The Chicago Star is a symbol with real universal meaning. A star rises in the night to become a guiding light. A star is a source of inspiration, a diamond glistening in the sky. In Ancient Greece, where the Olympic Games were founded 2000 years ago, the stars shaped mythic constellations of heroes. Stars literally guided the explorers who shaped the modern map of our world. Throughout time, stars have been a symbol of hope to mankind.
We aspire for this logo to become a great symbol of hope for our city and our nation — as we humbly seek the right to host the Olympic Games and welcome the world to Chicago in 2016.
For us, the Chicago Star also symbolizes our plan to put the athletes at the center of the Games — since they're the real stars.
Like a compass pointing in all directions, this logo reaches out to the world. The bands of color radiating up and down from the star reflect both the dynamic architecture of our city and the beautiful character of our parks and lakes — but they also symbolize our desire to reach out to the world and offer many paths to the Games.
Most importantly, the Chicago Star is designed to carry a message to our children, to help teach the next generation about the ideals and values found in the Olympic Games. The six-point design of the Chicago Star is unique and each point on this star represents values and ideals that the Olympic Movement and Chicago share: The top point represents Hope, the next point, Respect, then Harmony, Friendship, Excellence and Celebration.
Hope
Hope for a better future for Chicago and the world.
Respect
Respect for the rules, each other and competition.
Harmony
Harmony between body, mind and soul; development and sustainability; and amongst the peoples of the world.
Friendship
The friendship sport inspires when we play together without regard for our differences.
Excellence
The excellence for which every Olympian and Paralympian strives
Celebration
The celebration and joy of participating and winning
Bands of Color
The bands of color radiating up and down from the star reflect both the dynamic architecture of our city and the beautiful character of our parks and lakes — but they also symbolize our desire to reach out to the world and offer many paths to the Games.
The soaring reds, oranges and yellows reflect the bright skyline of Chicago rising toward the sun.
Central Star
The central star reflects the design of the four stars on the City's flag and symbolizes our plan to put the athletes at the center of the Games — since they're the real stars.
Throughout time, stars have served as a source of inspiration and a symbol of hope to humanity.