Vancouver 2010 mascots introduced to the world Miga, Quatchi and
Sumi make their debut before hundreds of schoolchildren, and on
vancouver2010.com
November 27, 2007
Vancouver, BC – Months of mystery and
anticipation finally ended today as hundreds of local
schoolchildren were the first to personally meet Miga, Quatchi and
Sumi, the mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games. Many more children around the globe had a virtual
introduction to these friendly figures on a new mascot microsite at
www.vancouver2010.com.
More than 800 schoolchildren from grades three to five filled
the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, BC today to witness
three enchanting characters emerge from the mists of a magical West
Coast setting of gigantic trees, soaring mountains and a restless
ocean, to take their place in history as cherished personalities of
the 2010 Winter Games. Designed by the Vancouver-based company
Meomi Design, Miga,Quatchi and Sumi were inspired by local
Aboriginal mythologicalcreatures and also strongly influenced by
popular culture, modern animation styles, the Olympic and
Paralympic Movements, the culture and wildlife of British Columbia
and Canada, and the artists’ own imagination. Each of
the creatures is unique, both in personality and physical
appearance.
Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the
Pacific Northwest First Nations – tales of orca whales
that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part Spirit
Bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga’s outgoing
spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure.
Quatchi, a shy and gentle giant, is a sasquatch – a
popular figure in local Aboriginal legends of the Pacific West
Coast. Quatchi reminds us of the mystery and wonder associated with
the great Canadian wilderness. Although Quatchi loves all winter
sports, he’s especially fond of hockey and dreams of
becoming a world-famous goalie.
Sumi is an animal spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale,
flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the
furry legs of the black bear. With a name that is derived from the
Salish word ‘sumesh,’ meaning
guardian spirit,’ Sumi is passionate about the
environment and is a fan of all Paralympic sports.
Joining the three mascots is a friend, or
‘sidekick,’ by the name of Mukmuk. Mukmuk
is a rare marmot unique to the mountains of Vancouver Island. While
he’s not officially a mascot, Mukmuk is considered an
honourary member of the team and enjoys surprising his friends by
popping up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games.
Mukmuk’s name comes from the Squamish word for food
(‘muckamuck’) because he loves to eat
– when he’s not playing with his mascot
friends.
People across Canada and around the world are meeting the
mascots on a specially designed mascot
‘microsite’ at vancouver2010.com. The
microsite includes exciting child-friendly features such as an
animated mascot video, character profiles, an online game, a
mascot-related personality quiz, interactive e-cards, colouring
pages and more.
“Miga, Quatchi and Sumi are ambassadors for Canada
and we are thrilled to introduce them to Canadians and people from
around the world,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive
Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic
and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “Great care has
been taken in developing and designing these Vancouver 2010
characters. They will tell a unique story about the Games and they
will appeal to children across Canada and around the world. The
mascots truly represent the people, geography and spirit of British
Columbia and Canada, while personifying the essence of the 2010
Winter Games.”
The mascots are a key component of the Games identity and a
playful way to engage a young audience and, at the same time,
increase understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The mascot launch represents a significant milestone on the road to
staging the 2010 Winter Games.
Said René Fasel, Chairman of the International
Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission:
“The IOC welcomes these imaginative new additions to
the Olympic Family as they take their place on the world stage
today – a symbol of the Games and of Canada. We know
that when Olympians, Paralympians and visitors from around the
globe arrive in British Columbia at Games time, they will fall
under the spell of these captivating characters.”
Noted Sir Philip Craven, President of the International
Paralympic Committee: “The mascot for the Vancouver
2010 Paralympic Winter Games is an excellent choice and I am sure
that it will be loved by children all over the world. It represents
the values of the Paralympic Movement, but also links to the
Aboriginal Canadian culture and tradition.”
The second phase of the vancouver2010.com mascot program is
scheduled for 2008, when additional online games and interactive
features will be added. The online program takes traditional Games
mascots to a new level, leveraging the reach of the internet so
that children around the world can experience the mascots. The
mascots will also be featured in the December issue of /EDU (at
www.vancouver2010.com/edu),
an online portal dedicated to connecting teachers, students and
schools while celebrating the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games.
Beginning tomorrow, the mascots will make appearances across
Canada as ambassadors of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic
Winter Games, inviting Canadians from coast to coast to celebrate
Vancouver 2010, as well as bringing fun and goodwill to events
leading up to the Games. At Games time, these friendly figures will
make appearances throughout the Vancouver region and the Sea-to-Sky
corridor, offering a warm welcome to all.
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and
staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter
Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in
Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and
Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21,
2010.