Noggi and Joggi were the official mascots of the 1980 Summer Paralympics held in Arnhem, Netherlands. A pair of squirrels, they were the first ever Paralympic mascots.[1][2]
| Noggi and Joggi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mascot of the 1980 Summer Paralympics (Arnhem) | |
| Creator | Necky Oprinsen |
| Significance | A pair of squirrels |
A squirrel was chosen as the mascot as it was common in the forests around National Sports Centre Papendal.[3] According to Paralympic researcher Dr. Ian Brittain,[4] a squirrel was also chosen because it gets many hard nuts to crack in its lifetime, not unlike people with disabilities who face adversity.[5]
Dutch broadcaster AVRO organized a design competition on its Sportpanorama program where contestants were asked to send in handmade squirrel models. The entries were judged by a jury which included table tennis player Irene Schmidt and celebrities Martine Bijl, Herman van Veen, Rien Poortvliet and Bert Haanstra. The winning design was a pair of squirrels – one male and one female – created by Necky Oprinsen from Sint-Michielsgestel. The squirrels were crocheted and formed a married couple. This design formed the basis for the official mascots that would be used in publications and other media expressions.[1][3] As a prize, Oprinsen was offered a trip for two to New York City by Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, the patron of the Games.[6]
The mascots were printed on memorabilia sold at Arnhem.[1] Plush toys were also created.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b c ""Arnheim 1980 – Paralympic Mascots "Noggi and Joggi". Theolympicdesign. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
- ^ Rowbottom, Mike (2016-08-21). "Rio 2016 brand director Lula hails success of Games mascots launch". insidethegames.biz. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ a b Meijer, Geerte. "Casus Olympische Spelen voor gehandicapten Arnhem 1980". Mulier Instituut. p. 20, 59. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ "Authors: Dr Ian BRITTAIN". International Olympic Academy. 2024-10-10. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ Brittain, Ian (2012-08-24). "Summer Paralympic Games Mascots (1960 – 2008)". paralympicanorak. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ "Kosten van Paralympics begroot op 15 miljoen". Leidsch Dagblad (in Dutch). 1978-11-29. p. 19. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ "Mascotte eekhoorn Paralympische Zomerspelen 1980 Arnhem, 1980". Collectie Gelderland (in Dutch). 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-10-12.