by G. A. Sylverston

Created on: November 24, 2009

Part of the fun of the Olympics is seeing who the new mascots will be for the upcoming games. These characters are symbolic and representative of the area and culture in which the Olympic Games are being held. The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are fast approaching and the mascots are a very important part of the Games. Who are these mascots you ask?

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are to be held in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The mascots are very much a part of the land and the people. The mascots for the Games are named Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga.

Sumi is a little spirit who is part black bear, part thunderbird, and part orca whale. He encompasses the greatest parts of these creatures which makes him quite special. He comes from the beautiful town of Whistler, British Columbia. Sumi's name origin means "guardian spirit", which is exactly what Sumi is. He protects the wondrous nature and the inhabitants that surround him.

Miga is a young mascot who comes from the area off the coast of Vancouver Island. She is part killer whale and part Kermode bear. This young sea bear has dreams of grandeur in snowboarding.

Quatchi is a shy sasquatch who lives in the forest. He loves hockey, and especially loves to play as goalie. Even though he is shy, he really would love to be your friend.

All of the mascots are inspired in some way by Vancouver area local culture. Sumi and Miga were created out of legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations. The creatures that make up these mascots are revered by the peoples of the First Nations. The orca whale is seen as a guardian of the sea, the thunderbird creates the sound of thunder with its wings, and the black bear is a symbol of strength. The rare, white Kermode bear, which many people may know as a Spirit Bear, is supposed to serve as a reminder of the Ice Age. Quatchi comes from the legend of sasquatch, the creature that wanders the forest just past the realm of reality, full of mystery.

These mascots encompass the spirit and beauty of the people and nature of Vancouver. They show the friendship, compassion, strength, and grace that the area so strongly conveys. The sense of nature and boundless dreams are intertwined in these creatures so perfectly, that one can't help but feel the wonder of both the Games and the beauty surrounding them.

Information about the mascots was received at http://www.vancouver2010.com/mascot

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