Blaze, the phoenix, was chosen as the mascot for the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, because he is not only a symbol of renewal, perseverance and determination, but also because of the significance of the phoenix as a symbol for the city of Atlanta. Designed by Trevor Irvin, the bright colours, large wingspan and height of the Paralympic mascot make it the personification of the will and determination of people with an impairment to achieve full lives for themselves. Today, as the symbol of BlazeSports America, he is the most recognisable symbol of disability sport in the USA.