The Sydney 2000 Paralympic Torch Relay, like its Olympic counterpart, aimed to engender peace, friendship and tolerance, and at the same time heighten public enthusiasm for the coming Games. Its extensive relay route (the longest route in Paralympic history) helped to achieve these intentions.

In September 1999, the Federal Government committed $500 000 to the Paralympic Torch Relay and effectively extended it from a State to national event. Along with major funding from the Motor Accidents Authority of New South Wales, and lesser contributions from councils and corporations, the Paralympic Torch Relay visited all States and capital cities, and toured regional centres in New South Wales and the greater Sydney region.

From 5 to 18 October, the relay traversed 11 500 kilometres (mostly by air), involved 920 torchbearers, and reached a potential audience of 11.5 million Australians. In New South Wales, home to the 2000 Paralympics, a 750-kilometre road journey carried the flame through 200 cities, suburbs and towns.

In early 1999, the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee, in conjunction with SOCOG, commissioned Bonds to design and manufacture the Paralympic torch relay uniforms. Bonds developed two distinct uniforms - one for Paralympic torchbearers and the other for escort runners - that comprised cotton t-shirts, drawstring shorts and sports socks. Aside from their colouring and graphic design, these uniforms were identical to those that were worn in the Olympic torch relay.

Inspiration for the Paralympic torchbearer uniform came directly from the Paralympic Games logo: a configuration of three Korean symbols, 'Tae-Gueks', in green, red and blue. This logo signified harmony between the mind, body and spirit, and first appeared at the 1988 Seoul Games. Continuing this theme, the torch relay logo and other graphic details were applied in red, blue and black dyes.

This unused example of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic torchbearer uniform was designed and made by Bonds in 1999. The design fulfilled functional and aesthetic requirements - its bright colours and reflective dyes referred to the distinctive logo of the Paralympic Games, and also ensured that the torchbearer would be visible amongst spectators and media. Moreover, he lightweight fabric and casual style ideally suited the athletic nature of the torch relay.

Designed by Bonds, Sydney c.1999

Made by Bonds, Australia c.2000

Unused

Made for and owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after use in the Games.

Torchbearer uniform, Sydney 2000 Paralympic Torch Relay, Paralympic Games, Sydney, 2000, cotton, designed by Bonds, Sydney c.1999, made by Bonds, Australia c.2000

Consists of a green Bonds cotton t-shirt size small with a black machine knit ribbed neckline. The t-shirt features the 2000 Paralympic torch relay logo. Also included are a pair of green Bonds cotton shorts, size small with an elasticised and drawstring waist. Sewn vertically down each side of the shorts are 2 stripes of black material. At the base of the right leg is a black transfer featuring the Paralympic torch relay logo. A pair of socks, size XL, made from of cotton, nylon and elastane complete the uniform. The socks are machine knitted and ribbed from the shin to the ankle.

Made: 2000

2001/84/585

2000