21 October 2019 | We have today celebrated one year until the opening of our 2020 Junior National Games in Launceston, Tasmania with the launch of our new Games logo at Cataract Gorge, Launceston.
The Special Olympics Australia 2020 Junior National Games presented by NAB will be held from 19 – 21 October in Launceston and will see young athletes with an intellectual disability aged 8 to 15 years old come together to compete across five sports: athletics, basketball, gymnastics, soccer and swimming.
Corene Strauss, Chief Executive Officer for Special Olympics Australia said the Junior National Games is a unique opportunity for schools, families, friends and communities connected to intellectual disability from around Australia to be welcomed into the world of Special Olympics and share the joy of sports with all children.
“Our Games provides children with intellectual disabilities activities and sports which meet their individual skill and ability levels, while allowing them to play together in a fun and inclusive environment. We show that all children should be valued for their talents and abilities with children of all abilities taking part and benefitting.
“Our Games are expected to attract 500 participants from Australia and the Asia Pacific region to participate in activities and sports. We are the world’s largest humanitarian and sports organisation, because of our Games.
“Special Olympics provides continuing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.
“Here in Australia we are part of a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. The City of Launceston joins us as part of our inclusion community today.
“Our weekly, grass-roots, sporting opportunities are mirrored by games pathways. Our games pathways lead from local clubs and schools to State Games, National Games, and World Games.
“Today we are celebrating one year until our Junior National Games will be alive right here in beautiful Launceston and unveiling our Junior National Games logo.
“Our Games logos are a distinct expression of each event and are created to reflect not just the location but also the sense of celebration for each event. Our 2020 Junior National Games logo has been selected after a public competition which saw eleven very creative and inspiring designs submitted.
“We’re very excited to launch our logo for Junior National Games today which I’m sure you’ll agree is distinctly Launceston and represents this icon location.
“The successful designer was TasTAFE Graphics and Design student and Launceston local, Jesse Gordon. His design reflects the joy of sport, the enthusiasm of Special Olympics athletes, our celebration of ability whilst representing the uniqueness of Launceston and Tasmania. The local identity of Tasmania is clear and a critical part of our logo.
“The 2020 Junior National Games could not be possible without the help of inclusive partners such as our presenting partner NAB, and major sponsors Tasmanian Government, City of Launceston and Law Enforcement Torch Run,” Ms. Strauss concluded.
Creative rationale for 2020 Junior National Games logo:
The overall shape represents one of Launceston’s most iconic features: The Cataract Gorge, with King’s Bridge in front of it. The figure is ‘leaping out into action’ like athletes, and the gorge cliffs are stylized to resemble triumphant rays associated with celebration and are also reminiscent of thylacine stripes.
Blue is the most prominent colour, its sporty, and represents our rivers. The green represents Tasmania’s lush wilderness and our parks. The yellow represents the enthusiasm of the athletes, and our sunny days. The vermillion is based on our national mineral (Crocoite) and represents the passion of the athletes. In addition, when arranged in portrait / stamp format, the shape of the logo combined with the text and Special Olympics logo vaguely resembles the face of a Tasmanian tiger.