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SPORT PICTOGRAMSSports on the Olympic programme have been depicted by pictograms since the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964 but, for the first time in Olympic history, Rio 2016 featured pictograms for each individual discipline.In total, 41 pictograms were created for the Olympic Games, with the designs based on the Rio 2016 font, which was launched in July 2012 and formed an integral part of the Games brand.These symbols were then used to guide and inform the public during the Olympic Games – for example on venue signposts and tickets – allowing people from all over the world to immediately identify each of the different Olympic disciplines.MASCOTVinicius, the official mascot for Rio 2016, was named after one of Brazil’s most prominent 20th century cultural icons – the bossa nova musician Vinicius de Moraes – and constituted a blend of animals native to Brazil, while also symbolising the energy exuded by the Brazilian people.When creating the mascot, the designers drew inspiration from pop culture as well as video game and cartoon characters. The Rio 2016 Organising Committee held a public poll to choose the mascot’s name, with 320,000 fans casting their votes.Alongside Tom, the mascot for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the duo had their own profiles on social media and a unique website featuring special activities for children. The characters also starredin “Vinicius and Tom – Fun by Nature” – a cartoon series featuring 32 two-minute episodes produced by the Cartoon Network.“The mascots are one of the most important symbols of the Games because they create an emotional link with the public, especially children, and are genuine ambassadors for the event.” Beth Lula, Brand Director, Rio 2016THE OLYMPIC BRAND129