by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

Following the tradition of both the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, designs were sought that defined the sport in an easily identifiable and simple manner.

Hundreds of children in schools throughout the city of Buenos Aires were involved, a most apt decision, one very much in line with a now well established event that not only aims to promote sport but also culture and education.

“First part of the process was to take pictures of athletes in technical poses pertaining to each discipline. The pictures were then used as a base for the children to trace the athlete’s pose in one continuous stroke, without lifting their pencils from the photograph. A team of designers then looked for common points among the drawings to create the final pictograms.” Alejandro Lifschitz, Communications Director, Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games

Undoubtedly for table tennis, the goal of an eye-catching design was achieved; for the young people concerned in the initial designs, they can feel proud of being part of an event that for themselves as well as the athletes, is a once in a lifetime opportunity.