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Mascot Mystery – who will design the 2010 Games Mascot?


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VANOC seeks artist for Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games mascot(s)

September 28, 2006 - Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) passed another major milestone today as it officially launched its search for the designer of the official Olympic and Paralympic Games mascot(s).

Artists from around the world now have the opportunity of a lifetime: to design a mascot(s) that will achieve worldwide fame while also achieving a defining professional accomplishment. The mascot(s) will feature prominently in hundreds of Games communications and materials from advertising and publications to websites and merchandise. The mascot(s) will also act as the ‘real-life’ ambassador for the Games, appearing in animated films and at various events around the country and during the Games.

“The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games mascot(s) will be among the most recognizable and colourful personalities of Canada’s Games and will embody our nation’s culture and values,” said VANOC Chief Executive Officer John Furlong. “They will become cherished icons – especially for children – and symbols of our Games, our country, and our moment on the world stage. We don’t know who will design the mascot(s), but we’re looking … and we’re looking for the very best!”

All Canadians have the opportunity to engage in the mascot(s) development program, through information and surveys posted to the popular vancouver2010.com website. Furlong enthusiastically encouraged citizens from across the country to speak up and be heard: “Each and every Canadian will have an opinion on the mascot(s) once they are produced, so we want people to start thinking about it and discussing it now. What best represents Canada as the host of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? We want to know!”

Design applicants can find the Request for Proposal (RFP) on a specially created section of the Vancouver 2010 website: vancouver2010.com/mascot

VANOC is inviting passionate and talented designers and artists to respond to a RFP in order to find the best qualified professional and/or company available to develop the mascot(s) from initial concept through to final design. The RFP is open to applicants worldwide specializing in illustration, animation, graphic design, fine arts or other related fields.

RFP details include:
• The RFP will be available on the Vancouver 2010 website (vancouver2010.com/mascot), and BC Bid (www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca)
• Proposals will be accepted from September 28th - November 1st, 2006
• The RFP is open to qualified professionals and/or companies specializing in illustration, animation, graphic design, fine arts or other related fields

The introduction of the mascot(s) is one of the highlights in the lead-up to the Games. Past mascots have shown great ingenuity, imagination and artistry. From Munich’s dachshund “Waldi” (1972) to Montreal’s beaver “Amik” (1976) early Games mascots were based on animals that were unique to the host countries. Calgary’s “Hidy” and “Howdy” represented the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Barcelona (1992) introduced Cobi – a cheeky dog with an avant-garde look – and many other mascots have followed based on humans, animals, mythical and imaginary creatures. Creativity and personality are always the hallmark of great Olympic and Paralympic mascots. Discover them on the vancouver2010.com/mascot website.

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.



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