Deng Pufang (left), honorary chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, helps unveil the 2010 Asia Para Games emblem in early November. (Zou Zhongpin)

GUANGZHOU: Organisers of the 2010 Asia Para Games have unveiled the emblem, mascot and slogan for the competition to be held in this southern Chinese city next year.

The official emblem was inspired by the "Xiguan flower window", a painted glass design element found in traditional homes in the west of ancient Guangzhou.

The design, originally from northeastern China, was introduced to the city during the 17th century when glass replaced paper in windows.

The window was widely used in Xiguan residences and eventually became an important part of the architecture of Lingnan, as the region around Guangdong was traditionally known.

The emblem's designers said the Xiguan flower window represents integration and the diverse and welcoming nature of the Lingnan people.

The emblem is also a silhouette of an athlete in motion and uses the three colours - red, green and blue - of the International Paralympic Committee logo in its design.

Fun Fun, the official mascot of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games, is a lively kapok, Guangzhou's native flower.

In Lingnan culture, the kapok represents strength, so Fun Fun represents the fighting spirit of the disabled and the never-ending quest for success, organisers said.

In Chinese, the term fun fun describes the flower's fragrance - sweet and pleasant with a lovely aroma. Fun Fun's five dancing petals create a smiling face meant to symbolise joy felt in taking part in the Games and the enthusiasm and support shown by Guangzhou.

Fun Fun's sporty pose symbolises the vitality of the Para Games and the power that comes with motion, the organisers said.

Fun, of course, also has a distinct meaning in English, so the clever word play shows the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games will be a festive, entertaining event - a key goal of the Games.

The official slogan of the Games is "We Cheer, We Share, We Win".

"The Asian Para Games are for the people of Asia, both the physically challenged and the able-bodied," the organising committee said in a press release.

"With athletes and delegations from 45 countries and regions in Asia participating and thousands of sports fans expected to attend, the Asian Para Games are for everyone. They are important, they are inclusive and they are welcoming. The 'we' in the Games slogan is all of us."

The Para Games will be held in Guangzhou from December 12 to 19 next year - half a month after the 16th Asian Games - featuring 3,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries and regions competing in 19 sports.

About 2,000 team officials, 1,100 technical officials and 2,000 members of domestic and international media are expected for the event, said Zhang Guangning, mayor of Guangzhou and vice-president of the organising committee for the games.

Zhang called on officials involved to dedicate themselves to preparations for both the Asian Games and Asian Para Games and share resources.

"The Para Games are as important as the Asian Games and will be a significant opportunity to promote the welfare of people with disabilities," he said.

(Qiu Quanlin)

Xinhua contributed to this story (The End)