The 2004 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad) and the 2004 Summer Paralympics (officially known as the XII Paralympic Games), both commonly referred to as Athens 2004 were two international multi-sport events that took place from 13-29 August 2004 and 17-28 September 2004 in Athens, Greece.
The emblem logo was unveiled on 14 October 1999. The logo is based on an olive wreath, a prize for the winner at the ancient Olympics on a square background inspired by the sea and sky of Greece. The logo was designed by Wolff Olins and Red Design.
The 2004 Paralympic emblem features the profile of a person, an athlete, man or woman. The figure looks forward, symbolising optimism for the future. At the center is the human face, breathing out the individual's strength and determination to succeed in all pursuits. The shape is friendly, the lines are smooth, the colour is warm, orange and bright, harbinger of the great celebration that is coming. The composition points to the sun and the flame that resides within all athletes, inspiring and imparting strength to them. At the same time, the sun is a direct reference to Greece, host of the 2004 Paralympic Games.
