Find out about the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic medals 

 

The Vancouver 2010 medals stand out from the others due to their unique shape. Instead of a circular form, they are squares with round corners. Each medal carries different patterns taken from larger contemporary Aboriginal artworks. 

Design Elements of the Medals 

 

For the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games, the medals were given a shape other than a circle. Two designers joined forces to create the Vancouver 2010 medals. Corrine Hunt, a Vancouver-based designer and artist of Komoyue and Tlingit heritage, provided the artwork that inspired the patterns engraved on the medals. Industrial designer and architect Omer Arbel, also based in Vancouver, provided his knowledge of material and production processes used to create the medals.  

Hunt and Arbel were asked to work together after submitting design proposals separately, both of which were found compelling by the Vancouver 2010 Organising Committee. 

The design of the medals was inspired by First Nations imagery and was based on a large abstract artwork of a raven by Hunt. The raven represents determination, creativity, wisdom and the ability to transform. Medallists received a silk scarf printed with the artwork during the Victory Ceremony. 

 

The dramatic form of the medals is inspired by the ocean waves, drifting snow and mountainous landscape found in the host city and throughout Canada. The medals were struck nine times to give them their distinctive look, so that no medal looked the same as the others.  

The front face features the Paralympic symbol, while the reverse side features the Vancouver 2010 emblem. “Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games” is engraved in French and English as well as “Vancouver 2010” written in braille. 

Physical Attributes of the Vancouver 2010 Medals 

 

The medals have a height and width of 9.5 centimetres, with the gold medal weighing 572 grams.