"Passion Lives Here" is the new motto for the 2006 Winter Olympics, unveiled today in a ceremony in Rome. The new motto will take its place across the range of Games communications.

Andrea Varnier, TOROC's Managing Director for Image and Events, says the slogan "expresses the values of participation and commitment, and summarizes the Italian character of these Olympic Games."

The use of red in the colouring of the motto is supposed to represent "the classic colour of passion", says a statement from TOROC, "allowing the motto to establish a visual link between the Look of the Games, the Olympic Torch Relay and the Look of the City."

"Passion Lives Here" is a totally new element of TOROC's communication strategy, as there was no previous slogan which it replaces.

The XX Winter Games will take place next year from February 10-26. Australia is expecting to send a team of around 30 athletes across 12 disciplines.

IOC