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Rio unveils Paralympic torch

Xinhua, December 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Rio 2016 Paralympic torch was unveiled on Friday with a design that celebrates diversity and equality, organizers said.

A key symbol of the Games, the torch was officially presented along with details of the torch relay during a special ceremony in the Olympic city.

"The Paralympic Games are an opportunity for education and legacy and the torch radiates these values," said Andrew Parsons, president of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (CPB) and vice-president of the International Paralympic Committee IPC. "The Paralympic Games are the biggest event in the world for producing changes in society.

"With all the symbolism of the torch, this is the moment to involve the whole nation. Because, although the Games will be in Rio, they are for all of Brazil. We have a strong Paralympic presence in all regions of the country."

The Paralympic torch has the same basic design as the Olympic torch, which celebrates passion and transformation, organizers said.

"The torch's sinuous curves represent the highs and lows in the life of a Paralympic athlete, celebrating their determination and achievements," said a statement on the official Rio2016 website.

"Its quadrangular shape refers to the four Paralympic values - courage, determination, inspiration and equality - which are also written in Braille on the torch, along with the words Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Torch Relay."

Rio 2016 president Carlos Nuzman said: "We are in a special moment on our journey towards the Games, a crucial stage in the transformation of Rio de Janeiro. And our athletes are examples of the strength of will power. We will put on spectacular Games, which will mark an era."

The Rio 2016 Paralympics will be staged from September 7 to 18 following a torch relay through Brazil that starts on September 1. Endit