This paper sun visor represents the mascot for the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, a frill-necked lizard called 'Lizzie'. Launched in October 1997, Lizzie symbolised the "passion, power and spirit" of the Paralympic Games and typically adorned sponsorship material and merchandise. The Telstra logo, on either side of the visor, alludes to the extensive sponsorship program that attracted financial, technical and operational support for the Games.

Along with IBM, Telstra was a principal sponsor of the Paralympic Games and was responsible for installing and operating all telecommunication systems. In this role, it aligned its corporate image with the Australian Paralympic team, sponsoring the Herofax program that distributed good will faxes to athletes. In addition, it sponsored the Paralympic function rooms that included a corporate suite, Lizzie's Grill and Lizzie's Lounge (a barbeque area and lounge bar reserved for sponsors and their guests). The paper visor therefore represents the inexpensive souvenirs that promoted major sponsors of the Games.

The mascot was designed in around 1997 to represent the "passion, power and spirit" of the Paralympic Games (official documents do not record the designer's name). The paper visor was probably designed in 2000 to promote the Games and Telstra, one of the principal sponsors.

Though this coloured, paper visor does not feature manufacturer details, it was probably made in 2000 to promote the Games and Telstra, one of the principal sponsors.

This paper visor has not been used. However, similar examples were probably distributed to children attending the Games.

Made for and owned by the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after the Games.

Visor, paper, mascot, Paralympic Games, Sydney, 2000, Paralympic sponsors, mascot designed for the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee, 1997

Paper visor, made in the shape of Olympic mascot Lizzie - a Frill- Neck Lizard. The head and frill of the lizard make up the body of the visor. The head of the lizard is brown and the frill yellow with green edging. The two straps or arms for fastening the visor are brown with green scale- like patterning and green with brown scale-like patterning. On both arms of the visor the Paralympic Games logo appears in a white panel and the Telstra logo in a blue panel. Underneath the logos is black text 'World Wide Partner'. The back of the visor is white.

Made: 1997

2001/84/230

1997

470 mm