This hand-held flag is an example of those that were distributed to spectators at celebrations for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays. Made from paper, they were inexpensive souvenirs that helped to promote the relays and the coming Games. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games logo illustrates one side of the flag, along with the dates of the event - 15 September to 1 October 2000. On the other side of the flag, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games logo appears in green, red and blue, and the dates, 18-29 October 2000, feature prominently in black. The flags were probably distributed at other events prior to and during the Sydney 2000 Games.

In May 2000, SOCOG anxiously watched its first major event, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay, progress from Greece to Sydney. Like previous torch relays, this event was designed to awaken an Olympic spirit in preparation for the coming Games. On 8 June 2000, the torch relay commenced its 100-day tour of the Australian continent, and along the way it celebrated local cultures and travelled within an hour's drive of eighty-five per cent of the population. Ultimately, this segment involved 1,000 communities and 10,000 torchbearers, and attained a festive, community complexion.

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 Games. Its extensive relay route (the longest route in Paralympic history) helped to achieve these intentions. 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.

The flag features the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic logos that were both designed by Australian company, FHA Image Design.

The flag was made from paper and plastic as an inexpensive souvenir to promote the Sydney 2000 Torch Relays and Games.

Though this flag has not been used, it is identical to those that were distributed to the general public at Torch Relay celebrations. These flags were probably circulated at other events prior to and during the Sydney 2000 Games.

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

Hand-held paper flag. Paper with a piece of white plastic tubing glued to one side of the flag to create a handle. The flag is two sided with a white background on both sides. One side features the 2000 Paralympic Games logo and black text "Paralympic Games Sydney 2000". Written in black text vertically along the edge of the flag opposite the handle "18 -29 October 2000". The other side of the flag features the Sydney 2000 Olympic logo. Written vertically down the side of flag near the plastic handle in black text "15 September - 1 October 2000

2001/84/228

320 mm