Origins and Design of the Five Interlocking Rings The Olympic rings were created in 1913 and first appeared at the 1920 Antwerp Games, establishing a lasting visual identity for the movement[1][2]. The emblem features five colored circles—blue, yellow, black, green, and red—set on a white field, with a 2010 redesign that removed the white gaps between the rings[1]. Rule 8 of the Olympic Charter links the colors to the five continents, ensuring the design reflects worldwide participation[1][2].

Color Meaning and Interlocking Symbolism Emphasize Unity Each ring color corresponds to Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, and every national flag contains at least one of these hues, reinforcing the claim of universal representation[1][2]. Pierre de Coubertin described the rings as “the five parts of the world now won over to the cause of Olympism,” highlighting the emblem’s purpose of global outreach[2]. The interlocking shape visually conveys the Olympic ideal of bringing athletes and cultures together in a single event[1][2].

2026 Winter Games Schedule, Venues, and Paralympic Follow‑Up The 2026 Winter Olympics will open on February 6 and close on February 22, with events spread across Lombardy, Veneto, Alto Adige, and Trentino in Italy[1][2]. The Paralympic Winter Games are slated for March 6‑16, 2026, continuing the celebration of sport and inclusion[1][2]. Extensive travel between the dispersed venues will be required, underscoring the logistical scale of the upcoming Games[1].