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- The red and blue of the shield echo the Union Flag – under which Peters competed in the Olympic Games. The five interlaced rings in the centre symbolise her Olympic past, being a symbol of the International Olympic Committee. The significance of the circlet of ten oak trees is threefold. First, they recall her father who always referred to a large oak tree in Australia, his country of residence, as "his little bit of England". Second, Peters lives in Derriaghy, from the Irish Doire Achaidh, "oakwood of the field". Finally, ten oak trees were planted in her honour at the Mary Peters track as a gift after retiring as Lord Lieutenant of Belfast. For the supporters, the Springer Spaniel is included because of her family's love of the breed. The red and white roses around the dog's neck are symbols of Lancashire and Yorkshire respectively, which refer to the origin of her grandparents. Meanwhile, the liver bird supporter signifies Liverpool, her birth town. The collar of flax flowers signifies Northern Ireland. The bird's torch is the Olympic flame which is also a pun on the 'burn' in Lisburn, a place where she has the Freedom of the City. Additionally, it denotes the Mary Peters Trust, which uses a torch in its logo. Her badge is composed of the dome of Belfast City Hall, to recognise her freedom of Belfast. Atop the dome is a Ulysses butterfly which represents her brother who is knowledgeable about butterflies. Her motto is taken from the school she attended, Portadown College, which Peters telephoned to receive permission for its use. (en)
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