Tom was the official mascot of the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Tom was a blue-and-green character inspired by Brazilian plants and forests. The design represented the ability of nature to grow, adapt and overcome challenges, ideas that were linked to the Paralympic values of determination and courage.
The Rio Paralympics took place from 7 to 18 September 2016. They were the first Summer Paralympic Games held in South America and followed the Olympic Games in the same host city.
Tom is often confused with Vinicius, the mascot of the 2016 Olympics. Vinicius was a yellow animal character named after Brazilian musician Vinicius de Moraes, while Tom represented the Paralympic Games and was named after musician Tom Jobim.