Medals and ribbons unveiled for Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games

By Gary Anderson

November 26 - Organisers of the inaugural Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games taking place in Newcastle, Australia, today unveiled the medals and ribbons that will be awarded to athletes competing at the event due to get underway with the Opening Ceremony on December 1.

Games director Chris Heverin claims the design of the medals is based on the sunburst concept of the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games logo which aims to represent the many different nations, cultures and people taking part in the Games.

"The medals are die-cut to produce a three dimensional shape, are made of a zinc alloy with an antique finish and feature the brightly coloured logo in the centre," said Heverin.

"The medals hang from a ribbon which features the coloured Games logo on a black background."

Athletes finishing in the top three places will receive a gold, silver or bronze medal while those finishing from fourth to eighth will also be awarded specific ribbons for their efforts.

The medal set and ribbons that will adorn athletes at the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games ©SOAPG2013

All athletes finishing outside the top eight will receive a participant's ribbon also.

"That means every athlete taking part in the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games will take home a memento of their participation," said Heverin.

"Participation and achieving your own personal best are key themes of the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games.

"The aim of the Special Olympics movement is to provide people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to realise their full potential, to experience joy and friendship and empower them to become contributing members of society."

The medals and ribbons for the Games have been designed by Sydney-based Kingdom Sports Group which has designed medals, pins, garments and official products for a number of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and Commonwealth Games Associations at previous major events including Delhi 2010 and Beijing 2008.

Hunter Stadium in Newcastle will host the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games © Getty Images

The Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games, due to run until December 7, will see around 2,300 athletes from 30 nations taking part across nine sports including athletics, aquatics, badminton, basketball, bocce, cricket, football, table tennis and ten-pin bowling.

The Opening Ceremony, set to take place at the Hunter Stadium next Sunday night, will feature the athletes parade, the lighting of the Games Torch and performances from famous Australian artists, including Human Nature, Marcia Hines, Marina Prior, The McClymonts, Darren Percival, Anthony Callea, Doug Parkinson, Iva Davies, Sophie Paladino in addition to more than 2,000 local performers.

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