Designer of the Three-Ringed Flag honoured in Croatia

Designer of the Three-Ringed Flag honoured in Croatia

by Philip Barker

Almost 46 years after its introduction. the creator of the distinctive three-ringed  emblem of the Mediterranean Games has been recognised with the highest award the International Mediterranean Games Committee (ICMG) can bestow.

Croatian artist Boris Ljubičić received the ICMG Order of Merit at a special ceremony organised in Split by the Croatian Olympic Committee.

“He is the artist who gave to our Games, a face, a symbol, a visual voice that transcends language and time,” insisted ICMG General Secretary Iakovos Filippousis.

“His emblem is much more than a logo, it is our Mediterranean signature. A powerful expression of unity in diversity of rhythm, energy and balance, echoing the waves of our shared sea, the harmony of competition and the joy of coming together.”

Although the Games were founded in 1951, it was not until the 1979 that an emblem was introduced when they were held in the Croatian city of Split.

Inspired by the Olympic Flag designed by Pierre de Coubertin and first flown in 1914, the Mediterranean Games flag features three rings to represent the continents which take part on a blue background representing the Mediterranean Sea.

“I am very proud of this logo with the three circles, as it carries a message: three continents embracing the Mediterranean basin,” ICMG President Davide Tizzano told the gathering.

“We are such different countries from Africa, Asia, and Europe, particularly the Balkans, but we hold in our hands a great power, sport. In a time when the world is surrounded by war and destruction, it is difficult to promote sport, but at the same time, we send a strong message that we can remain united through sport. This is the legacy of our organization, and these three circles show the path to the message of peace,” he added.

Ljubičić  also designed the instantly recognisable red and white checkerboard shirt for the Croatian national football team, one of the best-known strips in world football.

“His work is visible everywhere you walk in Croatia. His logos are part of our everyday environment,” said Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša.

At the ceremony Ljubičić also received a presentation set of medals from the 1979 Split Games as an additional souvenir.

In addition to our website, you can also find information on Olympic history, personalities and stories on our social media platforms facebook, twitter and instagram @ISOHOlympic and Via Linked at LinkedIn: isoh.org/linkedin