Frederick “Lee” Ingram spoke of his indescribable pride after being announced as the winner of Team Bermuda Logo Competition at a reception at the Bermuda National Gallery yesterday.

Ingram’s “Longtail Circle” logo was one of 82 designs submitted by 39 designers to the Bermuda Olympic Association, who whittled the submissions down to five designs which were then put to a public vote.

From the near 1,600 votes cast, the design which features a longtail drawn in the national team colours of deep blue and Bermuda pink, encircling “Team Bermuda” text and Olympic Rings received just over 30 per cent of the total votes.

His winning logo will be used as a commercial logo to complement the official National Olympic Committee emblem.

It will be used on BOA sponsorship materials, and on athletes’ non-competition and non-ceremonial kit at major international sports festivals.

“I can’t even describe the feeling of thinking our athletes could be seen wearing my design on such a big stage,” Ingram said.

“Once I see athletes wearing my design it will really sink in but right now it hasn’t quite sunk in just yet; I’m just on a massive high that people voted for my design.

“I played around with a few designs, six to eight different concepts, and opted for the longtail because I think it represents Bermuda many people associate it with Bermuda.

“I had a few designs but liked this one because the circular tail which also ties in with the rings of the Olympics.

“I’m extremely happy. It’s amazing to know that I won; it feels great.

“I’d like to wish all the athletes who qualify the best of luck and to know that they will be wearing I designed is incredible.”

Brenda Dale, BOA vice-president, spoke of her delight at the winning design, which was submitted to the International Olympic Committee, which reviewed it and tweaked it slightly for conformance with IOC brand standards.

“We are more than pleased with the winning design,” she said. “It is beautifully drawn, and the beloved Bermuda longtail featured in the emblem metaphorically represents our athletes soaring to new heights.

“We will be proud to feature the new commercial emblem on our sponsorship materials, fan wear and merchandise, and on our team’s non-competition kit at the upcoming Games.”

As the winner, Ingram received a $1,000 travel voucher and the right to use the winning design in his portfolio to promote his design services.