Sochi 2014 unveils Paralympic Torch

The Sochi 2014 Organising Committee revealed the sky-blue Paralympic Torch, of which more than 1,000 editions will be produced. 14 Jan 2013

A picture of a woman holding a torch and speaking on a microphone.

Sochi 2014 Ambassador Natalia Vodianova presenting the Paralympic torch that will be used during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games torch relay.

ⒸSochi 2014

By IPC

"The torch is a key symbol of the Relay. The Sochi 2014 torch combines traditional Russian motifs with the very latest technical know-how in the field of design. The elegant, extraordinary and radiant Sochi 2014 torch represents Russia's beauty and its multifaceted nature.”

The Sochi 2014 Organising Committee, together with the presenting partners for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Torch Relay – the Coca-Cola Company, Ingosstrakh Insurance Company and JSC Russian Railways Company – have revealed the Paralympic Torch for the Games.

The torch for Sochi 2014 was developed by a team of famous Russian designers and engineers. At the presentation ceremony in Moscow, the Organising Committee also unveiled the official uniform for the Paralympic torchbearers who will take part in the Sochi 2014 relay. The uniform was designed by BOSCO company, the general partner of the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The sky-blue Paralympic Torch, of which more than 1,000 editions will be produced, was presented by the Sochi 2014 Ambassadors Natalia Vodianova and Olesya Vladykina.

The concept behind the torch for the 2014 Games is based on the contrasts of Russia. It combines motifs from Russian folklore with ideas of innovation and technological breakthroughs. Its form reminds us of the feather of the magic bird, which is said to bring good fortune and happiness. Its pattern is something that all Russians have been familiar with since childhood, when they first hear the fairy tales and legends about the Firebird, or the Phoenix which rose from the ashes.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of the Sochi Organising Committee, commented:

"The torch is a key symbol of the Relay. The Sochi 2014 torch combines traditional Russian motifs with the very latest technical know-how in the field of design. The elegant, extraordinary and radiant Sochi 2014 torch represents Russia's beauty and its multifaceted nature.”

The torch design was developed by a Russian creative team led by Vladimir Pirozhkov and Andrei Vodyanik.

The designers paid particular attention to the torch's construction and its flame-lighting system. The construction of the torch ensures that the flame burns reliably in difficult conditions, such as strong winds, heavy frosts or any surprises that a Russian winter can throw up.

The torch weighs nearly 1.8 kg, is 0.95m tall, 0.145m wide at its widest part, and it is 0.54m deep. Its weight and centre of gravity were carefully calculated so as to make the torch as comfortable as possible to carry while running.

The torch and its component parts have been put through numerous tests, and have been tested in the harshest of conditions.

The Paralympic Torch Relay will pass through all eight of Russia's Federal Districts. Between February 26 and March 7 2013, more than 1,000 torchbearers will carry the Paralympic Torch through at least 50 Russian regions. The relay will come to its conclusion at the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Sochi.