Thursday, November 29, 2007

Bell Canada Mascot Pins ... all gone

Pin promotion proves popular with populace

With last Tuesday's launch of the Vancouver 2010 mascots -- Quatchi, Miga and Sumi -- some 2010 sponsors have jumped on the bandwagon by producing mascot pins of their own.

Bell Canada was the first corporate sponsor with ads for a free lapel pin appearing in 24 Hours, Metro and The Province on Thursday, November 29th. 15,000 were in the marketplace and by the end of the business day ... were all gone.

Congratulations to Bell Canada for making pins the most sought-after item among the public in general, and pin collectors in particular !!

We look forward to many, many more such promotions from Bell and all other Vancouver 2010 sponsors too.

How Vanoc kept the mascots secret

Games organizers won't say much about security, but here are some of the tactics

Thursday, November 29, 2007


There was a point last week when Patrick Roberge's four-year-old daughter Mandalay stumbled upon a secret her father was determined to keep from the world.


Sitting at his computer in his home office, Mandalay watched three images flash on to the screen, and at that point it became clear that Roberge was going to have to tell his daughter The Big Secret.


"I told her we were working on a show for the Olympics and that we had to keep it a secret, and we even had to keep it a secret from Mom. She thought that was pretty cool," Roberge said Wednesday.


Mandalay at that point possibly became the youngest person in the world to know about Quatchi, Miga and Sumi, the new mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games


For months, Roberge, president of Creative Sport Productions, had been stealthily working on production of a half-hour live show in which the characters were to be unveiled before 800 school children. His cast and crew of 80 people were the largest potential source of blabbermouths for Vanoc.


Roberge was so afraid of accidental leaks that he took files home with him, and wouldn't leave them in the car out of fear they might go missing if the vehicle was stolen.


In the end, Mandalay kept her secret, even from her preschool friends. And in doing so, saved her father from the wrath of Vanoc executives who had made him sign a comprehensive non-disclosure agreement in order to get the sole-sourced show production contract.


The secrecy extends even to this day: Vanoc wouldn't talk about the cost of the contract or any other commercial details involving the mascots. Vanoc didn't want to grant interviews for the purpose of this article because it is worried the information could be used against it in future. Like the "Mr. Big" scenario used by the RCMP to fool suspects into revealing their crimes, the veil Vanoc created was such a success it wants to protect it for future use.


On previous occasions the media or public had learned in advance the design of the Inukshuk logo and the identity of the creative producer for the opening ceremonies.


This time Vanoc kept the information so close that even many of its own staff weren't privy to the mascots' design. They avoided reporters' questions, and even went so far as to disguise necessary trademark and copyright filings.


But there are some little hints of how the mystery was protected. Vanoc officials said they tried not to discuss the designs over cellular phones. They didn't keep files on Internet-enabled computers and even papered over windows in work rooms to hide meetings from the prying eyes of other staff.


And of course, they strictly limited the number of people on a "need-to-know" basis, and made them all sign legal agreements. No more than two or three people in any production company, supplier or sponsor was permitted to have the details. Contracts were issued on a non-tendered basis to prevent public disclosure.


When HBC stores began to take delivery of a large shipment of plush toys, clothing, books and pins Wednesday, store managers still didn't know what they looked like. Bill Stanbury, the store manager for The Bay in Vancouver, said he found out when he went to the loading dock and opened one of the boxes. "We opened one up with a knife and took out Quatchi, and said "so that's what it looks like," he said.


Ian Tait, the general manager of Artiss Aminco, the official pin supplier, only saw the five mascot pin designs mid-morning Tuesday, just as Vanoc was unveiling the identities in Surrey.


Roberge said he was stunned the secret never got out. They could never be certain a janitor, inquisitive visitor or even family member didn't overhear or see the ideas.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

2010 Mascots and Pins Unveiled !!

Vancouver 2010 mascots introduced to the world

Miga, Quatchi and Sumi make their debut before hundreds of schoolchildren, and on vancouver2010.com

November 27, 2007

Vancouver, BC – Months of mystery and anticipation finally ended today as hundreds of local schoolchildren were the first to personally meet Miga, Quatchi and Sumi, the mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Many more children around the globe had a virtual introduction to these friendly figures on a new mascot microsite at
vancouver2010.com

More than 800 schoolchildren from grades three to five filled the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey, BC today to witness three enchanting characters emerge from the mists of a magical West Coast setting of gigantic trees, soaring mountains and a restless ocean, to take their place in history as cherished personalities of the 2010 Winter Games.

Designed by the Vancouver-based company Meomi Design, Miga,Quatchi and Sumi were inspired by local Aboriginal mythologicalcreatures and also strongly influenced by popular culture, modern animation styles, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, the culture and wildlife of British Columbia and Canada, and the artists’ own imagination. Each of the creatures is unique, both in personality and physical appearance.



Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations – tales of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part Spirit Bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga’s outgoing spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure.


Quatchi, a shy and gentle giant, is a sasquatch – a popular figure in local Aboriginal legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi reminds us of the mystery and wonder associated with the great Canadian wilderness. Although Quatchi loves all winter sports, he’s especially fond of hockey and dreams of becoming a world-famous goalie.

Sumi 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.

Joining the mascots is a ‘sidekick’ by the name of Mukmuk, a rare marmot unique to the mountains of Vancouver Island. Mukmuk is considered an honourary member of the team and pops up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games. Mukmuk’s name comes from the Squamish word for food (‘muckamuck’) because he loves to eat – when he’s not playing with his friends.

People across Canada and around the world are meeting the mascots on a specially designed mascot ‘microsite’ at 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, Chief Executive Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “Great care has been taken in developing and designing these Vancouver 2010 characters. They will tell a unique story about the Games and they will appeal to children across Canada and around the world. The mascots truly represent the people, geography and spirit of British Columbia and Canada, while personifying the essence of the 2010 Winter Games.”

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 RenĂ© Fasel, Chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Coordination Commission: “The IOC welcomes these imaginative new additions to the Olympic Family as they take their place on the world stage today – a symbol of the Games and of Canada. We know that when Olympians, Paralympians and visitors from around the globe arrive in British Columbia at Games time, they will fall under the spell of these captivating characters.”

Noted Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee: “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.”

The second phase of the vancouver2010.com mascot program is scheduled for 2008, when additional online games and interactive features will be added. The online program takes traditional Games mascots to a new level, leveraging the reach of the internet so that children around the world can experience the mascots. The mascots will also be featured in the December issue of /EDU (at www.vancouver2010.com/edu), an online portal dedicated to connecting teachers, students and schools while celebrating the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games.

Beginning tomorrow, the mascots will make appearances across Canada as ambassadors of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, inviting Canadians from coast to coast to celebrate Vancouver 2010, as well as bringing fun and goodwill to events leading up to the Games. At Games time, these friendly figures will make appearances throughout the Vancouver region and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, offering a warm welcome to all.

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.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat

Australians delighted in making fun of the three Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Official Mascots -- Olly the Kookaburra, Syd the Platypus and Millie the Echidna -- with the creation of Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat, the Unofficial Mascot that quickly became more popular.

Here's just a sample. For more irreverence, be sure to click here!!

Fatso marks HIS territory at Closing Ceremony

Monday, October 2nd, 2000

The IOC finally backed down to the pressure of the Australian public to allow Fatso to have his place in the Closing Ceremony.

It was fitting that Fatso was one of the first of our icons to appear before the people.

Fatso, being the true blue fat-arsed wombat he is, wanted to thank the IOC for their generosity, so he decided to return the favour by offering them a gift.

Fatso thought "What do I have to offer a large organisation like the IOC - something they wouldn't have, but could remember me by?"

So Fatso, proudly offered them a gift they could truly cherish - his droppings.

Drop by drop he ornated the track, much to the delight of the crowd, as well as the IOC.

But the IOC rejected Fatso's gift. While the fireworks were taking place, it was quickly snapped up by Corey, a 14-year-old from Lysterfield, Victoria.

No doubt his parents will place them for all to see in the pool room, alongside the other family trophies.

More Links:

The skinny on Fatso - Sports Illustrated

The Rise of Fatso - The Fat-Arsed Sydney Olympics Wombat

Hyper-hush surrounds mascots

Hyper-hush surrounds 2010 Games mascots 'til Tuesday, November 27th

On Tuesday, Vanoc unveils the 2010 Games mascot and partner to logo Inukshuk.

On Tuesday, the biggest Olympic secret since Vanoc's unveiling of its Inukshuk logo two years ago will be revealed when the mascots for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are made public.

The drama has been building. Websites and blogs have been speculating on what inevitably cuddly, cute creatures the Vancouver Organizing Committee has come up with.

What's at stake is an indelible image Vanoc wants recognized around the world, representative of British Columbia and Canada. They want mascots that will tie children and youth into the Olympic movement and to the Winter Games.

They also expect the mascots to drive their marketing and licence revenues.

On Wednesday morning licensees will stock stores with every manner of mascot-branded toy, clothing and trinket.

There has already been a frenzy among memorabilia collectors who have tried to get tickets to the unveiling at the Bell Performing Arts Centre in Surrey. Some have gone so far as to ask reporters if they can work as their assistants.

In response, hyper-secrecy has been the order of the day; Vanoc has kept details off Internet-enabled computers and hidden them from search engines that scour patent and trademark databases around the world.

Vanoc has kept most of its staff in the dark. Only slightly more than a dozen employees and executives, the design team and a few close-mouthed sponsors who needed to develop pin designs know the details. Even people working with the design team who don't need access to the images haven't been shown them.

Vanoc is even reluctant to take reporters' calls about the design and process. The launch, as Dave Cobb, Vanoc's executive vice-president of marketing and communications, says, is one of the signature events in the run-up to the Games, and the principle of "loose lips sink ships" has been practised to high art form.

In one unintended hint, Vanoc CEO John Furlong once referred to the mascots in a speech as "critters." We also know that the winning submission came from a pair of graphic designers, location unknown, whose bid was among 178 submissions professional designers made to Vanoc last September.

So, with all that in mind, what else is known about the mascots?

Well, there are at least two -- one for the Olympics and one for the Paralympics. There might possibly be more, but Vanoc won't say if it is following in the steps of other Games committees that have chosen multiple mascots.

They will also have two legs. They have to, in order for humans to operate them. Even if they are, speculatively speaking, four-legged sea otters or Vancouver Island marmots, two-finned beluga whales or a First Nations-inspired thunderbird with wings.

Will they be uniquely identifiable as British Columbian? After all, even Premier Gordon Campbell has weighed in, suggesting the white kermode bear of B.C.'s central coast would be appropriate.

Vanoc is keeping mum. But Ali Gardiner, Vanoc's director of brand and creative services, does say the winning designs are ones that Canadians will adopt as their own and yet have regional characteristics that people in any province can accept.

"A good mascot can help reveal a side of your country and tell a story of the Games that will really appeal to children, and also to adults and youth."

Most importantly they will have character. Vanoc has spent a lot of time developing the back story for each mascot, testing them with groups of children around North America. It was fairly easy to find what Gardiner called "the magic factor."

"There were a lot of concepts that were popular, but there were a few we could tell really just captured peoples' imaginations," she said. "You would hear them talking about them as if they were a family member or friend."

Vanoc winnowed through more than 20 concepts. The names and images were also screened for unintended meanings in all the world's languages and cultures.

It's a task Fraser Bullock, the former CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake Games, says is critical if the committee wants to avoid a cultural disaster.

"You have to run all the traps so that you don't offend a culture or a country with a name you didn't realize had a different meaning," he said.

Bullock, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee's Vancouver Coordination Commission, said he hasn't seen Vanoc's designs.

Mascots are supposed to be something that "ties to the culture, to the land, something about your community, province or state," said Bullock. For example, Salt Lake created three mascots, Powder (a hare), Copper (coyote), and Coal (a bear) that represented the Olympic motto of Citius, Altius, Fortius, or Faster, Higher, Stronger, as well as snow and the two primary resources of Utah.

"What we were trying to accomplish was to create greater affiliation with the Games, and at the same time tie it to our local identity," he said. Vanoc is not giving any hints about the form or type, other than to say that they won't be fantastic creations of the mind that have no connection to animals, minerals or elements.

In the history of the Olympics and Paralympics, only the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games ventured into the realm of the fantastic, creating a mascot out of nothing, an amorphous blue blob that even its creators had trouble defining. They even settled on a name, "Whatizit," which became shortened to "Izzy," while wags wanted to call it "Whoneedzit" and "Getridofit."

Gardiner smiled ruefully when asked if she's prepared for the inevitable satirization of the mascots. Satire will only get people talking about the mascots, and that's not a bad idea, she said.

Oh, we kind of expect that to happen. We try to not make that too easy," she said. "But I don't expect it will be more than five minutes before something is on the Internet."

OLYMPIC MASCOTS -- FRIENDLY, POPULAR, OR NOT

Ask a dozen people which Olympic mascots they like, and risk getting a dozen different answers. But there are some images that have gone down in history as either the most favoured, or the most disliked.

The 1992 Barcelona Summer Games may not rank as the most memorable, but it seems its mascot, Cobi the dog, is.

Cobi is repeatedly cited by designers, organizing committees and creative directors as hitting the "sweet spot" with people.

With its Picassoesque face and cheeky attitude, it became such a beloved character that on the 10th anniversary of the Games it was still revered as an idol, according to Ali Gardiner, Vanoc's director of brand and creative services.



At the other end of the spectrum is Izzy, the blue mythic creature picked by the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games organizers.

Although it sold well in stores, it didn't garner much respect.

Even Simpsons creator Matt Groening described Izzy to Sports Illustrated as a "bad marriage of the Pillsbury Doughboy and the ugliest California Raisin."


The first official Olympic mascot was Waldi the dachshund of the 1972 Munich Summer Games. But the first unofficial one was "Schuss," a man on skis, which debuted at the 1968 Grenoble Games.


Canada weighed in with the second official mascot, Amik the beaver, in 1976 in Montreal.




Twelve years later, Calgary broke new ground with the introduction of Hidy and Howdy, a pair of polar bears, the first multiple mascots, and gender-specific at that.



The 2008 Beijing Games have moved to a new level with the creation of five Olympic ring-coloured mascots. Called the Friendlies, they represent four animals and the Olympic flame.

In 2006, Turin, Italy, was the first Olympic Games to use mascots that weren't animals or human beings.

Neve was a snowball and Gliz an ice cube.

Their Paralympic partner was Aster, the one-legged snowflake.


In the history of mascots, parody is a matter of fact. Turin's mascots were turned into political and risque objects by artists around the world.

And Australians poked fun of their three Sydney 2000 mascots, Olly, Syd and Millie (a kookaburra, platypus and echidna) with the creation of Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat, an unofficial mascot that quickly became more popular.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Beijing BC-Canada Pavilion pin

The Vancouver Sun runs a sidebar in its Road to 2010 weekly feature called Collectors' Corner ... and it seems tailor-made for this blog. Enjoy.

What: Beijing BC-Canada Pavilion pin

Trade value: Undetermined.

History: At the 2006 Turin Winter Games, the B.C. government experimented with an idea for presenting a Canadian face at the Games. It built a stereotypically Canadian building, a two-storey log house, on a little-used plaza in Turin. The idea was to generate attention for B.C.'s tourism and economic development programs, and to a lesser extent, for Canada.

But B.C. had trouble getting support from the federal government, which only bought into the idea at a late date, and only with value-in-kind contributions. Nonetheless, BC-Canada Place became a roaring success, with long lineups of spectators wanting to tour the building.

This time, however, B.C. has lots of support for its BC-Canada Pavilion for the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. It will be in an existing building, the entrance marked by 13 massive wood rings to symbolize Canada's provinces and territories.

To commemorate the event, the province has just produced a new pin to be handed out to visitors during the Games next August. It's not for sale, and right now only tiny quantities are being handed out in Vancouver at special events.

Of note to collectors: The pin doesn't have the words "Olympic," "2008" or other references to the Summer Games because the facility is not an official sponsor.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Andorra la Vella 2010 bid pin

The Vancouver Sun runs a sidebar in its Road to 2010 weekly feature called Collectors' Corner ... and it seems tailor-made for this blog. Enjoy.


What:
Andorra la Vella 2010 bid pin


Value: $30


Details: For more than seven centuries, tiny Andorra -- nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France -- has been governed under a co-principality.

At one-sixth the size of Metro Vancouver, Andorra's economic prosperity has been tied almost entirely to tourism, its role as a tax haven, and in the past, smuggling. In 1993, the government became a parliamentary democracy.

For the more than 70,000 residents, the Olympics has long been an attraction. It formed its national Olympic Committee in 1971. And briefly, it held dreams of hosting the Winter Games. In the late 1990s it began agitating to hold the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Despite its role as a ski resort, it is such a small country, and plagued by many problems, including traffic jams, that the International Olympic Committee quickly dismissed the possibility. On August 28, 2002, the IOC put an end to Andorra's bid, along with that of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

For its bid, Andorra la Vella produced small quantities of a single paper and plastic bubble tack-back pin, now relatively difficult to find.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Schoolkids to meet mascots first

Children's launch celebration planned for November 27 in Surrey, BC

VANCOUVER, November 6 - Who are the mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? More than 800 schoolchildren will be the first to find out at a fun-filled event to be held in Surrey, BC, at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, on November 27. The rest of Canada and the world will also meet the mascots the same day through an interactive online mascot program launch at vancouver2010.com as well as vancouver2010.com/edu, the site's educational portal.

"The mascot launch is a much-anticipated celebration leading up to the Games. The mascots will become cherished icons - especially for children - and symbols of our Games, our country and our moment on the world stage," said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). "They are a playful way to engage a young audience and increase their understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we hope they will spark excitement, laughter and cheers from children and adults alike."

Attending this special event will be more than 800 children from grades three to five, representing eight schools in the 2010 Winter Games host region. Participating schools were selected with assistance from regional school trustees.

The introduction of the mascots is a major milestone on the road to the 2010 Winter Games. The mascots are a key component of any Games identity, always highly sought after for photos by children and Games enthusiasts.

As ambassadors of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the mascots will make appearances across Canada immediately following their introduction, bringing fun and goodwill to events leading up to the start of the Games. At Games time, these captivating characters will offer a warm welcome to Olympians, Paralympians and visitors from around the world as they arrive in Vancouver and Whistler.

"The city of Surrey is proud to host the first-ever meeting with the Vancouver 2010 mascots," said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. "We want to extend a warm welcome to everyone who will be here for this historic event. Surrey is pleased to support the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and we are delighted to share in this moment."

While children are meeting the mascots in person for the first time, the mascots will be simultaneously introduced to the rest of Canada and the world via an online mascot program at
vancouver2010.com. The program is projected to reach millions of children and adults before the 2010 Winter Games begin - both in Canada and around the world.

vancouver2010.com will engage visitors through interactive web features including games, video, and stories about the mascot characters that will draw children of all ages into the excitement of the Games experience.

vancouver2010.com/edu, a portal dedicated to connecting teachers, students and schools across Canada while celebrating the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games, will also feature the mascots in its December e-magazine issue.

Since the first official mascot debuted at the Munich 1972 Summer Games, mascots have become popular and memorable symbols of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They help to educate by telling the unique story of the Games and are often a reflection of the history, land and culture of the host region and country. They also embody the ideals of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, bringing to life the spirit of friendship, fair play and participation.

Previous Games mascots can be viewed in the
photo gallery, where additional information about the search for the mascot artist can also be found.

Media will be invited to attend the launch of the mascots and a media advisory will be issued in the near future.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and stagingof the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler fromFebruary 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the ParalympicWinter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.
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