The city of Vancouver was elected Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Vancouver and the alpine resort of Whistler in February and March 2010 to celebrate winter sporting excellence.
The Olympic mascots were inspired by British Columbia's iconic geography and aboriginal legends. They include:
SUMI
SUMI an animal guardian spirit, who flies with the wings of the thunderbird, is described as "a natural born leader with a passion for protecting the environment." Sumi is the mascot for the Paralympic Winter Games, but is often found at Olympic events with his fellow mascots.
Quatchi
Quatchi is a young sasquatch who comes from the mysterious forests of Canada. Quatchi is shy, but loves to explore new places and meet new friends.a shy and gentle Sasquatch with a long brown beard and blue earmuffs meant to conjure the mystery and wonder associated with Canada's wilderness.
Miga
Miga is a snowboarding sea-bear inspired by the First Nations' legends of the Pacific Northwest. Miga, described as mischievous and outgoing, is part sea-bear and part orca whale.
Mukmuk
Mukmuk is a small and friendly Vancouver Island marmot who always supports, and cheers loudly for, his friends during games and races. The smallest of the mascots, you'll also find Mukmuk wearing a typical Canadian toque.
Quatchi and Miga will represent the Olympic Games while Sumi will represent the Paralympic Games. Murmuk is a sidekick considered an honorary member of the mascot team.
The new mascots were designed by Meomi Design based in Vancouver. The company has created art for Google, Electronic Arts, Time Out Magazine and Girls, Inc.
