VANOC Looking for Designer to Create 2010 Mascot

FRIDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 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.