Sumi, Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games Mascot,
Photo: VANOC

Today, Sumi, the mascot for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games was launched, together with the two Olympic one, Miga and Quatchi. Around 800 schoolchildren in the nearby city of Surrey, British Columbia were the first to see the mascots for Winter Games 2010.

Sumi, the Paralympic Mascot, 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.

People across Canada and around the world are able to meet the mascots on a specially designed mascot ‘microsite’ at www.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, CEO for the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).

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 Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC): “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."

For more information, please visit the oficial website at: www.vancouver2010.com