Ever since Shuss, the red, white and blue skiing mascot, appeared at the Grenoble 1968 Winter Olympics, the mascots have been fun and festive ambassadors for the Olympic Movement.
Now it’s time to meet Phryges, the mascots of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024, who are entrusted with an important mission: to show the world that sport can change everything and that it deserves to play an important role in society.
The mascots were unveiled at a press conference in Paris at 11:30 CET on November 14 by Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet, 2008 Beijing Men’s Wheelchair Doubles Champion Michael Jeremiah and Gwladys Epangue, 2008 Beijing Taekwondo Bronze Medalist.
“We chose an ideal rather than an animal,” Estanguet said when the mascots were unveiled. “We chose the Phrygian cap because it is a very strong symbol of the French Republic. For the French, it is a very well-known object that is a symbol of freedom, an object that will represent mascots around the world. The fact that the Paralympic Games Mascot has a visible disability sends a powerful message: promote inclusion.”
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Who are the Phrygians?
Phryges (pronounced fri-jee-uhs) are small Phrygian hats that represent a strong symbol of freedom, inclusion and people’s ability to support great and meaningful causes. They are dressed in a red, white and blue color scheme, with the Paris 2024 logo in gold on the chest. They also have a playful and expressive eye made of the “cock of France”, a knot of ribbons that is the national ornament of France.
While the Phryges are part of a large family, the main characters of Paris 2024 will be the Olympic Phryge and the Paralympic Phryge. Over the next two years, both will play a key role in promoting the upcoming Games before welcoming athletes to Paris 2024.
“They are the two main characters of a large tribe, they are part of the Phryges family,” explained Paris 2024 Brand Director Julie Matikhine. “According to our narrative, they have existed for thousands of years and have been present at several key events in French history.
“Now they have returned to this great event in France to lead the mission of revolution through sport. The goal is to show that sport can change everything in society. The goal is to show that sport and its values ??can do great things. brotherhood, solidarity and helps society to grow”.
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What is a frig?
The Olympic Phryge and Paraolimpic Phryge mascots are based on the Phrygian cap, a type of hat that has become an enduring symbol of freedom throughout French history. They are a common reference for the French, also in the art world (as a metaphor of freedom) and as a symbol of the Republic in French institutions. Phrygian caps can be seen on top of the iconic Marianne’s head in every town hall and even on everyday items in France such as coins and stamps. They are also an international symbol of freedom worn by freed slaves in Roman times and appearing on various emblems in North and South America. Also known as the liberty cap, the Phrygian cap has become one of the symbols of the French Republic.
Now, the Phryges are returning to the 2024 Paris Olympics, ready to show the world that they are brave, determined and willing to do anything to succeed.
What is the difference between Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge characters?
Although Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge may look similar, their personalities are very different. It’s the balance between the two that really makes them a force to be reckoned with.
Guided by the motto “Alone we go faster, but together we go further”, Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge complement each other and make each other better.
Olympic Phryge is a tactician with a calculating, mathematical brain. His methodical mind and alluring charm are sure to inspire people to play sports. Paralympic Phryge is spontaneous, full of energy and enthusiasm. It spreads the values ??of sport and will celebrate athletes everywhere in Paris 2024.
The Paralympic Phryge has a prosthetic and a racing blade, making him a role model for many and ensuring maximum visibility for people with disabilities.
Mascots on a mission
Both Olympic Phryge and Paralympic Phryge are on a mission to start a revolution in sport, showing the world that sport can change everything and that it deserves a prominent place in society.
Every day they will work to promote change through sport, also in our lives, health, relationships with others and nature.
They are already training tirelessly to bring as many people as possible with them on their journey to the Games – so get ready, this is just the beginning.
Want your own Phryge? Visit the Paris 2024 Official Store today.
