Looking for Canada's Cuddly Face of the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games
TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The final countdown is on for teams of young, aspiring mascot designers from across Canada to send in their entries for the TORONTO 2015 Mascot Creation Challenge by Friday, March 8.
For entry forms, mascot creation tips and contest rules go to toronto2015mascot.ca. Special four-page entry form brochures are also available across southern Ontario through local school boards, YMCAs, regional libraries and other community groups.
Since the challenge opened on January 7, hundreds of entries have come in from coast-to-coast, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Gatineau, QC, Ratter Corner, NB, and Sackville, NS. They have also arrived from the host municipalities of the 2015 Games, such as Toronto, Milton, Ajax and Markham.
The entries are a rich and colourful assortment of animals, oddities and fantasy creatures. They include a rabbit in running shorts, a raccoon that looks like he is up to no good, a lion with an amethyst mane, a dancing flame and friendly water drop, sleek blue-black penguins and chubby cartoon birds, a skateboard loving fox, a polar bear named Turbo, totem poles and Maple Leafs, and even a lightning bolt with rainbow hair.
"It's been a real delight to go out into the community and talk to some of the young mascot designers," said Olympic silver-medal-winning trampolinist Jason Burnett.
"They're putting so much care, imagination, talent and teamwork into their mascots that the characters just spring off the page and come to life," he said. "I have no idea which mascot will be chosen but from what I've seen so far, it's sure to be amazing!"
Steve Wallace, vice-president of brand activation for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), agreed.
"Once the contest closes on March 8, our job to choose the top six designs is going to very hard indeed. But that's a good thing! That's why we want to encourage all of the teams out there still hard at work to send in their entries as soon as possible. We don't want anyone to miss the deadline!" he said.
Once the contest closes, a special TO2015 panel will chose the top six designs. The six teams behind those designs will then have the chance to work with a professional illustrator to bring their creations to life. These six designs will then be featured in a nationwide online voting contest this spring.
The winning mascot design and its story will be revealed this summer.
About the TORONTO 2015 Mascot Creation Challenge
The contest is open to teams of children and youth aged 16 and under. Teams can range in size from two to six people, including budding artists, storytellers, mascot researchers and colouring experts—you name it! To be considered, all hand-drawn entries and 250-word mascot life stories must be mailed to TO2015 by March 8, 2013.
As the official ambassador of the Games, the mascot will visit communities and schools throughout Ontario and Canada, welcome athletes and visitors from 41 countries in 2015 and appear on signage and merchandise, including the always popular collectible pins and plush toys.
The mascot could be an animal, an inanimate object or even a space oddity that captures the excitement of the Games and the imagination of the public. Think fun, colourful and community spirit!
All participants in the TORONTO 2015 Mascot Creation Challenge will receive a special certificate. The team with the winning design and their parents will also receive a personal mascot visit!
About the TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games
The Pan American and Parapan American Games are one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41 member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) and 28 member nations of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC). The Pan American Games are comprised of all Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports, while the Parapan American Games are comprised of the majority of Paralympic Summer Games sports. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games will draw more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and team officials and feature 51 sports in municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10−26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14. For more information about the Games, please visit toronto2015.org.
SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Carlene Siopis
Communications Advisor, TO2015
C: 647.206.0259
[email protected]
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