

Like many Canadians are originally from different countries, the image of Sumi spirit includes various elements. He wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the strong furry legs of the black bear.

Transformation is very common in the art and legend of West Coast First Nations. Transformation represents the connection and kinship between the humans, animals and spirits of this world. Revered animals, such as the orca whale, the bear and the thunderbird, are depicted in masks, totems and other forms of art. The orca is the traveler and guardian of the sea. The bear represents strength and friendship. And the thunderbird, which creates thunder by flapping its wings, is one of the most powerful mythical creatures.