Emblem and Mascot Unveiled for 2015 Gwangju Universiade
“Wings of Light” emblem and “Nuribi” mascot based on the concepts of culture, peace and light, symbolic to Gwangju
By Kim So-yeon (Organizing Committee Press Support Team)
Photos courtesy of 2015 Gwangju Universiade
The Emblem and Mascot of the 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade were announced at a ceremony at the Plaza Hotel, Seoul, on April 26. The “Wings of Light” emblem and the mascot “Nuribi” were presented at the event by the 2015 Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee.
About 300 people attended the event, from such diverse fields as politics, economics, and sports, in addition to university volunteers, to celebrate the birth of the new emblem and mascot. Some distinguished guests included Mr. Gianni Merlo, President of AIPS (International Sports Press Association); Mr. Young-hwan Kim, Vice-minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Jong-ryang Kim, Executive committee member of FISU (International University Sports Federation); and Mr. Gi-jin Song, Chief Executive of Kwangju Bank.
“Wings of Light” and “Nuribi” represent competition, passion and harmony
The newly revealed emblem “Wings of Light” is shaped like a “U”, the symbol of the Universiade, extended to appear as outspread wings, representing going beyond boundaries. As athletes go beyond their personal boundaries through competition, the event overcomes national boundaries by uniting people from all over the world together in harmony and understanding, in keeping with the ethos of Gwangju, the City of Light. The wings also represent the five great oceans and six continents of the globe, and the overlapping light shows the warm harmony and friendship of the world’s young people, who will meet at the Universiade.
The mascot “Nuribi” is the messenger of light, which acts as a bridge of communication amongst the world’s young generation. It is a symbolic mascot to introduce the “EPIC” vision of the Gwangju Universiade: Environmentally-friendly, Peace, Information Technology and Culture. It also represents the unfolding wings of creation which will deliver the light of Gwangju to the world. The emblem and mascot together form a consistent image of light representing Gwangju.
Both the emblem and mascot will appear in some 215 different forms on 23 kinds of items relating to the 2015 Gwangju Universiade. The organizing committee will utilize these for event marketing following the application for trademark rights.
Special guests media artist Lee-nam Lee, basketball star Ji-won Woo and actress Bo-ra Nam
With Gwangju being the hub city of Asian culture, the launch ceremony for the new emblem and mascot featured various cultural performances, including new works by renowned media artist Lee-nam Lee. He showcased new media art, with the theme of the Universiade, which utilized images of classic art masterpieces in conjunction with the Universiade emblem.
In addition, former national basketball player Ji-won Woo and actress Bo-ra Nam were named as Publicity Ambassadors for the Universiade. Ji-won Woo, who competed in the Universiade twice and won a silver medal, and Bo-ra Nam, who is known for her challenging spirit, were chosen as publicity ambassadors since both of them have the right image for the Universiade.
Ui-hwa Chung, Chairperson of the 2015 Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee, said, “We are looking forward to seeing nationwide support to make the 2015 Gwangju Universiade become legendary.”
AIPS President Gianni Merlo spoke of his expectations: “Gathering the world’s young generation for this sports festival in Gwangju, the cradle of Korean democracy, will promote the culture of peace and mutual understanding,” he said. “This valuable message will be spread with this appropriate emblem named “Wings of Light”.