From Bangladesh to Belarus, entries have flooded in from all corners of the world for the International Olympic Committee’s competition to design the medal for the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games. And, with just four weeks to go until the deadline for submissions, IOC President Thomas Bach has urged young designers not to miss this historic opportunity.
President Bach, who will oversee his first Youth Olympic Games next year, said: “This competition offers a fantastic opportunity for young designers to be part of the Olympic Movement and I have been very impressed with the high quality and level of creativity shown in the designs received so far.”
He added: “With entries coming from all corners of the world, this competition reflects the passion people have for sport, and demonstrates how the Youth Olympic Games can inspire everyone, not just competing athletes, to embrace the Olympic values and get involved in the Youth Olympic spirit.”
To date, entries have been received from over 30 countries, with the youngest candidate aged just 13 years old and the oldest 55.
A judging panel including world-renowned designer Thomas Heatherwick, the man behind the iconic Olympic cauldron at the London 2012 Olympic Games, as well as sports names such as Olympic short-track speed skating champion Yang Yang and Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games 400m hurdles champion Aurélie Chaboudez, will meet in Lausanne in December to select the winner of the competition and two-runners-up. The winning design will then feature on the face of the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in Nanjing from 16 to 28 August 2014. The winning designer will win a trip to Nanjing 2014 which includes tickets to the Opening Ceremony, as well as a full collection of medals featuring their design.
Key dates:
• The competition opened on 2 September and design submissions will be accepted until 30 November: www.medaldesigncompetition.com
• The jury will meet in Lausanne to select a winner and two runners-up on 11 December 2013.
• The winner will be announced in late December 2013.
