Quatchi the Horny Pokekitty - Part Deux

In an earlier post I pointed out that Quatchi actually meant Horny or something which resembled horny. To be more accurate Quatchi is another word for the quivering feeling you get in your crotch when you are sexually aroused... Hense Quatchi means Horny. I think I got my point across about how much I really hate these PokeKitty Characters the highly overrated graphic designer VANOC hired created. Come on people, if you want to create a mascot based on Native Indian Heritage then hire a native Indian artist.... Not someone of Asian heritage who obviously has a fondness for Hello Kitty.

Well just so it isn't just my opinion on these atrocities named Quatchi, Sumi and fuck me (Sorry, I forgot the name already, really memorable characters people). Here are some other comments from the Geeknet on the topic of Sumi, Quatchi and whatsherface the pokewhalebearkitty




Here are my earlier posts on the subject

http://shitfourbrains.blogspot.com/2007/11/i-just-saw-this-one.html
http://shitfourbrains.blogspot.com/2007/11/lets-start-this-with-bang.html


Here is the dictionary definition of Quatchi where it says Quatchi means Horny

http://www.definition-of.com/Quatchi

---------------------------

I Wonder (Edmonton) wrote:

A sad representation of BC culture.
A complete snub at the rest of Canada.


Posted November 30, 2007 10:57 AM
Adam W. (Ottawa_On) wrote:

I am a Ojibwe Carleton University student and I have been following this aboriginal scandal since its dawning. First: I encourage ALL OF YOU TO STOP BUYING OR PROMOTING THESE BASTADIZATIONS OF FIRST NATIONS MYTHS. Second: as much as THE IDIOTS WHO BELIEVE THEY'RE "FUZZY AND CUTE" THINK, THESE ARE SHAMEFUL PROFITEERING PLOYS AND NO PROFIT (PROJECTED $45 MILLION SAYS VANOC CEO) IS GOING BACK TO THE B.C. RESERVES WHO ARE IN PLIGHT. Third, I agree with a former comment listed that these "creative" exploits are mass-marketed to appeal to the (Asian) Pokemon-adoring fans in the world. Fourth: THESE TOYS/GIMMICKS ARE MADE WHERE AGAIN? THAT'S RIGHT. YOU DON'T KNOW OR CARE. For the answer, you need only take an educated guess. NO MYTH THAT I'VE EVER HEARD OF INVOLVES A SASQUATCH WHO SNOWBOARDS. THIS IS SHAMEFUL EXPLOITATION.

PLEASE STOP THIS HORRIBLE DISPLAY OF CONSUMERISM DISGUISED AS ABORIGINAL SPIRIT MYTH. YOU CAN STOP IT BY NOT BUYING.

Sincerely,
Adam W.




Posted November 30, 2007 10:38 AM
PoopPoop (Campbell_River) wrote:

So many things wrong with these mascots ! For one thing, why is Quatchi wearing shoes ? It's a BIGFOOT !!! Besides that these are plagiarized Japanese Pokemon characters designed by an American and made in China !(Get those lead paint test kits ready.) The thing that bugs me the most about these pathetic creatures are the people defending them. These people defend anything and that is why Canada has become such a lame country with no culture nor convictions. The thinking seems to be: 'well...it's done now...it may be beyond stupid but we've got to get behind these fuzzy mascots and try to sell them...otherwise our taxes may go up to pay for the Olympic debt !' I mean these people would be defending 'Hankie the Christmas Poo' if it was our mascot ! because it's something we all have in common including first-nations, Japanese, Chinese, Indo-Canadian....an all inclusive mascot !!! Whoopee ! Put a hat on a piece of poo and we'll all buy it !!! Pathetic !!!


Posted November 30, 2007 09:53 AM
Branko Collin (Amsterdam) wrote:

Where's the smiling Jesus with bleeding stigmata?


Posted November 30, 2007 03:54 AM
DanT (North_Vancouver) wrote:

The mascots are a joke, but Vanoc doesn't give a rats butt what adults think of them. As long as they are cute, cuddly and attractive to kids, Vanoc is banking on them whining to mommy and daddy that they want a stuffed mascot doll. I think it's pretty sick to use kids as a conduit to the the almighty buck, which is absolutely all the Olympics are about. Oh, yeah, there's something about winter sports as well in there somewhere.


Posted November 30, 2007 02:00 AM
M (Vancouver) wrote:

They kind of appeal to the kid in me. Sure, they don't entirely make sense and Miga is anatomically incorrect (dorsal fins don't sprout from the top of the head, the last time I checked) but who cares? Have you seen the logos from the past? What was the deal with the ice cube & snowball -- ooh, creative! The Beijing ones are kind of weird but they're memorable and recognizable. The same goes for the Vancouver mascots.


Posted November 29, 2007 11:34 PM
Mark and Vince (Victoria) wrote:

We look forward to seeing these loveable creatures greeting arriving athletes at the Vancouver airport with a flag in one hand and a Taser in the other...;)


Posted November 29, 2007 07:20 PM
Cory (Surrey) wrote:

Frankly, if the VANOC really wanted a mascot to represent the city, they would have just used a filthy vagrant with a crack pipe in one hand and a squeegee in the other. Seriously.




Posted November 29, 2007 06:25 PM
Craig (Vancouver_BC_Canada) wrote:

As it is a given this garbage will doubt be manufactured in China, maybe we can ship them a bunch of BC bud, they seem to have a penchant for making children's toys out of drugs.



Posted November 29, 2007 06:00 PM
Anna (Vancouver) wrote:

I find the negative reaction to the 2010 mascots very surprising - mostly the comments that the Meomi mascots have nothing to do with British Columbia or Canada, or that they fail in purpose because no one will "understand" without having the characters "explained" to them. Isn't that the purpose? To get people interested, and to have them learn something new about the culture and history of the place? Or are we too "polite" as Canadians to impose new and interesting knowledge onto foreigners?

I think Meomi did a fabulous job on many levels: their choice of characters has more depth than the preferred beaver, moose or hockey puck. The latter just buy into the boring old stereotypes of Canada...some of which don't have that much relevance to BC itself. The designs are based on the legends of British Columbia natives, not just the same old beaver-moose-polar bear combination that is supposed to represent Canada and Canadians.

More than anything, the disgust at the "Asian" design is bizarre. Since a large percentage of the Lower Mainland is of Asian descent, Vancouver designers and artists are obviously inspired by Asian aesthetics. Those who say that these mascots are failing to represent Canada seem to be saying they're failing to represent East Coast-centric Canada, which seems to always be the priority. Sour grapes, anyone?

Pokemon is brought up a number of times, but no one seems to notice that the designs resemble minimalist works, such as Charley Harper (an American), more than bubble-eyed anime characters.

This is Canada's problem: an inclination to the bland and the underwhelming. It's sad that the way to appease Canadians appears to be with a typical cartoon polar bear, dressed in a toque and scarf and drinking from a Tim Horton's coffee cup. Because THAT, apparently, is more Canadian than characters based off of legends that originated before any Tim Horton's store.

(By the by, Sasquatches may not exist, but neither do ice cubes with faces and arms.)




Posted November 29, 2007 05:27 PM
Tawnya Fuhriman (Fort_St_John_BC) wrote:

I extremely disgusted and disappointed with the 2010 Olympic mascots. This does not represent British Columbia at all or the First Nations people no matter what kind of spin you want to put on it.

I am also disgusted that these mascots are being made outside of Canada. What kind of country are we if we cannot make our own products to promote our own Olympics and provide work for our own citizens. What we are showing to the world is that we are not a very sustainable country with any sense of Canadian pride.

I would like to know who designed these mascots, did the First Nations people have a say and did they approve of the design before it was manufactured?


Posted November 29, 2007 03:05 PM
abc (Vancouver) wrote:

Most of the comments here reveal a great ignorance of art and pop-culture. These were not "designed by a committee" but by a design company Meomi who, with these mascots, have stayed very true to their own vision (The Octonauts book was published a year ago). Do you like the work of Mark Ryden, Tim Burton, and Takashi Murakami? Art is not static and it usually represents something about a time and place. Years from now, people will look back and say that the design ethos reflected in the 2010 mascots was very true to this time and this place (Vancouver as we approach the year 2010). I'm not saying you have to "know about art" to pass judgement on these, everyone has a right to their opinion, but maybe a little less of the hissing and spitting before you've taken the time to reflect. Gut reaction? Fine. But is it really a gut reaction to the design objects, or just to what they represent in your mind? I don't support the Olympics either... I think it's a party for rich people at the expense of the poor, but that's no reason to bash these two artists and their adorable and honest vision.




Posted November 29, 2007 02:40 PM
Tia (north_saanich_bc) wrote:

Personally I think they are very kid friendly and they are a blend of First Nations and Asian culture which to me is very Vancouver. And as an aside, the designer is from Vancouver... see here:
http://www.vancouver2010.com/en/OrganizingCommittee/MediaCentre/FeatureStories/2007/11/27/76537_0711271407-872


Posted November 29, 2007 02:30 PM
B (Toronto) wrote:

Can we say Japanamation? A bear that mated with a whale? Are you kidding me? Good luck explaining this to the kids ... Or maybe it was a child's imagination that dreamt up these silly characters in the first place ... What's next Transformers that carry hockey sticks?


Posted November 29, 2007 01:50 PM
RRR (USA) wrote:

Not bad. Better than most before them. I don't think they look Japanese by the way.


Posted November 29, 2007 01:41 PM
Kathleen (Vancouver) wrote:

Good grief! All this furor over something that is for kids.

Apparently these things are flying off the shelves in the Bay, and why not? Kids love these things. Why? I would guess it's because they're cute, friendly looking, and they match the current taste of children's cartoons.

Personally, I think the designs are great - creative and on the pulse of modern toy design. Yes, we could have had a kermode bear, or a moose, or something else that adults thought was proper, and kids were uninterested in, but instead they decided to choose something that actually might appeal to a child... Interesting choice.




Posted November 29, 2007 01:33 PM
Sean (Vancouver) wrote:

Consult a visual history of Olympic mascots and ask yourself what exactly is wrong with a contemporary, Pokemon-like spin on mythical West Coast creatures? For those of you apparently unfamiliar with Vancouver, there has been a very strong Asian influence here since 'round about the time the lease on Hong Kong expired (if not before)... and it will only keep getting stronger. At any rate, the clean anime-styled (kawaii!) depiction beats yet another tired Coca-Cola commercial, Gund or Disney wannabe.

Whatever your stylistic preferences may be, the characters themselves--Miga, Quatchi, and Sumi--immediately come across as having distinct, interesting personalities; they're done so well that it would be very easy to hand them a cartoon show that didn't simply involve them going out to spout one-liners in the face of bad guys (see the Power Puff mascots for Beijing). Hidey and Howdy were cute, but they were boring in their harmlessness and, despite the cowboy hats, were more likely candidates to host a really big Sunday dinner (cooked by Hidey while Howdy was out in the shed) than an international sporting event. Amik the beaver? A stuffed beaver? What, did the courier de bois get tired of kicking it around during their smoke break one day? ("...et le but!") Another animal, straight-up, would be completely forgettable, at best. (Who now can correctly name all of the mascots for the Nagano Olympics? And, more importantly, why would anyone ever bother?)

Instead, we now have a unique, appropriate and instantly marketable cast of characters to sell to the world; I could easily see myself and many of my friends sporting iconic t's with the mascots luging, curling, biathloning, etc.

In fact, I wish they would hire the same company responsible for Vancouver's Olympic mascots to do something with the Canucks image... with the perhaps ironic provision that they don't touch Fin. (The blowhole with the dry ice? C'mon! That's gold!)




Posted November 29, 2007 01:18 PM
Patti (Hope) wrote:

It's interesting that among the First Nations/Aboriginal/Metis/Inuit who have posted on this board all say the same.... more misappropriation of native culture. Yet many folks continue to see 'no harm done', 'no big deal', 'just mascots', 'nice they include native design'. Are they blind to reality or just don't care.... I always wonder which it is. I'm encouraged by the number of people who do seem to get it but sadly they remain the minority.

Discounting the concerns expressed by native people whose culture and history is exploited everyday for the financial and political gains of others..... whose real needs are marginalized.... that is the true Canadian identity. That is the Canada that stayed quiet when its leadership refused to sign the UN declaration of the rights of indigenous people. That is the Canada that turns a blind eye to concerns expressed by people hurt by their apathy. What would a mascot for that identity look like? Can me and my friends design it for you all? A few mythical images come to mind.... trickster tops the list.

Sorry for the highjack but one gets tired of exposing exploitation and misappropriation tactics that impact my community, my country, my children and their children only to be told 'it's no big deal', 'you read too much into this', 'nobody cares'. Some even say...'get over yourself... it's not just YOUR culture.'

I'd agree with others who say..... keep the First People's references out if you can't do it with respect and dignity. Those mascots are just further insult to injury as far as I'm concerned. They aren't just mascots. They reflect how Canada feels about native people. They represent just how disgustingly superficial their interest in native peoples really is. Shame, shame, shame.

All my relations....




Posted November 29, 2007 01:15 PM
Sarah Feit (Durango_Colorado_USA) wrote:

Adorable, fun, and classy. I love how the mascots incorported first nation traditions & storytelling.


Posted November 29, 2007 12:49 PM
Barb (kelowna) wrote:

Appeal to kids? My kids said Quatchi looks like "a piece of poo".


Posted November 29, 2007 12:33 PM
Anon (Burnaby) wrote:

How is this important enough to get people so riled up? "Oh, I HATE them! They aren't representative at all! I'm so ANGRY!" Please. Find a better way to spend your energy. These cutesy little figures have nothing to do with you. They are what they are. Cry about it.


Posted November 29, 2007 12:17 PM
Jennifer (Delta_BC) wrote:

If these mascots are supposed to be "inspired by traditional First Nations creatures" then why in the world do they look Japanese!?!?
Rediculous!




Posted November 29, 2007 12:15 PM
J. Clancy (Burns_Lake_BC) wrote:

I don't care for the costumes themselves at all, but the sasquatch one is especially poor! Who would ever think that could possibly look like a Sasquatch? I think the designers really dropped the ball on that one! At the very least they should have used a longer shaggy type of faux fur material (and skipped the silly looking fringe on the bottom). And what is with the wide flat face??? That just looks ridiculous! I know the mascots are supposed to be child friendly but that face looks so alien i am sure it will give me nightmares!


Posted November 29, 2007 12:07 PM
Julio (Edmonton) wrote:

Hokey Smoke - let's go back to the drawing board and use a little Rocky and Bullwinkle inspiration:
Moose and Squirrel. Both strong, proud Canadian images.
And we could use the Boris and Natashia resonances to portray illegal, performance enhancing drug use.


Posted November 29, 2007 11:44 AM
Robert (vancouver) wrote:

Designed by a committee. A lame committee. Why do we have to play everything so safe? We're such a nation of timid hall monitors. How about a little style? Some verve? Something truly polarizing -- mascots are always going to be bashed, it's fun-- but at least give us something that a few people can fall in love with. Instead of something that no one truly despises, and no one really loves. Oh, and i'm guessing the designers spent too much time looking at these mascots as 2D computer art, and not enough about how they'd translate into 3D mascots.




Posted November 29, 2007 11:26 AM
Kim Law (Prince_George_BC) wrote:

The mascots look like they were doodle in math class. We are STRONG, PROUD, CANADIANS! These look like weak, goofy creatures from a Saturday morning cartoon meant for the preschool age group. They say that they are First-Nations, mythical creatures; aren't creatures of this nature supposed to inspire and humble. The First-Nations mythical creatures are creatures of great power; these little fluff balls look like they're joy in life is to sing happy music and entertain music. i like the idea, but the final product falls short. When I think of Canada, of British Columbia, furry little anime creatures do not come to mind.


Posted November 29, 2007 11:20 AM
AP (Penticton) wrote:

I think they're adorable and fantastic mascots. They have some neat history and heritage built into them. I know I'll be buying some mascot merchandise.


Posted November 29, 2007 11:16 AM
Leonard Cote (ReginaSaskatchewan) wrote:

I'm all for the inclusion of powerful and important figures such as the Thunderbird-- but isn't it supposed to be a bird? I'd hate to see what kind of cute button nose they'd paint on the Raven.




Posted November 29, 2007 11:11 AM
Disgusted (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm disgusted that the teachers, principals, and school boards - the so-called professionals who are entrusted with educating and looking out for the best interests of our kids - willingly sent 800 students to be part of the mascot unveiling. The kids are so impressionable at such a young age, yet they were part of a captive audience at a propaganda marketing campaign. The presentation was an extravagant photo-op, with the kids as mere props. The goals of the unveiling was also to rev up kids' interest in the Olympics and to also go home to ask their parents to shell out money for these stuffed animals.
The teachers and school boards sold out these kids. And for what? So they can take a break from teaching? Or did they receive a little something something from VANOC? Shame.


Posted November 29, 2007 11:07 AM
Katie (Burnaby) wrote:

What a bunch of whiners we have become. Can't we just move on? They're mascots for goodness sake and they look fine.


Posted November 29, 2007 11:04 AM
Reese (Red_Deer) wrote:

Shouldn't there be a rough correlation between images that say, "Canada" and our Winter Olympics iconography? From a media, ethno-socio point of view I would expect these mascots at Nagano (they look like pure Pokemon clap-trap).
Canada does have unique resonances with it's First Nations peoples but the mascots really don't hit that mark.
And Canada also has many referrants from all the cultures that comprise our proud pastiche.
I'm sure there are a bunch of ad guys just absolutely recoiling in horror. Most Canadians (I suspect) were shocked to see an Inukshuk as the primary symbol for a Winter Olympics in a part of the country completely bereft of such Inuit icons (indeed of "winter" too!) - but maybe a benighted European or American just thinks Canada = Esklmo Pies...
It's so hard to find a coherent branding or iconography for Canada as we're so all-over-the-map with trying to be all things to all people.




Posted November 29, 2007 11:03 AM
G Wink (Northern_BC) wrote:

I thought they were the most ridiculous mascots they could have chosen. They don't make sense and are very cartoon-like. Leave the mythical creatures out of the Olympics, which are very real.


Posted November 29, 2007 10:03 AM
L. MacRae (Summerland_BC) wrote:

Adorable


Posted November 29, 2007 10:02 AM
Henry (Vancouver) wrote:

Haven't see the real thing yet. It would be nice to see a Canadian Flag it matters "Made in China" or Canada.




Posted November 29, 2007 09:36 AM
Michael Berrisford (Summerland) wrote:

Like them or not, I have to wonder out loud why British Columbians are bothering with such trivialities when larger issues abound. The time and effort of those concerned with the Canadian image as viewed by the world, may want to reset their sights on our real mascots - the Federal government and their embarrassing inaction and lack of leadership on little things such as Climate Change and poverty.


Posted November 29, 2007 09:17 AM
Frances Bennett (Kelowna_BC) wrote:

Are they made in China? They certainly look like it.


Posted November 29, 2007 08:53 AM
Doris Gee (Langley) wrote:

My children did not like the mascots - they asked why they chose a bunch of cats as the mascots. I had no good response so I told them that Canada has a cat problem so we have to nicer to cats.


Posted November 29, 2007 08:47 AM
Nanaimo Joe (Nanaimo) wrote:

Great! Japanese cartoon characters made in China representing Canada.
How utterly Canadian


Posted November 29, 2007 08:27 AM
Shippou (Calgary) wrote:




I love them! Their so cute!

Besides Mascots have always been made for little kids, and their also based on Indian Myths which just makes these mascots even more amazing! This just shows that the creators took time into making these three and wanted to make them more in touch with the Myths. I mean really, who wants a mascot that is based on the "white" standard? Also since when was a pair of polar bears dressed up as cowboys really in touch with Calgary? It just proves that Mascots are made to look cute and get the kids more involved. I mean the mascots are not the only reason why you'd watch the Olympics! Older people watch the Olympics because they want to see their home team win a metal, or to just watch the Olympics.

That's all I have to say.



Posted November 29, 2007 08:09 AM
cam (richmond) wrote:

I find it somewhat ironic that 800 or so school children were bussed in to promote the money making mascots when statistically 175 of them live below the poverty line.
B.C. continues to hold the Gold Medal for 4 consecutive years as having the worst Child Poverty levels in the country. Where are our priorities??

We have Blue Ribbon panels for all levels of business issues but sadly lack the same efforts when it comes to the social responsibilities.
Not only embarassing....but shamefull!

Thank you.




Posted November 29, 2007 08:07 AM
Aaron (Smithers) wrote:

While I am not very keen on the olympics for the myriad of obvious reasons, these mascots seem just fine. For a reality check see this link of previous olympic mascots. There are some real lousy ones in comparison to these three.

http://www.vancouver2010.com/resources/mascot/gallery.html


Posted November 29, 2007 08:05 AM
Miss. Kim (London_Ontario) wrote:

Sadly,I do think that a few of these comments have forgotten that we do live in 2007. The culture is changing, which does include the art and the way we represent the changes. These new mascots are fun and quite original. For one, I was expecting a bland and boring mascot of a beaver or a snow ball. Just think about it, these new mascots have a background story (which represents Canada's extensive culture dating back much longer than the 1700s), the design is might be modern and "japanese" but its a new twist and might I say that for once we will not be represented by a beaver or a moose (these guys are great but we have other things that do represent us).
These mascots not only represents the Vancouver area very well but Canada also.
Please do not forget that its the spirit of the olimpics and all it represent that matters, NOT the mascots.


Posted November 29, 2007 08:02 AM
Allan (Nanaimo) wrote:

These VANOC chosen mascots are more deflating than erectile dysfunction.

What a real disappointment, VANOC!

Where was 'public opinion' factored into the selection process?

Oh, I'm sorry I misunderstood! As citizens of BC, I forgot that our opinions of how we'd like to represented in the world's eye doesn't count...




Posted November 29, 2007 07:57 AM
J. Logan (Ottawa) wrote:

Has any one ever thought about consulting with First Nations before stealing their intellectual property??? These Mascots are a good reflection on Canada's lack of respect for First Nations and quite typical of the Canadian government's license to exploit our people. For those who are saying they are seeing too much reference to First Nations - I agree - remember Canada is just using such figures a propaganda. As if the Canadian goverment has a good record of concern and care for First Nations. Remember Canada along with New Zealand, Australia and the United States are the only countries not to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples this past September.

These designers should wake up and be ashamed at what they have created. They have, like so many in the past, stolen from our people without consideration, care or sensibility.

J Logan


Posted November 29, 2007 07:47 AM
whitegoose (Kamloops) wrote:

Instead of more artificial animated cartoon-style junk, surely designed to generate lots of money, what would be wrong with true emblems of our wonderful BC heritage? I mean something as magnificent as a moose, an Orca whale, a coyote, a Stellar's blue jay, a big-horned mountain sheep. The sidekick (a marmot) is at best a last-minute idea. Will we ever see a picture of it?


Posted November 29, 2007 07:33 AM
Tanya (Vancouver_Island) wrote:

They are as a whole repulsive. The concept of a sqasquatch I can live with, or even a recreation of some other westcoast animal, but geez! These things all look like some rejects from Pokemon. I am frankly embarrassed that they represent us here in Canada.




Posted November 29, 2007 06:58 AM
Joy Singh (Vancouver) wrote:

It is sad that the 3 mascots in no way represents either BC or Vancouver. We have Beautiful British Columbia on our car number plates and that is very true. However these three characters that have been picked out as mascots do not in any way reflect the pristine beauty of BC. I am sad at the unimaginative mascots. I personally think that even a cartoon character of an Orca with an umbrella on top a mountain would have in some way represented our province. What were these guys thinking of when they created these mascots??


Posted November 29, 2007 06:07 AM
Johann Krijff (Kitimat) wrote:

If this is the best they can come up with so be it. It shows a total lack of taste and class.
My choice for a mascot would be a well fed white millionaire real estate owner smoking a big Cuban on the subsidized road to Whistler.
We still haven't been told exactly what the benefits of the 2010 olympics are for the north, but we have a fibreglass lump resembling some sort of a bear we don't know about. Thank you VANOC.


Posted November 29, 2007 05:43 AM
laura (netherlands) wrote:

My first impression was that the mascots were characters out of a Japanese animation. Why, if they are supposed to represent figures from First Nations culture, do they not look like anything I have ever seen produced by First Nations artists? The mascots give me the impression that the Olympics are being held in Japan or China, rather than in Vancouver.


Posted November 29, 2007 01:43 AM
Andrew Browne (Port_Coquitlam_BC) wrote:

I love them. Simple. They're great, and refreshing. Tasteful. And the fact that they're childish is fine--THEY'RE FOR KIDS! Have a little fun, guys.

Not everything has to be painfully formal, and not everything has to be political. (Taser Man? Really? As if that has anything to do with the Olympics?)


Posted November 29, 2007 12:59 AM
Pat H. (Vancouver) wrote:

I think these three are wonderful creatures. I feel horrible that they are being attacked around this board already. Honestly, is it wrong that they resemble cartoons? That they look like characters from Japan? Do tell WHY they look Japanese; is it the beady eyes? Can't non-Japanese cartoon designs have beady eyes?




I think the designers did a great job. I'm sure many wouldn't have known about the Native symbolism of these characters had they not been the Olympic mascots. They are both educational and fun. And for those who find these creatures unacceptable, try taking a look at the Olympic mascots of past Olympic games. You'll find out how hard it is to represent regions with avatars alone.


Posted November 29, 2007 12:48 AM
Chris (Vancouver) wrote:

These characters look like they are right out of a Japanese cartoon. Well, for those of you who think it is Japan, you're wrong, it's Canada. They don't appear to have anything to do with aboriginals, this is just a line used by some VANOC idiot. This is a prestigious worldwide event we are hosting, not a comedy festival. It's a disgrace to Vancouver, and to Canada.


Posted November 29, 2007 12:24 AM
Christelle (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

So all it takes to expose people's prejudices are 3 cartoon characters. It's amazing how quickly everybody has used these mascots as a pretext to let loose about their annoyance with asians and first nations people.

I think that using first nations themes solely for advertising is shameful, especially considering how first nations people get treated by Vancouverites every day on the street. However, the comments I have read so far don't really reflect those types of concerns. Instead, I see petty, biased people who truly seem to believe that Vancouver is being unrightfully stolen from them by minorities. People, first nations and asian people ARE part of Canada, ok? Time to get over it and start being better canadians.

And anyways, who cares about the mascots? I don't really love them either, but what's the big deal? Were you planning to get them framed for your mantle? Get some perspective. Take a look at mascots from past olympics: They are all kind of strange looking. For you who complain that the mascots are "too silly", what were they supposed to be? Mascots are by definition silly and simplistic.




Posted November 29, 2007 12:08 AM
M.C. (Prince_George_BC) wrote:

hmmm...how about Nag-Nag The Health Nazi?
...back to the drawing board (sigh)...


Posted November 28, 2007 11:57 PM
LD (Vancouver) wrote:

I think that the mascots are going to make the Olympics more fun for KIDS. This is the role of a mascot and I think these designs are imaginative and will delight.

I remember playing with 'Monchichi' and creating my own mythical creatures out of lego. No that doesn't 'make sense' either. Kids have brilliant imaginations - these mascots are more interesting and fun for kids because they are a new idea and have magical powers of transformation.

Adults may hate on them ...but kids will love them. Well done!


Posted November 28, 2007 11:29 PM
Paul (Vancouver) wrote:

From The Vancouver Sun

"Of six designs put before children in Toronto, Montreal, Seattle and the Lower Mainland over the last year, both men said the images they thought children would like the most were the ones everybody liked least.

"Which is to say that 40- and 50-year-old men don't know what mascots should look like," Furlong said. "But kids do.""


Posted November 28, 2007 11:17 PM
josef ito (vancouver) wrote:

From a designers point of view, I could tell that these little guys were designed by Meomi... and now that I know they were created by them, they look good maybe for a Flash animation series or some other media.
What they should of looked like? I would have gone with more of the actual background material in regards to First Nations reference, maybe approached with how my friend Connie Sterrit (the thunderbird sculpture in YVR) may have tackled it infused with a small amount of that Hello Kitty ingredient.
Oh well I'mnot planning to be here for the 2010 farce so what evs..


Posted November 28, 2007 11:05 PM
Hanne McLean (Campbell_River_BC) wrote:

I hope they grow on me because my first thought was "oh no!"
The mascots from 2004 Greece were quite strange too and I did get to like them.




Posted November 28, 2007 10:45 PM
Jeff (Langley) wrote:

What about a stuffed logging truck loaded with logs marked "Not for Export"?

What about a stuffed fish trawler full of fish marked "grown wild in BC" not on some multinational owned fish farm?

Why not a piece of Mining machinery marked as "made in BC"

These are symbols of real things that represent Real BC to the majority of us . . .


Jeff


Posted November 28, 2007 10:35 PM
Phil Ouellet (Surrey_) wrote:

I can't believe that the Canadian Olympic committee have opted for these mascots. The names are confusing and they look like they have been designed in Asia> Not only they are ugly but there made in China ... There's nothing in there that would make Canadian proud..


Posted November 28, 2007 10:22 PM
Katarina Pejakovic (Vancouver) wrote:

It's a pity that Canada did not use this opportunity to be more original! This was our chance to show the world our culture - instead of a cheap imitation!

I would be really interested to know where are the mascot toys manufactured? There is nothing more disappointing than purchasing a Canadian souvenir that says: Made in China!




Posted November 28, 2007 10:09 PM
AD (East_Vancouver) wrote:

I find it interesting that for all of the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments over the mascots, there aren't more than a half dozen serious alternatives proposed in almost 600 (mostly negative) comments. I don't envy VANOC, or the designers, for having to come up with something that epitomizes an identity (or mish-mash of identities we know and love as Vancouver/BC/Canada) that nobody seems to be able to meaningfully express (beavers? Uh, what?), yet so many seem to be ever-so-ready to draw blood over. Sink or swim, they're winging it.

Do I love the mascots? Meh. I'm ambivalent. I'm not a kid, I don't have kids, and I don't buy fuzzy knick-knacks, on principle. But I'm more embarrassed by the bile, naked racism, and cynicism I've seen in many of these comments than I could ever be by some big stuffed animals. I'm not sure what makes Vancouver more insufferable - the blatantly corporate Olympic agenda or the incessant, self-indulgent whining about it. And yet, for some reason that is at the moment a mystery to me, I still love this town.

See? We're all confused. Take a nap. Walk your dog. Go volunteer at a shelter downtown.

Move on.




Posted November 28, 2007 10:02 PM
Jack (Surrey) wrote:

Wow...
It looks like VANOC is really trying hard to appeal to the whole native theme...
Unfortunately, this looks absolutely nothing like any sort of native theme, unless 'native' means asian inspired artwork...

Overall, the mascots suck


Posted November 28, 2007 09:37 PM
Daniel P (Prince_George) wrote:

They are UGLY. On top of that, what a joke the whole Olympic thing is. Lets market towards children to make millions of dollars. The Olympics are nothing more than a capitalistic moneymaking scheme. Armature sport is gone from the event, so the event should be gone to.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:23 PM
Sharlee (Williams_Lake) wrote:

I look at these so called mascots and wonder. Where did the pride of being a Canadian go? Why do we have cartoons representing an event that should be taken with pride? Our representatives should show what ALL of us as Canadians are. With all the creative, talented and renowned artist there are in Canada and this is the best we can come up with; wow that is beyond pathetic. I would think we as Canadians would have better taste than this. Can someone PLEASE find the real mascots!

I know I will not be attending or purchasing any items if these; silly, childish cartoon like mascots are what we feel is our “best” representation. I would strongly suggest to take this one back to the drawing board.




Posted November 28, 2007 09:20 PM
Elly (BC) wrote:

Was a mascot really necessary? Other than a really tacky way to raise money to support these games I think not. It isn't the figures I have a problem with , but the whole idea of manufacturing more usless garbage that will very quickly find its way into our landfills . Have we not better ways to use resources. It would have been nice to have seen a greener approach to the Olympics as a whole and not a games which encourages yet more consumerism. I wonder how long it will be before I find these in the local Thrift store for .50 cents ? Puppy toys. What a waste.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:19 PM
S L (Victoria_British_Columbia) wrote:

What were they thinking?
This is a perfect example of Irving L. Janis' concept of groupthink.

I sincerely hope these don't get used. If they do it is very unfortunate that VANOC wasn't more successful in seeking greater public input before taking this leap.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:12 PM
Anne (Richmond) wrote:

I think we should eradicate the Olympic Mascots before they multiple,could they be any less Canadian looking? I was really disappointed in the design.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:10 PM
L.C.T. (Coquitlam) wrote:

ok... so lets get this straight these are going to be maskots?
so there is Miga the bear-whale with an emo hair cut... the Ugg Boot wearing Sasquatch.. and a bird-bear looking thing with a tacky tourist hat on.... not to add these all look like they have just come out of a Hello Kitty store. Why not have REAL animals, like just a plain Orca, a sea otter, and a bear. Then not only could they represent teh olimpics but we could focus on saving habitats and what one could do to help keep these animals off the extinction list!
Vancouver these characters are just way off.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:52 PM
Fay Kennington (Vancouver) wrote:

I love them! They are cute visually appealing and a neat hybrid of our province's past and present. Even if I didn't honestly think they are really cool, I can't understand why people have to be so negative about others peoples art. Honestly, some people wouldn't be happy with any design at all.




Posted November 28, 2007 08:28 PM
Anon (BC_obviously) wrote:

I propose the following mascots instead:

Mischievous Minor Martin: comes with the following accessories: fake ID, DUI ticket, smashed up car and a sore wrist from being slapped and released one too many times.

Sea to Sky Sally: comes complete with a chunk of asphalt, some tax payer's money and a promise to collapse in a few years due to erosion and weathering.

Dope Fiend Fred: all that Fred comes with is a rug and a broom...

and last but not least...
NutNut
the squirrely politician...won't actually show it's face at the Olympics...but it will be there behind the scenes...


Posted November 28, 2007 08:03 PM
MUKMUK (Vancouver) wrote:

I think it is wrong for VANOC to label MUKMUK as a sidekick.

Years from now when MUKMUK is in therapy for low self-esteem, VANOC should have to foot the bill.

MUKMUK plays second fiddle to no one!!


Posted November 28, 2007 08:01 PM
Stefan Nowak (Sooke) wrote:

They should have picked a Mounty with a Taser to make tourists, that don't speak English, aware of what is waiting or them in beautiful BC.




Posted November 28, 2007 07:35 PM
JIm (BCs_Interior) wrote:

Wow, there are so many negative people on this page. Lighten up. I don't think anyone could design anything that people on this page wouldn't crap on. All I see are a bunch of negative people that offer no suggestions. If the committee spent an enormous amount of money to develop elaborate mascots, people on this page would complain about how much they spent. The characters are funny and simple. They look good to me. Good work.



Posted November 28, 2007 07:31 PM
Ben (Vancouver) wrote:

WOW. This is an absolute pity. It is bad enough the amount of funds being spend on this rediculous event that will do nothing but kill this city financially and socially in the long run, they have to waste even more by contracting out the production of these rediculous characters. It is me or is VANOC just a bunch of lunatics, along with all the other major players involved making billions of dollars off people who post things like:

"I really like these characters. They are just for fun and meant to keep the Olympic spirit alive."

What Olymipic spirit and legacy are you speaking of? This ('legacy/spirit') is just a clever word that PR reps have coined so that the Executives of VANOC and our all so intelligent mayor can use to convice people like those who say things as I mentioned above that the Olympics is a wonderful thing. If you mean the legacy of debt, social unrest, and complete wreakage of this city then you are bang on.
The Olympics is one of the most powerful marketing strategies known and probably the greatest scam ever perpetuated on man. The only one making any money is the IOC - If you think that the Olympics are all about sport then all you need to do is go as far as publications on the abosolute corpoate nature of the IOC and you will see that the only thing the Olympics is not about, it sport.




Posted November 28, 2007 07:28 PM
Patti (Hope) wrote:

Shameful for so many reasons...1)Like all other Olympic merchandize they are made in China... shame, shame for not using a Canadian manufacturer and creating jobs in Canada even if it meant a few more dollars per doll..... 2)As Aboriginal artists my friends and I have actively campaigned VANOC folks for years to protect our art from just this kind of exploitation. We are still trying to understand how royalties are suppose to work. We contribute our art but we aren't getting recognition or royalties. We've expressed loudly our concerns about 'Made in China' knock-offs and rip-offs taking over our markets and falsely representing our ancestry. Not only does VANOC ignore us while deferring our concerns to a powerless figurehead organization... but they rub it in our face by doing the same thing. Rip-off our artists, our traditional images and ancestral legends and manufacture them in China. Shame, shame... 3)who gave VANOC permission, what authority... why is that info not forthcoming? I, and my fellow Aboriginal artists would like to know. I, and my fellow Aboriginal story-tellers and legand keepers would like to know. We've been working very hard to preserve our history, to protect our hertitage and advance our arts and technologies on behalf of all British Columbians and Canadians. It is part of what binds us, defines us and distinquishes us in the world. VANOC continues to marginalize and exploit and undermine our contributions as Aboriginal British Columbians and Canadians. Shame, shame, shame.

These Japanese cartoon characters will surely make friends with the "Stay Away Gumby" that is suppose to give homage to another traditional symbol of indigenous people of Canada. If this is respect and homage then shame, shame, shame for having no appreciation for art, culture or the people of this land.

Boycott!!!


Posted November 28, 2007 07:10 PM
Peter (Windermere_BC) wrote:

Geez, it's like the designers had to create something that would appeal to the adults. Thats whats the sporting events are for! Let the mascots appeal to the children and $@$%# what the adults think.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:08 PM
David (Van) wrote:

All Olympic mascots are aimed at kids etc. I totally understand that aspect of Olympic marketing. However the execution of these mascots is extremely poor. They are extremely 'pop' culture in their references which means come 2010 they will have dated before the games start. I can understand the motivation to include first nations motifs into the design however the meanings have got lost in translation somewhere, muddled in the hands of a poor designer.

In all honesty these mascots are way too close to the Beijing games in style, makes you wonder?


Posted November 28, 2007 07:07 PM
Cynthia Morris (Baton_Rouge_Louisiana) wrote:

So, why wasnt my comment added....? Selective inattention of Black Press...? Tabloid like media with biased opinions negatively portraying native people being allowed over others...?

Shortly said THEN EDITORS: From personal experience, Native people of Canada's art is internationally recognized. The negative portrayal of native people on here as well as seething hatred some people have is sickening. They use any excuse to bash natives as evidenced by the comments on here. As a native, I commented on the fact that native artwork is world reknown and will be a survival tool for people in BC whose forestry and fishery industries thrive. On a personal level, Im an RN from the wetsuweten nation and have lived in eastern canada and am now in the USA and find the attitude of people towards natives appalling! I would love to see my comment posted, as it might be one of a few chances to do a bit of cross cultural awareness...so why wasnt it printed in comparison to the other imbeciles comments on here....?? Black Press Propaganda...? Id like an answer about this. Email me!




Posted November 28, 2007 06:42 PM
Deb Taylor (BUrnaby) wrote:

The mascots are decidedly Asian inspired, not inspired by a real sense or knowledge of Cdn. identity, but by whatever will make money. Thus the gut level reaction to the round faces, round eyes and Japanese names. Sad. It's the first response that tells the tale, not time and tolerance.


Posted November 28, 2007 06:39 PM
Scott (University_of_Victoria) wrote:

The the mascots look like Japanese animation cartoon characters, not mystic first nation animals. Look at the mascots for the Sydney Olympics back in 2000. They are normal animals, found in Australia. As soon as someone looks at them they think Australia.

My first impression whe i look at the "2010 Mascots" is: Oh no not another terrible anime show for kids on YTV.

Can we please rethink the perspective here. Instead of making these mascots look like something found on a show aimed at children between the ages of 8-13 can we make them something that represents Canada.
I'm Canadian and the only one i recognized was the Sasquatch, and barely at that. I've never even heard of the other 2 characters. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they had just been made up


Posted November 28, 2007 06:35 PM
Cliff Boldt (Union_Bay_BC) wrote:

I think one of the mascots for the Olympics should be a trained seal. This is precisely how the media are treating the announcement of these mascots who will take $ millions out family budgets. Last night Ian and Gloria were gushing on TV, and this morning the high dudgeon from Gregor that the island marmot had such a lowly role – no concern about the commercial abuse of children.

I was very disappointed at the lack of questioning about this marketing ploy from VANOC, especially the use of 800 students, students who were captive, had no choice but to go along with this commercial blitz.

Now, when the bills come in to the taxpayer in 2011 and later, and services to children and seniors are cut once again, the media will be tut, tuting how awful this is, totally ignoring the journalistic glee you had back in 2007, extolling the virtues of another rip off of taxpayers and the impact on services to citizens.






Posted November 28, 2007 06:23 PM
Doug Alder (Trail) wrote:

Unbelievably dumb, ugly and just plain ridiculous. Another gross waste of taxpayer dollars. Of course the above applies to the Olympics themselves as well, not that we'll see any benefits from it out here, we'll just be paying for it with our taxes etc for decades to come.


Posted November 28, 2007 06:22 PM
Paul (Vancouver) wrote:

I think they are great and will be popular worldwide. In the end it does not matter what a few adults who don't have a stake in the games really think. What is really important is an image that the world can relate with (and what kids want their parents to buy).
They are only game mascots after all, and not meant to represent what somepeople want BC to be idealized as.
If critics are that much smarter than the VANOC people they should have their own stuffed toys made-up with their own logo on them and see how well they sell.


Posted November 28, 2007 06:20 PM
Moira (Vancouver) wrote:

While the Olympic mascots are somewhat representative of the multicultural flavour of Vancouver (mostly Asian influence), they lack substance (all three look similar). The least Vanoc could have done was to have them manufactured in Canada (not China). For whatever reason, smart marketing decisions eluded them. Who do they think will be buying the stuffed animals for children.....adults and their opinion matters. I think they should be sent to Value Village now and save everyone the money and closet space.




Posted November 28, 2007 06:18 PM
Brenda (Vancouver) wrote:

Does this mean the Kokanee girls will be confused about which sasquatch to catch? hhhmmmmm How can they possibly manage??


Posted November 28, 2007 06:16 PM
cindy (Vancouver) wrote:

I think the debate about the mascots is moot. Then money spent to have them created along with the rest of the costs of the Olympics is more important than whether mascots are adequate. In the end the mascots mean nothing and the only legacy of this entire Olympic "spirit" will most likely be debt, not fuzzy creatures.


Posted November 28, 2007 06:09 PM
VANCOUVERITE (Vancouver) wrote:

Bottom line is that the kids adore them. I was like what the *.. but after reading some comments on facebook and then getting a consensus at a high school that I work at, my opinion has changed. These mascots are fun, and they will make the celebrations fun as well. So lets show our support for our city and stop whining like a bunch of babies!! After all, the kids aren't whining!! ;)


Posted November 28, 2007 06:06 PM
Norm (Trail_BC) wrote:

Help, these are real lame mascots. A Westcoast Canuck Animal, softened up c/w big eyes, would appeal to any child around the world. The mascots are too Pokemon/Anime for me.

The Vanoc Managers have stumbled again. Seems to be a repetative habit. More millions wasted. I hope they have strong sales to justify my taxpayer dollars.




Posted November 28, 2007 06:04 PM
jim king (Victoria) wrote:

Who suggested the Bell Beavers?

Now there's an idea whose time has come. Bell Mobility was offering special deals for BC Liberals during and before the last provincial election. I see they're signed on as major sponsors on the little critters web pages --- somebody in marketing missed the boat on that one.

Norm MacDonald might actually be able to get people laughing about this farce.

Better luck next time Vanoc.

And four mascots - I mean really - one would have been more than enough...Maybe they could use them as cutouts for targets in the Biathlon.


Posted November 28, 2007 05:59 PM
Duncan (vancouver) wrote:

Of course the adults don't like them because they are not target for adults, they are targeted for kids. Yes, they do look like pokemons but anyone with kids would know that Pokemons are one of the hottest kids characters right. As an adult I would not buy Pokemons but I have to buy them for my kids. So, the same goes for these new mascots. How many of you (adults) have every been to an Zoo or Seaworld and personal bought a stuff animal for themselves. No, but you buy them for your kids.


Posted November 28, 2007 05:03 PM
roanna (vancouver) wrote:

I think the mascots are both cute and trendy, and they reflect the multicultural nature of Vancouver. Like it or not, cute little cartoon characters are very popular across the world at the moment. I believe that these characters are well-designed and will have appeal to the youth they are intended for regardless of culture.


Posted November 28, 2007 04:37 PM
Ray Camley (Port_Moody) wrote:

Why do we expect anything else from this gang? They have shown us that they have no idea what is good, bad or ugly. Ask 100 people, and 80 or more will say that these "mascots" are truly bad. Listening to the mainstream media, sounds like they have drank the kool-aid though, supporting their masters wishes. These Olympics people are pandering to a certain market, and to that end it shows to me that they are not the things that we hold to be true representations of out country's desires. Cute? Not really. Here is how this is going to work out..... They won't sell as many as they want. They will discount them away from our eyes, use lots of money for advertising these ugly things. Hide the cost within a budget, somewhere. Then report how well they are selling! Our dime, or should I say our dollars will be wasted again. The crap is running from the top. From Gordo down to Poole, and so on. Maybe gordo should worry more about his involvement in the “railgate”. Oops! Am I allowed to talk like that? Too late.


Posted November 28, 2007 04:25 PM
moonbug (northern_bc) wrote:

ridiculous....




Posted November 28, 2007 04:23 PM
Jamie Hill (Kelowna) wrote:

Just a short note to Rebecca from Ottawa. You stated that you're proud to be hosting the Olympics. Look at the map. You live in Ottawa. You aren't hosting the Olympics. The people of BC have been saddled with your Olympic dream and at last count, the majority of BC residents didn't want them.
You have no idea of our first nation issues, unsettled land claims, aboriginal poverty, suicide, substance abuse etc. The mascots' aboriginal association make a mockery of a delicate and unsettled situation.
BC has the highest child poverty in the country and the highest homelessness in the country, yet possesses a massive fiscal surplus due to an uncaring right wing government which feels more dedicated to making the rich richer. And now, the common citizen is going to pay for the rest of their lives through taxation to pay for this Olympic debacle. A spectacle by the rich for the rich.
But let’s be truthful. The majority of the people reject these stolen Japanese animated characters which have no connection to BC or to Canada. And the reason for that has nothing to do with the design of the characters, plain and simple, the majority of Canadians are rejecting the mascots because they are rejecting the Olympics.



Posted November 28, 2007 04:03 PM
Michael (Terrace_) wrote:

With all the amazing and moving First Nations artists throughout BC, it is ignorant to suggest these "toys" are anything related. They are terrible. I'm sure there is a more classy way to reach the young than these Pokemon knockoffs. I feel like we've been dumbed down.


Posted November 28, 2007 03:53 PM
Fred (Comox) wrote:

terrible choice/ escapees from a cheap video game.


Posted November 28, 2007 03:37 PM
DG (Vancouver) wrote:

Well, why not some creepy critter in a wheelchair who spouts invective like, "If you under-estimate me, I step on your throat and crush you!"?


Posted November 28, 2007 03:32 PM
Emma Kristensen (Surrey) wrote:

I am 13 years old and i like the new mascots. They show that Canada is a country that shares the traditions of others. Like the native Indians. The only thing I disagree with is the inukshuk as the official symbol i mean it would be great if the Olympics where in the Yukon or more in the higher northern regions but not B.C. Also for the people who don't like it VANOC stated that these mascots will be directed towards kids and if you still disagree you try making a mascot that will make everyone happy.


Posted November 28, 2007 03:23 PM
Ilia B. (Vancouver) wrote:

To me, it looks like Vicki Wong of Meomi (design studio who are the creators of these characters) didn't stray too far from the images more commonly seen on Nintendo video game covers, or in cartoons for kids aged 3-6. I'm sure these guys are qualified for kid shows and anime, but Olympics?...

Pity.




Posted November 28, 2007 03:14 PM
terry wong (port_hardy) wrote:

I think the new mascots are unimaginitive replicas of the Japanese Pokemon toys. We should be more creative. I have an idea that would be pertinent to the province of BC. How about "Taser Man"? Illustration to follow:


Posted November 28, 2007 03:03 PM
Shane (Vancouver) wrote:

I think the mascots designed are stolen from Japanese Artist Takashi Murakami. he had an art exhibit with Louis Vuitton at MOCA in LA Fall 2007


Posted November 28, 2007 03:02 PM
ravenskye (Vancouver_) wrote:

Hello
Didnt Louis Vuitton and Japanese Artist Takashi Murakami have these type of characters for their latest exhibition in Los Angelos at MOCA? I found their work on Fashion Television...........


Posted November 28, 2007 02:53 PM
Rebecca (Ottawa) wrote:

Let's get some Perspective. The mascots will NOT be the Legacy of the Vacouver 2010 Olympics. Nor Should they be. Mascots are meant just for fun...to amuse children, get the crowd going. How many people could, from memory, list the mascots from the last 10 Olympic games?!? Probably not many. But I could certainly tell you the locations of all of those games, and a fond memory to go along with it.

I just hope that we don't lose the true essence of the Olympic Spirit amongst all our criticizing and complaining. Because I for one am so proud and excited that we will be hosting these games.

And finally, for those saying how the mascots aren't representative enough...I turn to a few beloved NHL mascots. Does a Lion represent Ottawa? Or how about a POLAR Bear for Toronto?? And best of all...Youppi represents Montreal? Mascots are just for fun, plain and simple. If you don't like them, focus on something else about the games - like the Athletics! As far as I'm aware, No place has ever been made a "laughingstock" due to Olympic mascots, and Vancouver will certainly not be the First.


Posted November 28, 2007 02:38 PM
Brian (Kelowna) wrote:

Yikes. Sales will tell the true story. Too bad for the Bay and Zellers.




Posted November 28, 2007 02:25 PM
Harold (Abbotsford_BC) wrote:

WE SHould have had a new advertising company From Outset This one is pathetic.



Posted November 28, 2007 02:25 PM
Mark Fancher (DeepCove) wrote:

Somebody call Dick Pound! VANOC has a doping problem!


Posted November 28, 2007 02:25 PM
Barb (Vancouver) wrote:

Seriously, I agree with everyone here who dislikes these things and would like to point out that it wouldn't have had to be a "white & red moose/RC/beaver etc" stereotype to better represent our populace and what we have to offer the world.

In fact, I don't mind the "mythical" approach, but with a little more class, and a little more Canadian...

Turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.


Posted November 28, 2007 02:24 PM
Maureen (Northern_BC) wrote:

Maybe it is time to get the members of VANOC and the mascot design team to pee in a cup. Mind you if 'performance enhancing' drugs were actually found - then we were are left wondering what their true skill level must be. A three year old with some felt and glue could do better. How sad is that!


Posted November 28, 2007 02:24 PM
Jo Jo (Squamish_bc) wrote:

After listening carefully to other's comments, I concede there seems to be a sound marketing plan in place. Feed the kids (the intended target market) 3-D fluffy bunny stuffed animals crossed with Asian-style Saturday animation, right before the Christmas Holidays, the largest economic shopping boom of the year. Time will quickly show if these mascots are a good financial gamble or not, in spite of any negative comments.

However, insead of creating mascots that both fit the financial requirements AND expressed Canadian identity, I truly believe these VANOC mascots express Canada's LACK of identity, and our continuing decline into commercialism and the unremarkable sport of 'extreme' political correctness. So much of VANOC seems to be afraid of insulting anyone or being politically incorrect that these mascots must look like a very safe, if completely confusing, bet.

In terms of representation, instead of Canadians and First Nations winning out, NO ONE wins here--not 5th generation Canadians, not recent immigrants, and certainly not the First Nations. It seems unclear from VANOC whether the First Nations groups were in any manner consulted about the modification and selling of their history and traditions for marketing purposes.


Posted November 28, 2007 02:23 PM
glenn reece (prince_rupertbc) wrote:

your choices,you could not just pick a kermode bear on its own. instead you make up these ridicules characters.someone has too much time on there hands.




Posted November 28, 2007 02:04 PM
Haley (Toronto) wrote:

I'm a Vancouverite currently in Toronto working (art director in a major advertising agency) and frankly all your posts here make me sick and ashamed of home.

These mascots are amazing. They are a very good mix of aboriginal stories and modern design. I think all of you would moan and complain about ANYTHING! If it were a beaver or a moose it would be too cliche, a totem pole would be too native themed, national icons would be too serious.

It's fine to constructively criticize. It's not alright to make racist comments about aboriginal history or how "Japanese" the design is - especially when Vancouver's ethnic percentage is largely Asian.

Get over your stereotypical Canadian views and maybe instead of needlessly basing the mascots, make some suggestions.

You sound like you're all from Toronto!



Posted November 28, 2007 02:04 PM
Mike LaVigne (Space) wrote:

What about mascots that TRULY represent what it means to live in Vancouver? Like:

1. Taser: the crazed tourist killing RCMP bear

2. Hobo: the aggressive panhandling homeless bear

3. Drive-by: the gang-style assasination bear


Posted November 28, 2007 01:45 PM
Cole (Chilliwack) wrote:

These mascots are great. For everyone out there whining about how they're "too asian," or "too First Nations," maybe you should come out to British Columbia, drive around, and talk to people and experience the land. The Sasquatch is a strong part of West Coast--not just First Nations--mythology. Go check out a minor hockey game and see how many of the jerseys feature bears, whales, the Sasquatch, eagles, etc., all of which are featured in these mascots. And of course they're cutesy and aimed at children. What kind of adult loser pouts because the stuffed animal for the Olympics isn't what they wanted. Holy crap! Do you still suck your thumb and drink from a sippy cup? Get a life. The First Nations theme is great, as is the supernatural: the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, for those of us who live here and love it, is truly a land of sweeping natural beauty and magical transformation. Don't believe me? Drive the Trans Canada from Chilliwack to Hope on an early winter morning, or go for a hike in the North Shore mountains. But you'd have to get a life to do either of these things...


Posted November 28, 2007 01:26 PM
Kate (Victoria) wrote:

I'm 33 years old and I love them! They are unique, cute, totally reflective of current pop culture, colourful and i like the fact that there are three of them.

I hate to say it, but the comments on this board are the typical naysaying, narrow thinking, last generation bumph. What's wrong if they look like japanese anime, or like they could be in a video game? would the naysayers rather have that a mascot be chosen that has no attraction to persons under age 25?




Posted November 28, 2007 01:25 PM
Junior S. (Seattle) wrote:

I was planning on attending these Olympics when they come to Vancouver but unfortunatey there seems to have been a number of major errors with the planning.

For starters, the organizers valued secrecy and big media splashes over building consensus in the community by now allowing input from the public. In 1984's Olympics, Sarajevo put the final 6 design ideas to a vote and that's how they selected their mascot. I think that Sarajevo's mascot was and still is one of the best. This mascot was embraced by the community and it seen as fair since everyone got a say - it made the people seem more involved.

I'm sorry to say but the Olympics in Vancouver have been poorly organized - the organizers seem like they have the technical knowledge on how to make a great games (building great venues and upgrading roads) but they seem to be lacking in their ability to build support for it. If no one in the community supports the games then why hold it there in the first place?

By the way, I do not intend on visiting Vancouver anymore during the Olympics - the cost of the opening and closing ceremony tickets are way to expensive!


Posted November 28, 2007 01:22 PM
Tim (Vancouver) wrote:

The kids from Japan are going to love them. As for the rest of Canada, a beer can with arms would have been better. Who makes this stuff?


Posted November 28, 2007 01:21 PM
TAP (Vancouver) wrote:

I showed a picture of the mascots to my 3 1/2 year old this morning: Her interpretation was "Look, a kittycat (Miga), 2 Monkeys (Sumi and Quatchi) and an Acorn (mukmuk)! Do you think the monkeys will eat the kitty?"

I sure hope so.


Posted November 28, 2007 01:15 PM
Meredith (Vancouver) wrote:

I don't understand comments along the lines of "stealing from First Nations culture." It's not their culture exclusively, it's OUR culture. We all share in the cultre of First Nations people, just as we do with Japanese people and all the other wonderful cultures that we represent here in BC. I find the mascots' representation of First Nations mythology created with a Japanese Anime flare to be way more appropriate for BC than other people's suggestions of a "puck or Johnny Canuck"




Posted November 28, 2007 01:06 PM
Kristina (BC) wrote:

The mascots don't even match up with the logo for 2010? The Native image that we saw at first and what was supposed to be the leading idea, looks awkward against them (which I say, will only benefit in the retail value aspect.)

It's embarrassing, especially for a Country that takes pride in it's roots and values. We're selling out!


Posted November 28, 2007 01:04 PM
david (roberts_creek) wrote:

what do ya'll expect? the olympics are all about money. period. end of story. what's the biggest demographic who not only live in vancouver but who will be visiting bc? japanese and asians in general. the creaters were right "on the money" with these products.

and yes, these are products, and we are nothing but consumers in their eyes.

personally, i would have preferred a mountie tasering a beaver smoking some bc bud. way more representative of vancouver, dontcha think?

now go out and get a life.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:59 PM
Mjenks (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

Wow, what a bunch of whiners we have in BC. Lighten up! They're fun, cute mascots that are for the children of this province to enjoy. Simple as that.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:54 PM
Jay Jarman (Victoria) wrote:

Three words come to mind regarding the three mascots. Lame, weak and embarassing. Surely with all British Columbia and Canada represent a more artistic and innovative effort could have been put forward.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:53 PM
Joy P (North_York_Ontario) wrote:

I am absolutely disgusted and shocked with these three mascots. What an absolute disgrace to our beautiful and rich Aboriginal culture in Canada. How are we supposed to explain to the world what these three Pokemon-like characters are when we don't even know?
Nice to know that VANOC, the Bay and Meomi Design (from Vancouver) are laughing all the way to the bank. Simply awful - they should be ashamed of themselves.
These are so far removed from being Canadian or Aboriginal - they aren't any reflection of the games at all.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:44 PM
Erica Virtue (Victoria_BC) wrote:

The new mascots have no class. They're incredibly tacky and are not representative of British Columbia or Vancouver.




Posted November 28, 2007 12:39 PM
Ha Ha (Vancouver) wrote:

Canadians have humour! Canadian humour is homegrown.
We also export it - many top comedians in America are Canadian.
I compiled the funniest mascot comments and sent them to foreigners so they too could enjoy the real thing.
The mascots are a joke - but they've provoked even more.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:26 PM
Ivy (Vancouver) wrote:

After the inukshuk Debacle I was surprised they turned out so well.

LOVE the new mascots.
Vancouver is urban, contemporary and multicultural. I appreciate the use of the native elements. Mascots should appeal to children (FUN!) and I think these do exactly that. Brings alot more appeal to the games. A serious mascot would be BORING. Haven't we had enough eagles and orcas?

I can't wait to get the plushies. The shirt will be swag I'll actually wear. Way to go.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:26 PM
Neil Boyd (not the SFU Professor) (Burnaby) wrote:

Although there are complaints about the negative comments people are posting here, the reality is they should be.

The mascots represent a huge financial cost and risk for the games. Developing the mascots and their supporting marketing material has costed well into the millions and if the public and tourist do no take to them then Canadians are on the hook for paying for excessive marketing material (souveniers, sweaters, etc) that do not sell.

So far VANOC has taken a pounding at the cash register for the Olympic gear. Even though HBC initially started off strong with the sale of Olympic related gear the demand quickly fell off after they realized that the gear was being purchased by people who either work for or are affiliated with the games (i.e. sponsors). In fact, HBC has reported very weak sales of Olympic clothing and gear since the initial launch.

The cost is wrapped up VANOC's budget - if you read the budget, they have anticipated that royalties and commissions from the sale of Olympic related clothing and gear will make up a considerable amount of their revenue. If this fails then we are on the hook for potential shortfalls.




Posted November 28, 2007 12:24 PM
Rod S (Canada) wrote:

I like them - my daughter, who's 9 loves them - so what's the problem? - Not everything has to be....

..about Vancouver or BC - these are Canada's games - can most of the posters tell me which juristiction in Japan, Nagano is without consulting Wikipedia?

..about making a social commentary or leading us into a guilt trip about Vancouver's or B.C.'s many problems - no place is perfect and there are many forums to address these issues - not through a bunch of plush toys.

..about the expense - these mascots are supposed to (will likely be successful in) generating money to help fund the Olympic games. I don't think that every Webkinz my daughter wants is the ultimate in cuteness - but that's not the point - if the kids like them (and many do) and they get them - that's all that really matters...

..about being a cliche about Canada - I mean if you want that - then we might as well have plush Bob and Doug McKenzie dolls complete with a plush 24 of beer and a plush carton of Player's Light...The beaver and moose thing has been done to death. I'm personally getting tired when I travel around and meet up with someone who thinks that I have a pet beaver, play hockey, live in an igloo and say eh? all the time.

...about showing ourselves to the world in such a perfect manner - just read my paragaph above!


Posted November 28, 2007 12:20 PM
Anthony Adams (Prince_Rupert) wrote:

This is very interesting. These are based on Aboriginal mythical creatures; who gave permission to use these stories? Will there be royalties given? This is further exploitation of aboriginal resources. Or have they been changed just enough so that they won't have to pay royalties? I am outraged at this.


Posted November 28, 2007 12:12 PM
ryan (vancouver) wrote:

I think people will complain about anything, these are supposed to appeal to kids, so why not ask them. some say they are not "canadian"enough. if it were a moose or a bear the complaint would be that it is a typical and dull. Perhaps the designers should have stuck with the tried and true.... How about Olympic Ernie...a figure skating talking robot?

Just proves that you can never make everyone happy.




Posted November 28, 2007 12:10 PM
Dan (Vancouver) wrote:

Made in CHINA????? between $25 - $100??? dont support that!!!! im digusted, what a joke they look like pokemon or hello kitty. I will never support VANOC...


Posted November 28, 2007 12:03 PM
JN (Vancouver) wrote:

No! No! No!

VANOC get back to the drawing board and do the job you are being paid to do. This mascot "proposal" is a cop-out and deserves far greater consideration than what you have presented here.

If this is the best of your marketing team's insight, creative skill, and basic attempt at connecting a mascot and symbol to the (Vancouver) Olympic games, then I want an entire reimbursement of my tax dollars that are being used to support the event, because clearly you aren't qualified to do the job!

Get your creative minds back in the boardroom and start over. You still have time. "Strike one!"

Good luck!


Posted November 28, 2007 11:58 AM
Wayne Cornish (Calgary) wrote:

It's just plain SAD. What were the VANOC team thinking, or what were they smoking. These cheap stupid looking, made in China imitations of Japanese cartoon figures. Clear the smoke out of the room and do a sanity check VANOC. Can we also expect that all the 2010 Olympic trinkets and junk will be hand crafted in China incorporating the usual toxic amounts of lead paint and other toxic or biohazardous chemicals as is the common practice in that country!


Posted November 28, 2007 11:56 AM
Anthony (Edmonton) wrote:

BOOOOOOOO!



Posted November 28, 2007 11:52 AM
allan (kamloops) wrote:

The only thing more cheesy than these three pathetic, but expensive souvenirs is the gushing and geeing of the mainstream media.

It's sad enough we tax payers are on the hook for this junk and much more, so why do you insist on embarrassing us as well?


Posted November 28, 2007 11:40 AM
Steve A. (Whister) wrote:

The real test for acceptance of these mascots will be at the cash register. Lets see if they get snapped up or gather dust.

As for the entire 2010 experience so far I would have to say native peoples are way over exposed. Enough already. The Olympic games are supposed to be about international sports. Would it be possible to return to this basic premise?





Posted November 28, 2007 11:36 AM
Neil Williams (Vancouver) wrote:

Canada doesn't have enough real wild animals to use as mascots?
They had to come up with some crazy hybrid animals and mythical creatures? What's wrong with a plain old bear? Or just an eagle or hawk? Also people that think these cartoons like like japanimation does NOT mean they are racists.


Posted November 28, 2007 11:35 AM
Judie Tang (Burnaby) wrote:

I like hello kitty so the mascots are fine with me. But of course these mascots are not that appealing to me if it is for Olympics game!


Posted November 28, 2007 11:27 AM
GC (Saskatoon) wrote:

The mascots have no class, a borrowed style, nothing that's readily identifiable with Canada (or British Columbia or Vancouver), and nothing that is representative of Canadians as a whole. In my opinion they're a complete, total, and utter failure.

But it doesn't really matter because since the 1980's the Olympic Games has been an irrelevant and over-commercialized scam which does little but waste obscene amounts of taxpayer money, inconvenience the public, and inflate the egos of organisers all under the convenient thin veil of "sport".




Posted November 28, 2007 11:26 AM
Amber (innipeg) wrote:

I love them! Already they have come under fire which I think is a shame. Before you judge them please remember these are mascots representing a sporting event that stands for peace, harmony and friendship through the participation of sports. I like how each character was inspired by mythological characters from the local First Nations. I think these mascots capture the spirit of the Vancouver Olympics as well as well as incorporating the cultural history of Canada. I find these mascots much better than the teddy bears Calgary had for the 1988 Winter Games. What were people expecting the mascots to be? Something more aggressive which may frighten children or offend the different cultures or religions who are participating in the games?


Posted November 28, 2007 11:26 AM
Matt Parks (Saint_John_New_Brunswick) wrote:

I think they look Japanese. Which would be cool if the Olympics were being held in Japan, but they're not. I'm not surprised though, I mean they did steal the symbol from the Nunavut flag. How many Inuit live in Vancouver anyway?


Posted November 28, 2007 11:24 AM
Mandeep Singh (Surrey) wrote:

My child was part of the mascot unveiling yesterday and he said that he did not like them. His classmates didn't like them either. They thought the unveiling was "lame" and "boring" and did not appeal to them at all but he said that the grown ups there seemed really excited about them.


Posted November 28, 2007 11:18 AM
Ken Ohrn (Vancouver) wrote:

I am so very pleased that so much work by the Olympic committee adheres to the Olympic ideal of amateurness.


Posted November 28, 2007 11:12 AM
Talent Pun (Vancouver) wrote:

The mascots aren't embarrassing. It's the lack of taste on display here that is embarrassing. The average Canadian thinks they have something intelligent to say about everything, but at the end of the day they don't know what they are about or what they like.

Based on the comments, it seems like most Canadians imagined Robert Bateman watercolour paintings of beavers, moose and maple leafs as our ambassadors. You know, the kind of thing you'd find on a commemorative coin or collectible plate. Unfortunately, the median demographic of Canada isn't your powdered white 72 year-old grandmother. If the final mascots WERE along these lines, I can assure you, they would be protested for being kitschy, clichéd and anachronistic.

The mascots that were approved are whimsical, original, touch on interesting albeit obscure Canadian mythology, and executed in contemporary global style that will appeal to both national and international audiences. They aren't hands-down perfect but they're much better than I thought they'd be, and better than most of the suggestions that have been made here. They actually have personality. Unlike, judging by our reactions, actual Canadians.


Posted November 28, 2007 11:10 AM
mike (saint_john) wrote:



horrible. what do those three awful little creatures have to do with
Canada or winter sports?



Posted November 28, 2007 10:57 AM
Melissa (Burnaby) wrote:

I think these mascots don't look like what they're supposed to represent (except quatchi).
I think if I was First Nations, I would be outraged. To me it would be the equivalent of someone turning Moses (or other persons from the bible) into a cartoon characters and plastering it all over the place.
First nations myths and legends are like religion, don't mess with it. Their ancient beliefs can't be bought and sold, not even by VANOC.


Posted November 28, 2007 10:54 AM
Brooke (TERRACE_BC) wrote:

They have to be joking. I know I already hate the Olympics coming to BC but this is beyond unacceptable. I can not imagine any worse mascots than these ones. They do NOT represent BC or the people of BC. They are all cartoon characters and not very attractive ones at that. It appears that retailing these mascots to kids was more important than choosing a sophisticated and meaningful representation of BC. Go figure at all the secrecy to protect these ugly little characters.



Posted November 28, 2007 10:52 AM
jamie (langly) wrote:

why do all of you think the mascots are bad? they are for kids not adults. lots of kids like them and lots of parents to.so why do you think there bad?



Posted November 28, 2007 10:49 AM
DGBear (Vancouver) wrote:

Why not Condo, the leaky mascot? A small box covered with mould and draped in a blue tarp. It would, of course, be followed by Sue-Me, the lawyer mascot.


Posted November 28, 2007 10:42 AM
Sunhee (Surrey_BC) wrote:

Where's original creativity? Who would think these mascots represent BC, CANADA? Besides they look similar to the mascots for 2008 Beijing Olympics. I wonder how much VANOC paid Meomi for this. The face of "Miga" almost looks like the face of "Hello Kitty". Is the 2010 Olympics taking place in Japan??




Posted November 28, 2007 10:37 AM
Jerry (Surrey) wrote:

These characters don't appeal to me at all. I can believe that kids would make fun of others who have those 'q' mascots on their shirts.



Posted November 28, 2007 10:35 AM
Jonathan (Vancouver) wrote:

Well, already I've heard the 10 year olds at the bus stop shouting CROTCHY! CROTCHY! CROTCHY! *incessant giggling*
Personally I think a mascot called CROTCHY is appropriate for our 2010 fiasco. Sort of reminds us about our bed bug epedemic. WELCOME to Vancouver!!!!!


Posted November 28, 2007 10:35 AM
Heather (White_Rock) wrote:

Just wondering - are they being manufactured in China like the rest of the "official Canadian" Olympic merchandise on sale?


Posted November 28, 2007 10:31 AM
Dave (Qualicum_beach_BC) wrote:

I think the "mascots" really have nothing to identify them with Canada. They look like Japanese characters. My daughter and her friends all think they look similar to the Hello Kitty Japanese cartoon characters.

What is wrong with a truly Canadian character, maybe updated to what other countries see as Canadian? Maybe the RCMP Bear in his red tunic, complete with a little Taser at the ready?


Posted November 28, 2007 10:30 AM
kent (victoria) wrote:




I am dissapointed that no native artistic influences are even remotely visible. The native people are the history of this land, I am dissapointed that from a visual prespective they are ignored. The animals may appeal to 2-5 year olds, but its waaaay to lame for even a 10 year old... Mascots should be chosen for their appearance, to ALL ages, and not because research results found positive reactions. Man did we drop the ball on this or what!!?


Posted November 28, 2007 10:26 AM
Matt (Victoria) wrote:

Not only are "Sumi, Quatchi, and Miga" the most odd choices for names I think I have ever heard... but the Olympic symbol of a rock formation doesn't really speak to me as being particularly symbolic of BC. Now this, hyperactive Asian cartoon characters also do not speak to me as a BC resident as representing our culture very accurately.


Posted November 28, 2007 10:26 AM
Anne () wrote:

I think these mascots are an example of cultural appropriation, which is one step along the way to genocide. In addition they are insulting and derogatory to the legends and stories of the Original people e.g. Thunderbird is not a cuddly teddy bear with green bat wings and a green space helmet with cones. Naming that creature "Sumi" (sue me?) appears to me to be a joke and in very poor taste. These creatures misinform and misrepresent.

How do these creatures represent Canadian culture and the Olympics? I can't imagine that Canadians (British Columbians) want it demonstrated to the world that they have no culture of their own and must appropriate ideas and designs from others.


Posted November 28, 2007 10:23 AM
Scotty S. (Delta) wrote:

I like them a lot! The mascots are "with the times", much like our country on the world stage. Sure beats a beaver in a red serge!


Posted November 28, 2007 10:18 AM
Anonymous (London_England) wrote:

I feel like I'm being patronized by the Olympics. The Olympics! How the fathers of these games must be rolling in their graves.


Posted November 28, 2007 10:08 AM
Doug Morley (Bradenton_Florida_USA) wrote:

There will always those who criticize the efforts of others. I think the trio chosen is just fine. I can't understand why some folks want the drug problem emphasized - these are Olympics mascots aren't they? And anyway, the poor old moose and beaver are getting careworn!
Doug Morley


Posted November 28, 2007 10:07 AM
George (Burnaby) wrote:

I think it's too bad that the mascots chosen weren't more representative of modern life in Vancouver. Of course, more representative mascots could cause some objections too - I'm thinking of an anthropomorphic marijuana joint in Lululemon yoga outfit and a giant walking talking Starbucks cup...




Posted November 28, 2007 10:06 AM
ilupaalik (Igloolik_Nunavut) wrote:

"...are inspired by traditional First Nations creatures." Which First Nations in which part of the country?
As an Inuk in Northern Canada, the only one I can almost sort of relate to is Miga, whom I would can think of as Takannaaluk (known to you as Sedna).
As for your Inuksuk (my inuksugaq), you can expect unenduring frustrations before the games, during the games and after the games. The outstretched arms of the inuksugaq tell me and my elders that there are bad vibes close to the area and the inuksugaq in that position is a warning us to stay away.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:57 AM
Tara Williamson (Victoria_BC) wrote:

The capacity of the Olympic Committee (with endorsement from the government) to continually disrespectfully appropriate indigenous culture does not cease to amaze me. It is all fine and good to appropriate culture for the purposes of the games, but, apparently, there's nothing against violating land claims and aboriginal rights in the name of Olympics. Shame on the Committee for misrepresenting the real state of "multiculturalism." For indigenous people, multiculturalism has come to mean cartoon characters and injustice.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:56 AM
Johnny Johnsen (Powell_River_BC) wrote:

I really dig these little suckers. There`ll be plenty of `em under my kids Christmas tree you betcha! A "Tony the Taser" character could have perhaps represented " who we are" a tad better..but hey nobodies perfect!


Posted November 28, 2007 09:54 AM
John Patrick (Vancouver) wrote:

What wonderful mascots! Colourful, cheerful, unique and cuddly. The actual plushy toys have bright eyes and are super soft. Miga, Quatchi and Sumi integrate what BC is all about: a place with ancient history and tradition, wild natures, and a vibrant, diverse migrant nation that includes people of all colours.

I've bought a bunch for my nieces and nephews. And for me. They are smashingly good!

And the miserable misanthropes' petty snarks and armchair racism don't represent the BC in which I live. Losers.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:52 AM
braxton (aurora_ON) wrote:

Wow!




Do these come on a mini back-pack or trading cards?

The 2010 Olympics, sponsored by "Hello Kitty". Maybe there should be an event for Pokemon collectors.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:50 AM
Steve (Richmond) wrote:

The new mascots are an embarrasment. They look like a cross between Hello Kitty and South Park. Not only would I not buy one, I wouldn't have one if they were giving them away. It's pretty obvious they were designed by a committee...


Posted November 28, 2007 09:49 AM
T Wedgewood (Toronto) wrote:

Not much in the way of support for these critters - of all the things in the news to get passionate about, I'm rather surprised this is it. They're animated mascots, they're supposed to look sort of cutsie and dumb - and to appeal the the Hello Kitty set with AMEX Gold cards. At least a decision was made as to how they should look. There seems to be much 'Canadian identity' worry about this. Well, as the story goes, they appear to be some derivative of First Nations folklore. Here are some Canadian Content suggestions for the critics: Mascots who cannot commit to anything and apologize for everything -they could be called Wish and Wash, A Bob & Doug Mackenzie type team - though stoners (it is the west coast) instead of alcoholics. Moose, beavers, mounties and geese are all worn out images of Canada. What about some Louis Riel-type trappers - influential in the expansion of the Dominion of Canada, however not so loved by the PETA crowd, therefore difficult to sell. Clearcutting lumberjacks? Strip Mining oil sands employees? Watershed Flooding Hydro Employees? Fish Farmers covered in sea lice?
It's easy to sit and say something stinks, but I haven't seen too many alternative suggestions. Also, try looking at other world stage event mascots. I'm sure you'll see that they too were cutsie and dumb.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:47 AM
Lee (BC) wrote:




I think the mascots are a success. I love that they are a combination of different creatures and myths from first nations. For me this represents the spirit of Canada that I also believe in. And their cute 'Japanime' look is also a success for me and will be a hit with the kids I believe.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:44 AM
Bill (Winnipeg) wrote:

They look great. Can't wait to see what the costumes will look like. The Sasquatch will be a huge hit, especially for foreign visitors, as it evokes the mysterious and vast Canadian forests.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:43 AM
Jim (North_Vancouver) wrote:

I showed them to my 3 year old. He loved them. He particularily liked Miga. We went to 2010Vancouver.com and played some of the games. He loved them too. I expect he will want to have a Miga doll or t-shirt, or something.

I, on the other hand, don't like them. They do not, for me, represent Vancouver, or Canada for that matter. But then I am a 4th generation Vancouverite of European ancestry.

I expect the target market for these mascot's, and the Olympics for that matter, are not North American's. We'll all be watching them on TV (or not at all).


Posted November 28, 2007 09:39 AM
murray macdonald (Regina_Saskatchewan) wrote:

I feel the Modern olympics should symbolize international cooperation and the epitome of human physical development. As such any symbols or mascots associated with or used to represent the games should carry with them a certain dignity and pride in the millenias old tradition of the game.




Posted November 28, 2007 09:36 AM
vitor (vancouver) wrote:

They Suck. Has nothing to do with canada even considering the fact they were based on native myth creatures.
i bet the natives are sticking their heads in a hole somewhere from so much embarrassment.. i know i am.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:33 AM
Matt905 (Niagara) wrote:

This is just another stunt to publicly say first nations are important to us; without any real social back up.
we've ridden the backs of first nations (as our a represenitive of "Canadian Identity") long enough. We let them live in the slums with no support and only pull out the first nations identity card when it suits us.
Canada is multi cultural, not just Native/Aisian.... Let's find something that actually represents all of us. I don't want to be represented by First Nation specific merchandise any more.

What ever happend to the bever/moose/goose......??????


Posted November 28, 2007 09:28 AM
Kyra Slubowski (Prince_Rupert_BC) wrote:

As an asain-cultured inspired artist. (read: I draw anime.) I'm actually really offended by these mascots.

While I draw anime, and I have a fondness for asian culture, I am first and foremost a Canadian. I love my country. And while we have a large asian population that resides in Vancouver, they are Canadian too.

I find these mascots to be derogitory towards the asian culture, native culture, Canadians of all ethnicities, and simply completely ridiculous.




The Olympics committee should disolve them, and assign another studio, or local artist, to create something that more accurately represent the Canadian culture.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:28 AM
Mark (Deep_Cove) wrote:

Take one part legislated multiculturalism, one part political correctness – the modern, sanitary kind, not the original icky, communist variety – fold in lots of dough (yours and mine, who else would pay for this shlock?) garnish with fabricated back-stories, a sprinkling of school children and serve to an obedient public trained to support the games of 2010. Okay, so it wasn't the ice fisher or walking inukshuk that I was certain these over-paid numbskulls would come up with... none the less I'm completely offended by Sumi's bad knock-off of west coast native design (wrong colours for our heritage too, my brothers, check your sources), grossed out by the cross breeding of orca and bear. C'mon, give yourself the mental picture of a bear and an orca doing the nasty. And that fin cowlick on the little (don't kid yourselves) Panda bear is worse than absurd, it looks like a management added after thought. And as for the sasquatch character... Oh, dear. It would appear that there is a real serious doping problem with the Olympic organizers right here in Vancouver.
I'm still waiting for a reason to like these games... I guess that'll come in 2011 when everybody's pointing fingers blaming everybody else for the financial, athletic, cultural and public relations failure of the "Games". I'll bet these organizers are making good bucks, eh? They're certainly not wasting any money on design...




Posted November 28, 2007 09:25 AM
Michael Le Couteur (Victoria_British_Columbia) wrote:

They are hideous and are not representative of Canada or B.C.

The Calgary ones at least were Polar Bears and somewhat Canadian.

Just Hideous are these.

Asian anime/pokemon are not on the top of my Canadian content list.

More VANOC stupidity and total disrespect with regard to the First Nations.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:25 AM
Roberta (Vancouver) wrote:

I agree with Josh. He put it well. I thought a mascot was supposed to be simple to for kids to draw, easy to recognize, and representative of the event and the host of the event. These mascots are taking advantage of Europe's romance with First Nations culture to market them, rather than incorporate them. I don't feel that there was any sense of respect for the First Nations cultures (or any other resident BC cultures) put in to these creatures at all. I keep hearing emphasis on how people's kids will love them, so they will sell easily. Is it just about money? If these mythical creatures were real, would they have been proud to see all the construction (read as "destruction") in the Callaghan valley, the increased traffic, the increased garbage, infrastructure, clearing of more trees for more winter events, trampling of the land by millions of spectators, left-over ghost town afterwards, and uber-commercialization of their traditional home? Where's the respect now? Any why do they look like Pokemon? Pokemon is incredibly cute, yes. However, I don't remember ever seeing Pokemon in First Nations art. Perhaps Whistler will erect fake story poles of Pokemon to trick the less-familiar tourists that this is really an accurate representation of local First Nations culture. After all, isn't it all about money anyway (sarcasm)? That's my rant. I feel better now.


Suggestions: The Bell beavers are simple, memorable, and easily recognizable, and don't require a guide book to explain their life stories, hopes, and dreams. They can also play off each other well for comedy sketches during performances and otherwise awkward moments on stage. Their dialogue is great, and they can certainly be softened up to appeal to kids, and pumped full of olympic enthusiasm. Incorporate First Nations consultation in to the design (I have a hard time believing that was done).

I'll stop now so someone else can post. I like reading the variety of opinions here.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:24 AM
Ashley (Vancouver) wrote:

I gave 2 drawings to color from the website to my 2 and 4 year old girls. My 4 year old immediately traded to get Miga, they both had fun coloring then she asked to sleep with her colored page of "the bear". Wow what a massive failure!


Posted November 28, 2007 09:24 AM
Jeff (Langley) wrote:

Is it any wonder that one of the two designers is Japanese.

No wonder they came up with 4 different ones. Because they knew we wouldn't like them as evidenced by the preceding list of comments.(throw mud at the wall and see if at least some of it sticks . . . ) But they didn't care as they are only there to make money and appease the off shore visitors who will be the only ones to buy the stupid things. One more "welcoming tool" to entice them and their money to come back and buy up what's left of my home.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:20 AM
V Johnson (Ottawa) wrote:

It would help if canadian citizens identified with Native Art and culture more, however with our public school systems not teaching real canadian history for the past 40 years no wonder canadians don't realize that these images come from our own history!


I like them. At least now our own citizens will be educated!


Posted November 28, 2007 09:19 AM
g west (Victoria) wrote:

Nice to see the bureau of public affairs has signed on with a few (a very few) positive comments...

This is truly pathetic - from the best place on earth too.

The Olympic licence plates (there's another boondoggle) still have the Inukshuk logo - will the new, "updated" plates have Pikachu derivaties in three of the other four corners?
Shameful and embarrassing.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:18 AM
John (ottawa) wrote:

Why not Rusty the Rooster and Jerome the Giraffe from the friendly Giant show now that the CBC can't use them any more. At least they are Canadian icons.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:16 AM
DL (Alberta) wrote:


Why do the Olympics even need mascots?


Posted November 28, 2007 09:16 AM
Kevin (Ottawa) wrote:

You've all got way too much time on your hands, if you're complaining about these characters. Lighten up everyone.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:15 AM
Gord (Surrey) wrote:

Reading these comments makes me realize that BC must me chock full of cry baby racists and no-fun losers with zero civic pride.
Get a life people. They are just mascots.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:15 AM
Amy (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm not a huge fan of anything associated with the olympics (including these mascots), but I did expect the CBC to do a little bit of a better job screening racist comments. People are quick to say "lay off the First Nations theme! It doesn't represent me!!" but then generally have no real suggestions as to what might "represent more people".


Even if VANCOC was trying to make this round of Olympics represent all BC residents, I think they'd be pretty hard-pressed. The province we live in is both geographically and culturally vast and no number of complaints will change that fact.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:13 AM
Joe (100_Mile_House) wrote:

Imagine the disappointment on the faces of the kids that receive these for a gift. I wonder where they are being made? I think they are awful and do not reflect our province in any way.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:13 AM
Oakleydog (Ottawa) wrote:

"I think they're great" (Tony The Tiger)
"I'm Lovin' It" (Ronald McDonald)
If the above two mascots give them their praise then I think all of Canada should as well. Now bring on the stereotypes for the opening cermonies. I want lots of drumming, mounds of snow, pelts being traded, igloos, tee-pee's, mounties, Bob & Doug McKenzie, Stompin' Tom singing...an aray of pop-culture related items we've been trying to get rid of should be showcased world-wide. Give the people what they want.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:13 AM
ROBERT E. KAISER (Campbell_River) wrote:

This is more of the crass commercialism I have come to expect from the 2010 Olympic Committee et al. From the very outset business interests have controlled the agenda to the exclusion of mostly everything else.
More appropriate mascots would be a couple of stylized turkey vultures circling the body of a wasted indifferent taxpayer. Put me in the disgusted and fed up column.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:11 AM
Mike (Toronto) wrote:


Most of the negative comments basically boil down to "not white enough/too asian/too first nations" or "too cutesy". To the first group- suck it up, it's the Vancouver olympics, Vancouver has one of the largest Asian populations in the country, and First Nations totem poles and totem animals are a world-renowned symbol of the area. Calgary had their olympics and if you don't remember Hidy and Howdy, look them up. To the second group- just be glad we didn't get the Beijing mascots.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:11 AM
Chris (Calgary) wrote:

Thats terrible.
Why not use some "real" animals" like orcas amd spirit bears, something that actaully has some heritage on the west coast, not something a grade 3 can create.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:09 AM
Mark (Kingston) wrote:

How many of you actually read the bid? Any time it mentioned the culture or theme of the Games it referenced the influences First Nations and the rest of the world have on Vancouver (conveniently located halfway between Asia and Europe). Is it any surprise they followed through with something that helped their bid?

Most Olympic mascots are terrible. At least these can't be any worse than Izzy.



Posted November 28, 2007 09:09 AM
Yves (Ottawa) wrote:

The sasquatch is fine but I'm really not impressed with the Pokemon knockoffs. They do look like the cheap japanese animations on TV.

What about having a Moose, Beaver, Bear, or Mountie in there to show what Canada really is?


Posted November 28, 2007 09:08 AM
JP (Ottawa) wrote:

Enough with the First Nations already!


Posted November 28, 2007 09:08 AM
susan (Vancouver) wrote:

The mascots do not appeal to me at all. I will not be buying any Olympic merchandise. The Olympics should be about sport, and excellence in sport. This is crass commercialism. Think about the greenhouse gases which will be produced in the manufacture and transportation of these unnecessary items.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:05 AM
Rene May (Lethbridge_AB) wrote:

Incredibly stupid and if they go ahead with this stupid looking "things" that have nothing to do with Canada, we will be the laughing stock of the whole world. We will be remembered as idiots. Now lets put our heads together and come up with new maskots that will show Canada as a nation of god will ambassadors, and not some drug crazed lunatic who could not hold a job if he/she tried.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:04 AM
Jennifer Ridley (Coquitlam) wrote:


I asked my 8 year daughter and her friends if they liked the new mascots and surprisingly she said no. When I asked them if they would wear an olympic t-shirt they all said no because the other kids would make fun of them and pick on them.

I was kind of shocked to hear this but I understood once my kids showed me an online discussion board that they visit. It talks about the Olympics and other social issues. I was very impressed because the comments on the Olympics, at least from what these kids have been posting, is that the Olympics will "make Vancouver crowded and more people will make it dirty because they throw their garbage everywhere." Moreover they talk about how they have to move away from their friends because "their parents have to move to a smaller community" (which my daughter told me means that they are "poor" and have to move away to a cheaper place). I am very surprised by this because the comments touch on adult issues but from a kid perspective. I think the VANOC organizers should do some mroe research.


Posted November 28, 2007 09:04 AM
Fritz Freleng (Calgary_AB) wrote:

Well here are the three final nails in the coffin of our Canadian Identity (whatever that is). As if it wasn't dumb enough having a winter olympics in a place that doesn't actually have "winter", then that strange pile o'rocks (Inukshuk) that really should be used for the Yellowknife Olympics... and now the invasion of oriental cartoon characters. It's like Trey Parker meets Galaxy Quest: Herro Hans Brix!
Does anybody actually remember what it is to be Canadian? Remember when we had an identity and were proud of it (before we became so politically correct as to neuter ourselves into a vanilla mess of everything to everybody)?


Posted November 28, 2007 09:03 AM
Alan (Vancouver) wrote:

They are fine with me. Cannot understand why people are saying they are Japanese characters, has anyone looked at cartoons of late on TV with their kids ??? Almost all characters ( Japanese or North American ) look similar to this type of theme. Kids will love them, they represent Canada well and look great. If they use a certain cartoon theme that is prevalent today, what is the problem ???




Posted November 28, 2007 08:53 AM
Abby (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

What a disappointment! They look like Japanese cartoon characters and certainly don't accurately show some of our wonderful iconic animals. And why did they have to be made abroad? The money spent in China could have better been spent here. VANOC just wants to recoup its (overbudget) expenses; it's all about money.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:50 AM
mike (vancouver) wrote:

very disappointed


Posted November 28, 2007 08:41 AM
Sharon (LangleyBC) wrote:

Again we are pandering to one group of people and not representing BC as a whole. I am sick of it! I am almost afraid to see what they will come up with for the opening and closing ceremonies.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:36 AM
Jack Gibson (Prince_George) wrote:

Did anybody else notice that there wasn't a word about sport in any of the media coverage? It was all money money money merchandising merchandising merchandising.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:35 AM
Hu Gadarn (Van) wrote:

Hey - it took 7 whole comments before someone brought up the 'racism' card! I think we might be growing up as a society!



Posted November 28, 2007 08:34 AM
Eric (Coquitlam) wrote:

I don't see any of these characters as representative of Canada. How about Peter Puck, Rusty the Rooster, and Casey ?

Eric.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:32 AM
Warren (Regina) wrote:

All the commentary about the mascots being racist, or not racist, is besides the point. The mascots look commercialized and unprofessional. That should be the main point. But, in their defense, has there ever been a set of olympic mascots that didn't look commercialized and unprofessional?


Posted November 28, 2007 08:32 AM
John (Ottawa) wrote:

Get a grip people, these are mascots for children, by children, period.

They're just a couple of cute little characters, it's truly ridiculous that people would get so pissed off and worked up about nothing.

Shame on you for turning them into political fodder.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:29 AM
Shawn (Burnaby) wrote:

Stop wasting my tax dollars.

How about taking all the cash they're wasting on the olympics and put it into healthcare, police, social programs and education.

Has everyone forgotten the aftermath of Expo?


These mascots are terrible, worse than the "care bears" that Calgary got stuck with for their winter olympics.

Shawn


Posted November 28, 2007 08:23 AM
Liam Collins (Antigonish_NS) wrote:

I get the sense that a lot of people feel "left out" by the First Nations theme in the mascots. Although the design hardly makes up for this, they probably felt pretty left out at one point too, like the last 400 years, or something.
As for the people who say they are "too Asian" have you ever been to Vancouver? Those cultures are a major part of the city, and indeed of all of Canada. What would we put for North American culture in the mascots, a Starbucks latte and a palm pilot in their hands?
Great mascots, very very west coast, which makes sense why other Canadians don't get it. Remember, it's Vancouver's games, not Ottawa's.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:22 AM
A. Rudson (Squamish_BC) wrote:

I see nothing whatsoever to indicate anything Canadian or West Coast in these mascots. We have an extremely rich First Nations presence out here on the Coast and if these are the best the Olympic Committee can do to reflect this heritage and all of Canada then, once more, I am sorely disappointed with VANOC. All I can do is shake my head but we'll see what the rest of Canada thinks.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:18 AM
mark peters (Halifax) wrote:

Why didn't the committee choose a few objective symbols that identify the whole of Canada, e.g. moose, loon, beaver, maple leaf? Instead, the committee seems to have gone on a native mythology/animal-god-pantheon tangent. Is there some sort of appeasement or abasement philosophy at work here?


Vancouver is simply Canada's choice city for the Games. But the Games are coming to Canada, folks. The committee should put together mascots that represent the country, not just politically correct groups of importance.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:18 AM
Mike (Winnipeg_MB) wrote:

Just putting this one out there but does anyone else here think Quatchi's face looks like someone hanging a moon?


Posted November 28, 2007 08:13 AM
Todd (Alberta) wrote:

PERFECT!!! People from around the world will love them for what they are and gobble them up.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:12 AM
Ian W. (Kingston) wrote:

Do you think Bell Canada would have minded if VANOC used Frank and Gordon? I'd rather see a couple characters like that, which people would recognize as Canadian (and even British Coloumbian), than a group of little cartoon puff-balls.


Posted November 28, 2007 08:01 AM
alan brickman (Manitoba) wrote:

Are these Olympics being held in Japan?? Seriously, Canada has a great national identity so why are we using it?


Posted November 28, 2007 08:00 AM
Rose (canada) wrote:

I am not surprised with the chose !


The people all they can think about is themselves. Its the me generation. Poor parenting and lets give every thing to the children. All they can think about is money money money.

Thats the adults of BC never grown up .

As for the school children picking the ideas and from their drawing it shows that they are starting to think for themselves. They are also more mature than the adults .

Way to go children of BC show your parents some manners.

All the adults do there is complain, I am glad I moved away from there
Rose


Posted November 28, 2007 07:59 AM
Bill (Nelson_BC) wrote:

My first thoughts. Silly. How much did they cost? And what was the sales pitch to get the contract?


Posted November 28, 2007 07:54 AM
Russ (Abbotsford) wrote:

Some good points being made... people complain about how everything BC has to be "native", and they're right. Thing is, it goes a step further because even their depictions of "native" aren't accurate. When I think about the subject, animals are not what come to mind!

It's fine to have a multi-cultural society, but if you're going to comstantly represent one people group (always seems to be either native or asian) then that makes for a monopoly of sorts. Either pick something neutral, like a REAL animal, or represent EVERYONE, including South African, Zimbabwean, Trinidadian, Australian, the list goes on. These backgrounds are also represented in Canada.




Posted November 28, 2007 07:54 AM
JS KISS (Calgary) wrote:

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!Try as I might it will be most difficult to ski, skate or even slide with these creatures...no gold here!!.We will spend more time explaining and defending these critters that the time required to prepare and play the Games.. Makes the creators of Calgary'88 Hidi and Hiddy geniuses!!Ouch again!!

Calgary


Posted November 28, 2007 07:50 AM
Rise' (Takysie_Lake) wrote:

Most of us may be poking fun - but this is how we are portraying ourselves to the world - and they are watching. It is a shame that the "powers that be" have no more sense than the stuffed animals they have created. We have a stunning province and country - and this is the best they can come up with? Cute...but undignified and childish and certainly not a display of the pride of being Canadian that most of us would like to see.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:49 AM
Ellen Stark (Vancouver) wrote:

Yuck! Quite unbelievably poor choices and designs. It looks like the kids did design/choose them, but sadly it's us parents that will have to buy this garbage and again sadly, that's where these toys and decals and paper will end up one day when the Olympic "Show" is over, the garbage. Actually, that's where this marketing show called the Olympics should go, the garbage.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:47 AM
STEVE MARTIN (Blackstock_Ontario) wrote:

I like them!!! They are very cute and kids will really like them. Lets not forget that this is marketed for kids not some middle aged person.
All the negative comments should put a lid on it and be proud that school children with creative imaginations decided for these characters.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:47 AM
Brian Wiebe (Fresno_CA) wrote:

How disappointing. As a Canadian living in the USA, it's already very difficult explaining that Canada is in fact a real place with a real culture. Mythical Japanese/1st Nation creatures? Great. Try explaining this one to my new American friends. "Oh yeah, and when you come to Canada, you can see... um ... a Japanese Sasquatch..." you get the idea. Very disappointed, to say the least. Thanks, VANOC, for belittling us to the world.



Posted November 28, 2007 07:47 AM
Edward Teach (Lotus_land) wrote:

What do you mean these things don't represent Canada or Canadians?!? Unfortunately they fit Canada to a 'T'! A nation run by simpering, liberal, crapheaded morons!


Posted November 28, 2007 07:46 AM
JV (Canada) wrote:

My first thoughts were that they were too asian-looking, ie: Hello Kitty, etc.

Funny. All these years of having political correctness shoved down out throats, when you constructively criticize something based on the impression that it's asian or aboriginal-looking, you're racist.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:43 AM
LR (Victoria_BC) wrote:

I'm happy with them - I dislike the main Vancouver Olympic logo because it looks completely immobile and not dynamic at all. But the fact it's more of an Arctic image than BC doeisn't the problem for me, as it's a Canadian olympiad as much as a Vancouver olympiad.

The three mascots win because they're are West Coast inspired and much more dynamic looking (and if they appear to be influenced by Asian culture, then welcome to Vancouver) I'm worried by how many posters in this conversdation are adamant as to what is "Canadian" enough and what is unacceptably "un-Canadian" The Torino, Barcelona, Lillehammer olympics didn't rely on patriotic imagery, so why the fuss for us?


Posted November 28, 2007 07:42 AM
jared (edmonton) wrote:


Michael Barrett's comment about the "rock piles" as the Olympic symbol is very ignorant. While west coast aboriginals may not have used the inukshuk to the degree that Inuit people did, it is still as much a symbol of the west coast and of Canada. And since the Olympics will most likely never be held in Nunavut or the NWT, the 2010 games are the perfect time to showcase the inukshuk.

Michael, try reading a book and stop listening to so much nickelback.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:38 AM
Robert Swift (Forest_ON) wrote:

The art of the Haida and other coastal natives is arrestingly beautiful and unique to BC. I could never understand why that art wasn't used more for Olympic symbols.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:36 AM
Jake the Snake (Cape_Town) wrote:

All they had to do to complete this disaster was call one Mohamed.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:32 AM
V. Nelson (Victoria_BC) wrote:

I wonder what the price tag was to come up with these cartoon characters - truly a disappointment.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:26 AM
Andy (Northern_BC) wrote:

After doing an inventory of opinions on here and around town,it is obvious these poorly though out trinkets are VERY unpoplular!
Not that it makes any difference to the money grubbing gods of the Olympics!
The interesting part is that they are not first nations this time around.
Guess we have done that one too many times?
Now,we will do the Asian theme until we scream!
Because if these toys aren't Asian influeneced,I don't know what is.
But hey,guess who the money grubbers are aiming at?
Where did Canada and B.C. go in all the hoopla?
Something is missing here!
At least first nations is a truly canadian culture, even if it has been overdone.
How embarrassing!


Posted November 28, 2007 07:26 AM
M Kagan (Burnaby) wrote:

These characters do not represent anything west coast or Canadian. Mascots should reflect Canada's heritage from all parts of Canada's history. The many cultures that make up Canada were ignored.



Posted November 28, 2007 07:17 AM
Terry (Ontario) wrote:

I personally do not like the MASCOTS, and I find them to cartoonish for my liking. I concur that the INUKSHUK would have been a better choice all around, and a better representation of Canada. YES as a Former Soldier and having served overseas, we built many INUKSHUK Statues to let the "People know we were here", we found that it was a good representation of Canada and many of the Locals liked them. To us it was a symbol of home and our Country, it always put a smile on our faces when we were driving around over there and saw the INUKSHUK on a hill or on the side of the road. We knew that we were not alone, and that fellow Canadians were in the area.

All that said and done, to me the INUKSHUK would have been a better Mascot/Symbol for the Winter Games, and a much better representation of Canada than the Quatchi, Miga, and Sumi, I did not know what they were until I started reading through the Comments. So if a Canadian did not know what they were all about, how would a Visitor to Canada think???


Posted November 28, 2007 07:12 AM
DP (Vancouver) wrote:

Regrettably these critters are yet another nail in the V2010 coffin. Respectfully we have a lack of demonstrated leadership. Regardless our family from across Canada is revelling in our abject discomfort ... and no - they won't be purchasing any either.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:08 AM
Jon (Edmonton) wrote:

Stupid.


Posted November 28, 2007 07:03 AM
Diana Tuffley (Nanaimo) wrote:


Dreadful. They look like every other toy manufactured in China. Any reference to our local native mythology was lost in the manufacturing. Nothing about these 'things' reflects BC or what is important to us as BC residents.
Shameful.


Posted November 28, 2007 06:59 AM
Carol Burtch (Fort_St_John) wrote:

These characters don't look Canadian, nor do the names of them sound Canadian. They look and sound Asian. A real looking bear, moose or Orca or would have been much better to represent us to the rest of the world.


Posted November 28, 2007 06:45 AM
Maurice Gervais (Montreal) wrote:

Hate them.

The names sound like something thought by the the same people who wrote the Viagra ad language.

The look is what??? They dont resemble anything we readily know andrecognize.


Posted November 28, 2007 05:42 AM
Jody (kelowna) wrote:

amatuerish, juvenile, isn't 2010 put on by all of Canada, BC, Vancouver - don't see the connection here.


Posted November 28, 2007 05:37 AM
Margaret (Abbotsford) wrote:

Go mascots! Go, as in go into the garbage, go back to the drawingboard, and go to blazes! We've put up with the rock pile, now we're asked to accept these cartoon characters. Heaven knows what the Olympic medals will look like! Just sign me Disgusted.



Posted November 28, 2007 01:25 AM
M.C. (Prince_George_BC) wrote:

VANOC must have met up with Snoop Dogg on the way to the meeting...would have been far better to have the mascot(s)reflect Canadian history before Trudeaumania.
Can't say I'm surprised, tho...


Posted November 28, 2007 01:08 AM
Shira Miller (Israel) wrote:

Well, as a born Vancouverite, albeit living in Israel, I must admit that including some local element for the Olympic Mascots is very fitting. I am confident that after the initial getting over their 'Japanese cartoon' mis-nomer image, they will become known for their real meanings...First Nation People's history. It is a good oportunity to let the world know of the past of these people and how important the spiritual creatures were and are. All in good time, I suppose. Good Luck


Posted November 28, 2007 12:54 AM
Jeff (Langley) wrote:

Simple, hollow, shallow, unappealing, crassly commercial while pandering to the "off shore" residents and visitors with most of the money. A group of people who prefer robot pets to real ones and cartoons to real life. What a sell out! (not that I expected anything else)Looks a lot like South Park characters to me.

Jeff


Posted November 28, 2007 12:06 AM
Angela (Vancouver) wrote:

They're joking, surely! That's the best we could do?????? An animated cartoon character? Now I really am embarrassed. We have so much more we could have drawn from!



Posted November 27, 2007 11:54 PM
Paul (Vancouver) wrote:

Absolutely craptacular.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:33 PM
Peter Brockley (Castlegar_bc) wrote:

I'm not impressed actually quite disappointed. Biggest shock was when I found they are being made in China. Did no one think this would be a great project for first nations? Shame on you. Peter


Posted November 27, 2007 11:25 PM
Larry Podhora (Victoria) wrote:

Infantile. Fun for the 3-year olds, boring for the rest.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:07 PM
Larry Podhora (Victoria) wrote:

Infantile. Fun for the 3-year olds, boring for the rest.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:07 PM
Brenda Wagner (Richmond) wrote:

These mascots are beyond disappointing. After sitting here for over 30 minutes writing and deleting I think Ryan from Port Moody has said it most succinctly "Hello Kitty, Goodbye dignity!"


Posted November 27, 2007 11:02 PM
Smithe (BC) wrote:

It is a total embarrassment. They don't look lovely and it is a shame that non of our treasure wild animals will be representing us. They are weeping!


From the design and marketing stand point, it is a disaster.

We have been so proud of the game to be held here until today. What can be worse?


Posted November 27, 2007 10:52 PM
Ayman (Surrey) wrote:

They are O.K. but we could have done better


Posted November 27, 2007 10:34 PM
Andy/Northern B.C. (Northern_BC) wrote:

Boring,boring,boring!!
I am suprised that this is the best they could come up with.
At least it is not quite as much of a First Nations theme as we have had in everything else.
There is nothing wrong with that as such,but it IS getting VERY overdone!
Does B.C. have nothing else that we could design a Mascot around?
Even the Spirit Bear would have been better than these childish trinkets, especially if it could have been just a bear...not a actually a First Nations bear!
No disrespect to the First nations people intended, but we have done that culture to death in our advertizing for too many B.C. venues.
Time for a change!
The more we see and hear about the 2010 Olympics,the more I think we may just be in over our heads...AND over budget!
A very weak effort!


Posted November 27, 2007 10:28 PM
Betty (vancouver) wrote:

I have to say that I am tired of all the reference to the First Nations. What ever happened to the rest of us? I guess the minority rules in our land now....


Posted November 27, 2007 10:26 PM
Alison (Victoria) wrote:


I think that these mascots are disgraceful. I realize that the organization committee for the Olympics is trying to make BC and Canada look like we are full of diversity by using mythical creatures from Native legends. I’m sorry, have we all had a bout of amnesia? Have we all forgotten what we have done to the people of this area? And we continue to disrespect the people and their land by constructing more and more buildings and by using their beliefs as our mascots for a sports event. These were not our beliefs and I’m curious to know if any person of aboriginal descent had ANY say or opinion input regarding these mascots. We need to look at the real issues behind these gestures of Canada’s great diversity and acceptance. If Canada is so diverse and respectful of people’s culture and way of life, why do we keep taking away money from Native reserves? We aren’t supporting those communities and because of this they are suffering from rising unemployment rates, the continued loss of their cultures and an increasing number of youth who are getting involved with drugs and crime because they have no where else to turn. Some may think that I am getting off topic. Really, it is the Olympic Organization Committee who is off topic. Why not try to come up with something that represents everyone in Canada, instead of going back to the people who originally lived here for your inspiration. Why not admit that the Aboriginal people are the only ones who are really from Canada. The rest of us are decedents of immigrants who thought that they had the right to assimilate the people of this land into their culture. By using native mythological creatures we are pretending that it represents all of us in Canada. Unfortunately, not many of the original communities and cultures have survived our tyranny over the years. Come on Canada, look at our practices and our social messages. Do they match up? Not even close.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:43 PM
Neil Varner (Vancouver) wrote:

This is a fine example of the failure of design by committee. These things have been compromised and focus-grouped into irrelevancy and pander. There should have been an open call for submissions to design a mascot, not a fat contract for a marketing firm to indulge itself on.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:36 PM
Celphiee (New_Westminster) wrote:


Why do we need 3 and half mascots? Was the Marmot an after thought? I'm just wondering because I do not see a picture of it with others- although, I think it is strange we would have a marmot as mascot for the "Winter Olympics" at all, the marmot hibernates in the winter.

I have to admit I am not a fan of any of these mascots as they represent more of how our goverment is more accomodating to minorities than just plain BCers, like myself. I fully embrace multi-cultural attitude that Vancouver has, sometimes I wonder if we are not taking it too far.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:35 PM
Ani (Vancouver) wrote:

Wait.. is that the world snickering at us right now? Why yes. Yes, I think they are.

What a disgrace. Thanks a lot VANOC.

We're putting ourselves on display for the world to see, to show them the truly best we and our region have to offer and we give them characters that weren't good enough to make the latest Pokemon card set? You've got to be kidding me!

Can we fire these people and try again? Probably not without them all getting nice fat severance cheques I bet.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:35 PM
Greg (Tsawwassen) wrote:

Let me guess: VANOC will have its silly mascots produced in the 3rd World and sell them to us at 1st World prices.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:33 PM
Shawn (Manitoba) wrote:

I really hope they add complaining to the Olympics. We might win one event.

I am with the majority of people on here though, I love to say Vanoc.



Posted November 27, 2007 09:32 PM
Hermy (Surrey) wrote:

They are no good! They don't represent BC or Canada.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:32 PM
Nagawa (Kits) wrote:

Another thing to mention: perhaps people are so unsettled by the mascots' forms because they are so unsettled at trying to represent Canada in child-like spirits of sport. I can accept that everyone has their own view on what Canada is, and ought to represent. That's the point. That's the fun in it: agreeing to disagree, and benefit from the breadth provided by others' perspectives.


Posted November 27, 2007 09:32 PM
Marilynn King (Delta) wrote:

I don't like them. What's wrong with a Spirit Bear or an Orca whale? And why do we need three? Where are they being made?


Posted November 27, 2007 09:29 PM
Nagawa (Kits) wrote:

I LOVE THEM. To me, they have instant appeal, they're irresistably cute, their names are catchy, and their shapes are youthful and friendly. If they suggest anime for any reason, its because of these above-mentioned qualities, not that BC has sold out to a Japanese style of illustration. Besides, the designs clearly emphasize origins and modernity, with the First Nations' references of each mascot's character, and the global accessibility of ...cuteness! Mascots aren't supposed to be like an emblem, weighed down by buckets of symbolism. They're meant to be fun!


Posted November 27, 2007 09:29 PM
Jeong-in (Seoul_South_Korea) wrote:


I really love your new mascots. I will get them when they are available in Seoul. I have been in Canada twice. I had good time in your country. I have good memories, sometimes not good ones too.
But I still miss the days I spent there.
I hope I can visit again couple of years later. And then it would be better to get the mascots right there in Vancouver.
But hopefully there is better service in Vancouver airport.
I am afraid I might get shot by the taser gun. Just joking.
Good Luck, Victoria, Canada!


Posted November 27, 2007 09:26 PM
Dominic (Toronto) wrote:

I am tired of hearing all of this disapproval. I give a huge thumbs up to the VANOC for these mascots, as they are creative, colourful, and will definitely attract members of the younger audience during the Games. They are also positive images for the world to see, and represent the history of British Columbia through mythical lore.

However, I would like to echo some statements made previously about the nature of some of the disapproving comments. I am shocked as to the level of racism that is being shown in these comments. It is evident that there is a profound fear of any material that is of Aboriginal origin, and that is very troubling for a country that prides itself on a brand of "multiculturalism." Furthermore, if one was to look at previous mascot designs, they would see that all have a similar animation style. Please research before you make ignorant judgements.

Finally, my question to those who disapprove is this: What would you rather have as a mascot? My point is this - there will NEVER be a mascot that everyone approves of. If it was a Mountie, some would say it was too obvious. If it was a bear playing hockey, others would cry stereotype. If it was any creature of an ethnic background, the white Canadians will cry that it doesn't reflect the majority. The truth is this: Canada has no stable identity, so it is through these creations that we get to explore who we are.

Think about it. But I'm sure this will pass over most of your heads.



Posted November 27, 2007 09:19 PM
Nicholas (Kelowna) wrote:

Hmmm, I have been checking the hunting regulations to see if any of these critters are in season. That Sumi is like goooood eatin'. And yer wild Quatchi makes a fine pelt. I dunno if ya can hunt a Miga, they looks kinda ferocious.

But I wouuldn't stuff and display any of 'em. Ugly fer sure.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:57 PM
Alan (Victoria) wrote:

One thing is for sure, these "mascots" should come with the following disclaimer:

" Any resemblance between this mascot and something that is actually British Columbian or Canadian is entirely coincidental"


Posted November 27, 2007 08:52 PM
Douglas (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm disappointed that the B.C. Provincial government, the Surrey schoolboard and VANOC would consider it appropriate to pull 800 schoolchildren out of school so that they can participate in an orchestrated marketing campaign.

I'm guessing the only thing the children learnt today was that 2010 Olymics merchandise is a must buy.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:48 PM
Phil (Vancouver) wrote:

Is Sumi's first name So?


Posted November 27, 2007 08:48 PM
retired (Vancouver) wrote:


Great for the kids and I suppose when you think that it is the kids now that are still going to be paying for these games 30 years down the road. But for the world to see this as Canada,its disgusting. Vanoc should stick their heads in the toilet ,then flush.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:43 PM
Duncan W (Vancouver) wrote:

Join the boycott movement - for those of you on facebook, search for the group "Boycott the Vancouver Mascots!"

We are looking to get as many numbers as possible to mobilize and take action!


Posted November 27, 2007 08:39 PM
Sammy (Markham_ON) wrote:

Gosh, you people need to relax and stop overanalyzing, these mascots are awesome. They're simple and fun. The kids like them. I like them!
Definitely cooler than the Vancouver 2010 emblem.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:38 PM
kelly smith (Chetwynd_BC) wrote:

Well my first feeling upon seeing (and before reading about) the mascots was... "Why did they pick Japanese characters when we are Canadian?" So, I guess that pretty much sums up how I feel about them. If they're meant to represent our multiculturalism then I think it falls short of representing the whole of our population. They look Japanese and they are First Nations. Hardly representative of our multinational population. Oh well, they are what they are and it doesn't take away my Canadian pride! Can't make everyone happy right?


Posted November 27, 2007 08:33 PM
Shashi (Toronto) wrote:


If i didn't know better, I'd think these mascots represent an Asian country like Japan. It doesn't seem Canadian at all. Looks more anime, which is what we're definately not, as a nation.

I can't believe these were inspired from the First Nations. Why do these mascots look mutated, taking on the body parts of different animals? I get the meaning behind them, but it seems a bit too much, too confusing for international ppl to understand, unless it was explained to them in the amt of detail as in this article.

I'd have preferred if the children of the First Nations drew something, instead of some asian-based company like Meomi Design (who're featured in Taiwan's magazines).

This doesn't represent Vancouver at all. It's a shame really.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:25 PM
Tanja (Victoria) wrote:

This kind of inappropriate ransacking of First Nations cultures has got to stop. REAL native artwork conveys pride in their culture -- respect and dignity for where they come from and what they believe. How does that translate into an earmuff-wearing sasquatch that looks like it was designed at a South Korean animation factory? If this was truly considered the best representation of Vancouver, BC and Canada at large, then I'd like some of what the VANOC committee has been smoking.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:22 PM
Alex Muro (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

These mascots appear to be made in China and made to appeal to Asian Cultures exclusively. No one would ever ever have any clue that this mascots are from Vancouver if they were not told so. Where are these graphic artists from?? Overall, these 2010 Pre - Olypmics are a shame.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:17 PM
Mark in Vancouver (Vancouver) wrote:


For whatever reason, VANOC couldn't settle on just one mascot, so now we have three (and an extra fourth in Mukmuk). God forbid that anything actually important happens in BC - never mind the silly corporate money sink that is the Olympics.

I think the lack of disclosure by VANOC on how much money was made by the firm that created this quasi-cultural melange of plush toys is the most telling of all. All British Columbians can take some ... pride? ... in seeing yet another very expensive, totally irrelevant waste of OUR money to promote this dumb enterprise.

Just remember, in 2010, when your favourite athlete is disqualified for cheating on steroids, and when the panel of judges is also found to be cheating, and when the total cost of this idiotic two-week event comes in, you can always squeeze your Mukmuk.

Mark vomits!


Posted November 27, 2007 08:09 PM
Richelle D. Funk (Victoria_BC) wrote:

The 2010 mascots are pure gold. I can already hear, "Auntie Richelle! Please get me Quatchi the Sasquatch for my birthday!" And I will. I'll be buying 20 of these things. That was all VANOC needed to do.


Posted November 27, 2007 08:08 PM
Randy (Nanoose_Bay) wrote:

Absolutly embarrassing, how silly and rediculous we get. How much money went into this joke?


Posted November 27, 2007 08:05 PM
BrookeSasckett (Victoria) wrote:

I am so excited about the 2010 Olympics and so DISSAPOINTED with the mascots and to be honest the Inukshuk. I am Nisga'a and proud to be Canadian as well as native. These so-called mascots are just tacky and I am embarrased as a tax payer and I think we should all be embarrased as British Columbians that this is the best our Olympic committee's could come up with.



Posted November 27, 2007 08:03 PM
Jim (Victoria) wrote:

Stupid comments about racism -- the fingerprints of pitchmen hoping to make the olympics (tm) more appealing to the asian youth market are all over this piece. The triumph of concept over authenticity.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:56 PM
dave rywall (toronto) wrote:

These are really great.

Kids will love them.

People need to lighten up.

The people who are complaining about how "Japanese" the mascots look clearly know nothing about animation or design.

And the numerous racist comments are really disturbing, but they're coming from people who don't even realize they're being racist, so hey waddayagonnado.

Someone earlier wrote:
"I think these characters are adorable, and really well chosen. They're child friendly and mythological, reflect Canada's natural landscape, honour our First Nations heritage, and also have modern, urban interests. Very charming."

I couldn't agree more.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:52 PM
Paul Emerson (Vernon_BC) wrote:

I appreciate the attempt by the designers to incorporate coastal aboriginal traditions, however I'm afraid unless one reads the fine print, the images are far to complex to access these details easily. A symbol should be clear and easily identifiable, these are not.


I too am sad that marketability has surpassed cultural representation, and that the Asian cartoon motif itself is just another cutesy way of selling product.
I'm afraid the good intentions of the designers will be lost amidst the shallow intentions of VANOC.

My last question is: if we wanted to incorporate Aboriginal culture into the design, why didn't we hire one of the many aboriginal artists to do the work?! Why, in this day and age, are we still engaging in blatant cultural appropriation?!


Posted November 27, 2007 07:51 PM
Vic Maskulak (Kitimat_BC) wrote:

I have looked at 4 different sites talking aabout the mascots but not one, yet, has shown MukMuk. I donot like the choosen three. VNMaskulak


Posted November 27, 2007 07:45 PM
Sahara von Hattenberger (Courtenay_BC_Canada) wrote:

As a twelve year old girl, these mascots insult my intelligence. They should have a real creature that represents Canada, not some imaginary lame Japanese anime-like characters!
-Sahara.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:43 PM
Ike (some_Vancouver_suburb) wrote:

Too Anime-ish, but atleast it beats the inukshuk (what were they thinking?). While others are complaining that the mascots have too many Aboriginal overtones, I find that these have too little. The art work of the First Nations people of the Northwest Coast is WORLD RENOWNED. Why not do it in that style?. Despite my opinion on them, it is clear that VANOC's main goal is to rake the most profits from it, and these cute little Pokemonsters should do the job.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:42 PM
J (Ontario) wrote:



THE BEST THING TO HAVE EVER COME OUT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA!

In my opinion, these mascots are not very Asian looking. They're just cartoony! But even if it is based on an Asian motif, might as well, because everything Asian is superior, like cars, electronics, cameras, skilled labour, education, math skills... so forth. I'm not saying we white people suck, but really... what do we have to offer? I mean, if we had a true Vancouver centric logo, it'd probably be some lazy pothead. Good call on the mascots. I have my fullest support!


Posted November 27, 2007 07:41 PM
Edd (Victoria) wrote:

An embarrassment to everyone involved with them, and certainly degrading to the cultures they are supposedly drawn from. Unfortunately exactly what I expect from the over hyped commercial money grab the Olympics have become. How much did we pay for this trash?


Posted November 27, 2007 07:34 PM
r dulay (Richmond_BC) wrote:

I think the mascots are cute; seeing as they are geared towards children they are appropriate and appealing. Upon first glance, I likened them to Japanimation, or possessing the characteristics of Japanese cartoon characters. I feel that overall as far as the explanations for each creature is concerned, they adequately represent the West coast and Canada in a unique and charming way.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:33 PM
chris (vancouver) wrote:

they look like cheap sellouts to big business and outsourced crap that i will not purchase for anyone i care about.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:32 PM
Bill Wasylkiw (Langley) wrote:



Maybe we should go back to the cave man and see what he has to offer....or we use Fred Flintstones car either would work.


Posted November 27, 2007 07:24 PM
Doug Mehus (Westbank_BC) wrote:

I don't particularly like the mascots. For all the hype and promotion preceding the official announcement of them, I was expecting some very professional, well done sharp looking mascots. Instead, what we've got are three third-rate characters that look like something from a cheaply produced Japanese cartoon series.

Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee knows how to spend huge amounts of money on seemingly unnecessary things like large log cabins and exhibits in Torino and Beijing, yet they totally cheap out with this crap.

It's frankly very embarrassing to have these ugly, cheap-looking cartoon characters associated with the province of British Columbia and Canada. I'm a bit ashamed.

That said, they may grow on me and Quatchi is kind of cute in an annoyingly weird way. I just think for the amount of money spent on the Olympics, we could've done a lot better. These are part of our official Olympic brand and VANOC has cheaped out.

Cheers,
Doug


Posted November 27, 2007 07:24 PM
Linda (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

I am starting to wish that Vancouver had never been granted the opportunity to host the Olympics. It is really hard to say that as I live for the Olympics and spend as many hours in front of my TV watching them as I can, especially the winter ones. At first glance I couldn't decide if the mascots looked cute or just plain silly. You shouldn't have to explain what the mascots are all about. They are too complex. I am hoping, no praying, that the stuffed animals are very cute and that the costumes are also cute. The graphics are awful. As for those names, they sound too Oriental. I can't say I liked Calgary's Hidi and Howdi but at least they didn't need to be explained and the names were easy to remember. Excuse me, I need to rush outside to scare away the sasquatch getting into the garbage can! Oh sorry, it must be a racoon as we don't have racoons in Vancouver. Got carried away there ...




Posted November 27, 2007 07:23 PM
Ana (Vancouver) wrote:

the first big blunder of the VOC. unfortunately most likely more will follow. one japanese fantasy mascot would have been bad enough. but three? how can you get things so wrong?


Posted November 27, 2007 07:11 PM
Ian (Surrey) wrote:

"susan (nelsonbc) wrote:
yes, they are cute. kids will like them, but, we could do beter than to have figures which resemble japanese cartoons and are MADE IN CHINA???? come on van., couldn't you have at least distributed the work if not provincially, at least in our own country????
Posted November 27, 2007 05:23 PM"


Do people even bother to read the article before they shoot off at the mouth? It's only nine paragraphs into it, is the collective attention span that short?


"The mascots and sidekick were designed by the Vancouver-based company Meomi Design and introduced by the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee."


Posted November 27, 2007 06:58 PM
Gary MacLean (Prince_George_BC) wrote:

I donot like these characters. There an insult to the ancient native culture you are trying to honour. If you want to put them on a tv series for kids on Saturday they will probably be a hit but for Olympic Mascots shameful. There is no tradition or native roots to these Characters. Way to Hollywood.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:50 PM
Therzo (Vancouver) wrote:



Fantastic! I'm not a big supporter of the Olympics coming here overall, but looking at these from a games mascot perspective they are the best ever.

I believe most of the negativity printed here is from people that made up their minds before the mascots were even unveiled.

It must have been a tough choice to pick from many (I'm guessing) submissions, especially knowing you're picking something that has no hope of being loved universally.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:47 PM
Kate Ludlam (Langley_BC) wrote:

Undoubtedly VANOC paid an ad firm a pretty penny to come up with these mascot designs. I would ask for their money back! In no way way do they represent Canada and, while they may be based on First Nations stories, they sure look more like Japanese animation characters to me. Great opportunity ... sadly screwed up.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:46 PM
Jayne (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

I love the new mascots. They are innovative and fun but also have a certain sense of authenticity with the tie to the native culture, myths and legends of the region. Very creative and very clever. I'm looking forward to sending Sumi, Quatchi and Miga memorabilia to friends and relatives overseas and inviting them to join us in Vancouver in 2010!


Posted November 27, 2007 06:42 PM
Stacy (Victoria_BC) wrote:

Interesting mascots.. however, I don't feel they represent BC... they look inspired by Asian cartoons! I would have loved to see a spirit bear as the chief mascot, a true orca whale, what about our beloved beaver? Come on Canada... lets be Canadian and proud.




Posted November 27, 2007 06:41 PM
danthon (victoria) wrote:

I was bummed about the Olympics until I saw this. These mascots are just what BC needs. They are characters everyone in BC can relate to.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:39 PM
bob (vancouver) wrote:

Whats's Canadian about them? What's aboriginal about them? They look like Japansese cartoon characters.

But threy're cute snd so the kids will whine for their parents to buy them.

Lest we forget, these Olympics are not sbout First Nations, or Vancouver, or Canada. They are about $.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:38 PM
Sally (Bowen_Island_BC) wrote:

Why haven't they used some animals that live anywhere near Vancouver? They have tried too hard to make everyone happy and have produced cheesy creatures that look more Japanese and whose names sound more Japanese than First Nations. I would prefer fewer mascots and ones with more of a connection to Vancouver.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:31 PM
Reynolds (Vancouver) wrote:

When so much of the world is begging to see "actual wildlife" instead of fictional fantasy I wish we had gone with something simple. If you've been to most of the world, you've seen very little wildlife as abundant as Canada. Especially Asia where they have literally killed off everything that has moved.

A simple mascot would be so Canadian! We really do have moose, bears, eagles, salmon etc etc. Why do these people have to complicate these kind of things so much?




Posted November 27, 2007 06:30 PM
Ted Grigoleit (Burnaby) wrote:

RE: Macots

You are doing a good job with the hype, but we need more and more hype. Let's hear some hype!! Rah, Rah, Rah; Let's hear it! More hype please. ANYTHING connected with the Olympics is GOOD, GOOD, GOOD, isn't it? Excessive hype may help us to forget the millions of tax dollars spent for a three-week party that most of us won't be able to attend anyway. Ah, but at least we get to purchase some puppets.

Let's put Vancouver on the map! But wait! Wasn't Expo '86 supposed to do that?



Posted November 27, 2007 06:30 PM
Mary Gh (vancouver) wrote:

I think they're too child-ish looking.
They look cute and nice, alright, but I do not see their relevance to our country.

I'm 25% for them, 75% against.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:27 PM
Jim (Chilliwack) wrote:

??



?


Posted November 27, 2007 06:19 PM
Becky (Maple_Ridge) wrote:



All 3 mascots are fun and friendly looking. Which is more than I can say for the city of Vancouver (city of NO FUN ALLOWED!) I hope the nay sayers get over thier insatiable need to bitch and see them for what they are MASCOTS!


Posted November 27, 2007 06:16 PM
T Mark Loblaw (Surrey) wrote:

I think the new mascots are a breath of fresh air in all the stressed out people who can't even enjoy fun, or the WONDERFUL cold weather we have. I think these mascots are the BEST ones in the world. My vote would be for Quatchi, but love them all!


Posted November 27, 2007 06:16 PM
Phil MacD (Moncton_NB) wrote:

Well, I'm not sure if the mascots are meant to represent the host city, or the host country. Either way, I think they failed. Oh, not that I think these are not cute, but way to vague. You should not have to explain what your mascot is, and I dislike the anime look, as most do. What was wrong with the indigenous wildlife that is recognizable? The beaver, moose, whale, eagle, etc. etc.

Ok, that's my politically correct answer. The first thing I thought of when I saw the headline about mascots for the 2010 Olympics? How about a torchbearer turning away a homeless person.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:15 PM
Terry Chu (Vancouver) wrote:

When it comes down to representing Vancouver, B.C and Canada, the three mascots sort of fail. Bringing out native animals and symbols was a good idea, but you'd think they'd have more of a "native" art style as opposed to Pokemon-like figures. And imagine the thousands of people coming to Vancouver wondering what the HECK are those things? Maybe Canada'll be famous for multiple crossbreeds...

That said, I am so getting Quatchi merchandise.




Posted November 27, 2007 06:11 PM
Andrew (Cloverdale) wrote:

Why do the Vancouver olymipic mascots look like they just got off a plane from japan?


Posted November 27, 2007 06:10 PM
Kendra (Victoria) wrote:

They are kind of different and cute, but come on ... adults are coming to the Olympics too! Is this the image that all Canadians want to potray to people around the world? I think most people will think we are cohorts will Disney.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:09 PM
Michael Jones (Ucluelet) wrote:

I don't know much about art, but I know what I don't like.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:08 PM
R Warren (Nanaimo) wrote:

Quote "These mascots don't represent Vancouver. The design style is too asian."

Have you ever been to Vancouver? Or say Richmond?


Posted November 27, 2007 06:07 PM
Andrea (Langley_BC) wrote:

There's only one word to sum up my reaction to the unveiling of the 2010 mascots: disappointment. I was genuinely hoping for and expecting the spirit bear to be chosen. It is such a shame that the Olympic committee feels the necessity to represent one specific minority culture rather than selecting a mascot that embodies the uniqueness of Beautiful British Columbia. The selection of an Olympic mascot is a hit and miss area, and it is obvious that this time around, the Olympic committee has failed.




Posted November 27, 2007 06:06 PM
Ben Cooper (Victoria_BC) wrote:

Wow, isn't this a Hello Kitty and her mates gone wild?
If the Olimpic committie is trying to appeal to Vancouver Asian population, why present it as a First Nations-Inspired mascots??
There are so many beautiful and powerful simbols in aboriginal culture: raven, orca, eagle- and yet we have to go with the cartoon character in disguise.
This is a real disappointment.



Posted November 27, 2007 06:05 PM
fernand (Chemainus) wrote:

They will be forgotten tomorrow, like all the others. Isn't a mascot a creature that we all love and lives with us, like a pet or a favourite animal. I submit Sasquash for our mascot. it has the advantage of being kind of mythical and is a creature of our time. How neat it would be if after sending this email, I could just walk out of my trailer and go for a stroll in the snow with no need for clothes or shoes. What would it be like to just curl up and go to sleep in a nest of leaves and let the snow fall. One can only imagine the wild hairdos. It is easy to draw even for kids who are pretty good at putting hair where ever they want. It belongs to all and not licence-able unlike the commercial cartoons. Draw him and her like humans with a nice coat of fur like otter or wolf if you prefer, standing and running like human and no one will mistake the for gorillas for very long.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:01 PM
Rebecca (Chilliwack) wrote:

These mascots are ridiculous. Is there nothing out there except "cute"? I think I'd be embarrassed if my cultural background was reduced to some little animated characters for the commercial purposes of 2010. I was expecting something generic and bland, but this is worse than I imagined.


Posted November 27, 2007 06:00 PM
lia(unacia) (north_vancouver) wrote:



I want to change the Sasquatch and the Thunderbird into a
racoon-wolf and a bluebird-eagle but I love Miga.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:53 PM
Michael Barrett (Whistler) wrote:

First a pile of rocks from the NWT as our Olympic symbol, now a bunch of Japanese cartoon characters for mascots.
We should be ashamed of ourselves. There is nothing in any of these designs that reflects any values or characters I've grown up with in Canada, BC or Whistler. It's a joke.



Posted November 27, 2007 05:42 PM
Mike (Canmore) wrote:

I want to see Kokanee send their Ranger after Quatchi!

Kokanee should collect royalties for every Quatchi item sold, afterall they've been using the sasquatch much longer.

These mascots don't represent Vancouver. The design style is too asian.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:41 PM
Don Klassen (Vancouver) wrote:

When the Olympics stopped being relevant and was trivialized into a commercial gig I stopped expecting more than this. And 'this' is what it is. "Come on Emma, let's go for a walk."


Posted November 27, 2007 05:39 PM
stephane (North_Vancouver) wrote:

So Miga is a cross between a killer whale and rainforest bear?!? Boy, they have weird sex on the island!



Posted November 27, 2007 05:39 PM
Noah Havelaar (SaltSpringIslandBC) wrote:

horrible


Posted November 27, 2007 05:39 PM
Leslie (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

The racism of the comments, anti Asian, anti Aboriginal, are revealing and disturbing. I guess Canada really is the great White North.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:39 PM
Richard Howes (Surrey) wrote:

They are pretty bland frankly and don't move me at all. I guess it doesn't really matter as their primary purpose is crass commercialism and exploitation like so much of the grossly over-hyped and vastly too expensive Olympics has become.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:38 PM
Cameron Mac Donald (Vancouver) wrote:

DISGUSTED! way to waste my tax dollars in another, completely racist and uncanadian way! these so called mscots represent what, less than 2% of the Canadian population...hardly Canada as a whole. Im sure the average man (or woman, must remain PC or risk having the VANOC thugs comming and breaking down my door!) would rather set fire to them than buy them for themselves, let alone their children. I was at one point in time a huge supporter of the 2010 games...now i find myself increasingly let down, and well, quite frankely, sickened by the entire concept (more so those left responsible to organize) the games! for shame, for shame.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:38 PM
coco (west_vancouver_bc) wrote:



I think that these mascots are cute, but don't represent much from B.C. It looks as though aimed for younger children, but I am 11 years old and don't think that this was a very smart choice for the Olympics. Try and make something less complicated and less animated looking. In my opinion, one of the mascots should have been an eagle because you see quite a lot of eagles flying around B.C.
With Sumi, I could not tell what it was. overall, they are not my favourite.












Posted November 27, 2007 05:36 PM
Josh (Vancouver) wrote:

I am trying to get my head around the symbolism that VANOC is trying to go for here.

First was the 2010 symbol. Many people do not like it and state that it isn't a British Columbian symbol. Like it or not, the Inuksuk is a Canadian symbol. Soldiers from Canada build it around the world and I see small ones in people's gardens. I personally like it and if you don't, you can do what a newspaper columnist said and turn it upside down to get a bunny balancing his snowboard on a rail.

Even though I like the symbol, it pails in comparison to the Paralympic symbol. I'm not sure what the reasoning is behind it, but it looks like a river, mountain range and sun as well as an athlete jumping over something. It is an excellent symbol, way better than with actual Olympic symbol.

Furthermore, many people are talking about how the 2010 Olympics are becoming too native-centric and not showcasing all of B.C. and Canada. I will not get into this but it seems more like we are appropriating their culture and not displaying it. Though not native myself, I think what VANOC is doing is doing a disservice to native culture.




For instance, VANOC seems to have thrown the kitchen sink at these mascots, trying to put as many native myths into the mascots as possible (seriously, an Orca Whale Hat?). I am not sure if these mascots accurately portray native mythology but that's not the point. I am familiar with many Native American myths relating to animals. Off the top of my head there is the Raven who brought the light to the earth. Why make up these horrible mascots when you can use a simple, well know, native mythic animal that is widely recognized?

Lastly, sure, the 'anime' culture is popular right now but will it be memorable in years to come? Have there ever been any mascots in the history of the Olympics as great as Hidy and Howdy? And those names were submitted in a school children's contest.

VANOC simply needs to wake up and come back to reality.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:36 PM
Marie Jeon (Van_city) wrote:


It's too childish
do you feel like it's representing BC?
the sumi is too much.



Posted November 27, 2007 05:36 PM
Sebastian (Kelowna) wrote:

I hope you all realize that these were chosen thanks to the input of school children. So if you have a problem with the mascots, take it up with the kids.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:35 PM
Mike (Summerland_BC) wrote:



Mascot: n.
A person, animal, or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team.

...better than a chicken.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:35 PM
c (sechelt) wrote:

This "news" story about mascots is thinly disguised advertising for an event that is over 2 years away! What a waste of time. this "controversy" about ugly mascots is just creating more airtime for a shameful event. Come on CBC! We know you're invested in the olympic franchise, but the multiple phone in shows on CBC radio on this topic qualifies as advertising for me.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:35 PM
Michael Brennan (NorthVancouver) wrote:

I think my kids will like them. Is there anything else that matters?


Posted November 27, 2007 05:34 PM
Kim (Burnaby) wrote:

I like them! People have been commenting they are a "marketing" tool... well of course they are! All mascots are either humorous or cute and I think these cover off both.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:33 PM
Jane McCall (Delta) wrote:

They are predictably generic which I guess makes sense from a marketing point of view because they want to appeal to people from all cultures and backgrounds. I think it is unfortunate that they are not more distinctively BC especially seeing as the Olympic logo is an inukshuk, which isn't reflective of our region at all. I was prepared to be disappointed and I am.




Posted November 27, 2007 05:32 PM
M G (Kamloops) wrote:

Judging by all of the negative and inappropriate comments, I am guessing people wanted the Pine Beetle as the mascot. If the comments here represent “Canadians” than I guess the Pine Beetle or some other destructive and nasty beast would have been a better pick.

These mascots are Perfect. Positive, Fun, Energetic, Diverse, Innovative...I could keep going but there is no need. These mascots truly hit the spot and make me look forward to seeing more of them.

Great Job!


Posted November 27, 2007 05:29 PM
Lance (Vancouver) wrote:

I like Sumi. But all three do look like the impression that a Japanese anime artist has of Canada.

And get rid of Miga. It's ugly. Since they're based on profit and marketability, it's the weakest of the three.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:28 PM
Greg (Vancouver) wrote:

I'll have a quatchi burger with a hot miga and five onion rings. Don't like it? Sumi.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:25 PM
susan (nelsonbc) wrote:

yes, they are cute. kids will like them, but, we could do beter than to have figures which resemble japanese cartoons and are MADE IN CHINA???? come on van., couldn't you have at least distributed the work if not provincially, at least in our own country????


Posted November 27, 2007 05:23 PM
mark (kamloops) wrote:

Thanks for the great Christmas gift idea Vanoc. My buddy and I are always playing cruel jokes on one another!


Posted November 27, 2007 05:21 PM
James (Chilliwack) wrote:



I beleive that public input would have been good prior to finalizing the mascots. Whatever we think of them, it is too late now.

I agree with other comments where they could have been more realistic samples of BC wildlife.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:20 PM
Jerry Grootveld (North_Vancouver) wrote:

I am totally shocked that these mascots have such strong Japanese overtones. Even the names make them sound so Japanese. When I read Sumi and look at Quatchi I think of Sumo wrestler.
The mascots may be based on local legends, however the translation is wrong!


Posted November 27, 2007 05:15 PM
Bill (Williams_Lake) wrote:

Wow. Millions of our tax dollars down the drain over three kidddie style drawings...thanks VANOC.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:15 PM
ToTo (Vernon) wrote:

Two words - who cares?


Posted November 27, 2007 05:13 PM
FedUp (Vancouver) wrote:

Enough with the native theme already! I'm sick of it. It does not represent the majority of British Columbians and certainly doesn't represent me. I'm so tired of having this theme shoved down our throats every time we turn around I'm already gagging. Even stylized "2010" numerals depicted sitting on top of a mountain would be better than these native themed abominations.



Posted November 27, 2007 05:07 PM
GreatScott (New_Westminster_BC) wrote:

It took a couple of minutes but I have decided... I don't like them.
I called in my wife to look at them and her first reaction was that she thought they were the 2008 Olympic mascots for China.
I agree that these creatures were created by committee and do not truly or proudly represent any section of British Columbia's population. I think that the real mascot of VANOC's effort so far should be Wastealotlot (a big white elephant that eats gold) and Oggiepoggie (a slippery, unaccountable bottom feeding lake creature that vanishes when asked questions about things like cost, security, mascots, transit, venues, etc.).


Posted November 27, 2007 05:07 PM
Jeremy (Victoria_BC) wrote:

Apparently we have 8 to 11 year old girls who tome traveled from the late 1990's on the Olympic committee choosing our mascots. Haven't I seen these characters on a playing card with their hit point levels on them? Even something like "Tokey, the BC Bud Guy" seems more appropriate compared to this fluff.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:06 PM
Frazer (BC) wrote:

It seems the judges could not make up their minds on ONE mascot, so to confuse all of us, they selected three and a half. One appropriate choice was all that was necessary, and they missed the mark by a large margin.
A Spirit Bear, an Orca a Totem, or something of this nature, would have won over everybody, instead only a minority of people approve.

It is typical though, have amateurs make important decisions.


Posted November 27, 2007 05:02 PM
JillnIrvin (Prince_George) wrote:


talk about over doing it on the First Nations thing! BC is so much more than the Indians - again us regular and proud BCers can feel left out - folks are really getting sick of so many accolades going to one group! the decision-makers-that-be are falling over themselves for First Nations SO MUCH that they have to combine no less than half a dozen aboriginal animals (they're my animals too!) so as not to tick off one tribe vs another?! Why not just stuff a totem pole? 'spose anything can be cute and cuddly for selling purposes but this is way over doing it has resulted in confusion, too many words to describe these "creatures" and just plain cartoon stuff that really doesn't represent the province or country we call home


Posted November 27, 2007 04:55 PM
Ann (Lumby) wrote:

What's with the people that say they are so cute the kids will love them....well who will really be buying them...adults and most them like myself think they stinnnnkkk. As far as I can see it the Olympics is geared for adults not children. I am a native artist married to a native and I find them offensive.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:52 PM
Ian (Surrey) wrote:

I love them. My kids love them.

They're cute and people will buy the merchandise; that's the bottom line.

I think some people just complain to hear themselves complain.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:48 PM
Mike (Smithers) wrote:

Thumbs down.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:47 PM
Iain (Nanaimo) wrote:


Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Olympic Games is an international celebration of youth and sport. How do any of these mascots ("cute" as they are) represent either of these concepts? Also they do not reflect either Canada or Vancouver either. Yes, they should be fun. Yes, they should be simple. Yes, they should be unique. Spirit Bear, sure; Orca, sure; Sasquatch!!! WHAT!! The only BC image they reflect is the Marijuana that was smoked coming up with them!
And while we're on the subject, how does an Inukshuk represent Vancouver?


Posted November 27, 2007 04:47 PM
Deborah (Richmond_BC) wrote:

Oh my goodness!!! Could it be worse??? These are the ugliest things I've ever seen ( or close to it. ) Well, I've not purchased the pile of rocks yet, nor will I be purchasing any of these. How embarressing for those of us living in BC. I don't know - they look like some sort of a cross between Pokeman,Hello Kitty and PacMan. How about a Mountie with a Taser??? Wouldn't that be more representive of Welcome to BC????? Just glad they didn't use a Mountie as a Mascot - but these are really ugly.....to think we waited with baited breath for these???? And I love living in Richmond, and have done so for some 40 years... But these are just inane.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:43 PM
Judith Henderson (DuncanBC) wrote:

Why use mythical creatures when we have such wonderful wildlife in B.C. such as the whale, bear, cougar, etc. I think the mascots are ridiculous.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:43 PM
Doug Finseth (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

The people that thought up these mascots must all be summa cum laude graduates of Dork School. There is nothing Canadian about these critters! They look like a knock off from some Japanese cartoon.

I hate to think of the tax dollars that got spent on this embarassment ...thank God we all have deep pockets to keep supporting the buffoons on the Olympic committee. Lord knows they couldn't get a real job!



Posted November 27, 2007 04:43 PM
whitewolf (on) wrote:

absolutre foolishness and absolutley no class at all

an embarassment,

make them real, what about the wolfe the bear the caribou and other majestic animals instead of these three and

"make them look real"


Posted November 27, 2007 04:42 PM
L. Brown (Surrey_BC) wrote:

I knew even before they were unveiled that these mascots were going to be a terrible disappointment. Glad to see that VANOC lived up to my expectations.

I thought that the logo for 2010 was pretty good, and I thought it would satisfy the "PC" crowd that First Nations were represented.

Why, now, do the mascots all have to be First Nations themed as well? Come on, there's more to BC and Canada than one cultural community! Where am I supposed to see myself in this Olympic games?

I was really hoping for a realistic mascot - the Spirit Bear was my top choice (given the over-use of the orca image these days). Why are the Olympic mascots of recent years so forgettable? Because they're cartoons. The one mascot that stands out in my head is from quite a long time ago - Russia in 1980 had Misha the bear. Very cute, but totally realistic. I was 6 at the time - I loved it then, and I still remember it now. Does anyone think that any of the 2010 mascots will be that memorable????? I think not.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:38 PM
bOB (vancouver) wrote:


WOW WHAT A STUPID MASCOT. LEAVE IT TO VANCOUVER TO COME UP WITH THESE RETARDED THINGS. wE ALL KNOW THAT BC IS GOING TO LOSE MILLIONS ON THE GAMES, BC CANT SPEND MONEY RESPONSIBLY. FAST CAT FERRIES ANYONE. GAMES WILL BE FUN BUT WILL COST US ALL DEARLY.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:33 PM
John (Vancouver) wrote:

think those three characters are just a really poorly drawn cartoon. I am not sure as to how these characters were chosen, but maybe there should have been a public vote. With all this money spent on Olympics and marketing, these mascots are not the best designed.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:30 PM
djmk (burnaby) wrote:

i think i might actually like these mascots. they're kinda cute.

the kids will love them.



Posted November 27, 2007 04:30 PM
Todd (Oyama) wrote:

FUGLY. TOTALLY FUGLY.

I watched the mindless video. How sad. Interesting all of the canned comments from the few proponents. Can we say thanks to friends and family members of the boneheads at VANOC for supporting these things through discussion forums. At least we can laugh at them proudly walking around with stuffed GOOCHIE dolls or whatever its called.......


Posted November 27, 2007 04:28 PM
Karen/Jim (Princeton) wrote:


We don't think these represent all British Columbians. We feel that we have incredible animals & birds in this province and any one of them could have been used. To us they look like they should be the mascots for the olympics in China. Get rid of them and revisit your ideas of what and who British Columbians are.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:26 PM
goatse (Vancouver) wrote:

Is it in bad taste that I was hoping for Twitchi the crackhead?


Posted November 27, 2007 04:22 PM
Michele Jensen (Prince_George) wrote:

If the mascots were depicted more "native"-like, the designs would be criticized for being too stereotypical. Also, to assume that aboriginal kids do not love Hello Kitty styled cartoons and that they would only respond to aboriginal characterization is insulting to them. I (and my son) think the mascots are cute and their stories can increase awarenesss of First Nation culture. These adorable creatures are being marketed in a popular style of entertainment that all Canadian and International kids will respond to. Great job, and an honest attempt to please all.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:21 PM
David (Vancouver) wrote:

Politically Correct Drivel. "Let's make them Native but at the same time Asian cartoonish." Hey VANOC, here's a hint- trying to pander to any one or two special interest groups will get you into trouble with all. Anyone think a cute caricature of a "Spirit" bear or a marmot would cause the wrath we see now? A Bear or Marmot wouldn't represent any special interest group, as these ridiculous animee characters do, but a bear or marmot would certainly insure wide acceptance.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:18 PM
headshake (metrovancouver) wrote:


"While we see no problem in representing our country on an international-scale with Native-themed images, our governments continue to ignore the appalling social-standing of many First Nations people and much of the non-Native Canadian populace has little or no knowledge or interest in Aboriginal treaty issues, history, or affairs. Perhaps one of these mascots should have been two-faced."

Good call.

Now, let's see what we have here (and I'm taking about the actual mascot costumes ... not the artist's renderings):

An obese brown character with blue (blue!) ear muffs, a Friendly Giant tunic and Frankenstein boots;

A green "thing" wearing a space helmet from a 60s sci-fi movie (with a window on the front!)

A skinny, black rodent-like creature that is supposed to be a bear.

Creating any sort of hype and buying frenzy around these characters will be a real challenge - especially when parents see the individual prices ... and then realize that little Sally wants a full "set" of characters. And don't forget "Muk Muk" ... character Number 4 (cha-ching!).

Consulting Disney would have produced a better, more marketable result.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:16 PM
Charlotte (Vancouver) wrote:

Enough is enough!! I have to say that I am very disappointed in the direction that these games are going!! I was extremely excited when it was first decided that Vancouver got the 2010 Olympic Games, but now I am getting to be less and less excited with every major announcement. At the beginning it was the logo, it had almost nothing to do with BC, it should be the logo if Nunavut ever host the games. It was an immense let down after the wonderful bid logo. Then here we are with mascots that most people will never be able to place, and then after being told what the mascots are most people will instantly forget what they are supposed to be, because their description is just too complicated!! I also agree with many people that these Games seem to be taking on too much of Native orientation and not so much a BC or Canadian direction. I am fine with showing off that we are a multicultural society, but then gather inspiration from more than one source! I am very embarrassed of these mascots and at this point I would say that it can only get better, because it certainly can’t get worse!


Posted November 27, 2007 04:16 PM
Alex (Ontario) wrote:

Holy anime batman!



A little too hello kitty for my taste... But they are damn cute, and that's all that really matters! :D


Posted November 27, 2007 04:15 PM
A person (Aplace) wrote:

Considering the Inuit Logo that has been chosen, one would think that perhaps we don't need to have first nations mascots. It is unfortunate that this Olympic games seems to be sending a message to the rest of the world that Canadians, and Vancouverites in particular don't care about anything except for its aboriginal people. While there is nothing inherently wrong with with supporting our first nations or even making them a large part of the Olympics, the message that we choose to send when we pick a symbol like this is that we lack patriotism, or a love for our city.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:14 PM
H (Vancouver) wrote:

Absolute rubbish - but whoever remembers 'mascots' anyway? Particularly ones that seem to have no connection whatever with the Province or Country involved. A great deal of money spent for what is an embarrassment!!! First the inukshuk from NWT and now these from ? where? - with some lame explanation that they are First Nations based - come on- when was the last time any of you saw things like this in the artistic heritage of our First Nations? Ugh!!!!!



Posted November 27, 2007 04:11 PM
C. White (Vancouver) wrote:

In responce to Janice Bakers comment abotu Sumi.

Just so that you know the difference Janice, the PARALYMPIC games are for people that are PHYSICALLY disabled - missing a limb or have mobility issues.

The SPECIAL OLYMPICS are for persons who have a MENTAL disability. There is a difference.

I do agree with your point, however about SUMI. What a Faux pas.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:10 PM
Brad (Vancouver) wrote:

Fin the killer whale is a good mascot.

If you really want to appeal to the kids then choose a damn simple local animal - there's loads of them!

Mythical creatures with legs of bears and thunderbird wings and whales turning into bears, C'mon these suck. Local kids migh get it after a billion questions and hours of explanation but foreign kids or parents seriously dont care.

Wander around the Aquarium gift shop and take your pick of all the stuffed animals!

Time to retool the mascot Vanoc.

Might try some of the fantastic local talent also. Why'd ya pick a Toronto company? Do you want our support or not?


Posted November 27, 2007 04:06 PM
Sig (Vancouver) wrote:



To all the nay-sayers out there who poo-poo the new mascots, let's all remember that Olympic mascots are supposed to be insufferably cute marketing tools aimed at children, and not upstanding icons of the nation the games are held in. Personally I'm tired of the Beaver, the Moose and the Polar Bear being the only animals people associate with Canada. So what if they don't make sense, they aren't supposed to. Remove your heads from your rears and have some fun with them for goodness sakes!


Posted November 27, 2007 04:06 PM
C. White (Vancouver) wrote:

For those of you who were wondering, the citizens of Vancouver DID NOT get a say, a vote or even a OPINION on these new "mascots" and I use the term loosly.

If we did, I hightly doubt that they would have been passed.
They were first revealed to us today - as "these are your mascots" just like every other olympic event/decision - we have had NO say in anything.

These mascots made me cry. Truly they are not representative of anything I hold dear being born and raised in Vancovuer. They look like Japanese cartoon characters created for an kids cartoon show. How these represent us I am unsure.
Very saddened and disapointed with the way VANOC is administering "the people's" olympic games.
PS - just heard that opening ceremony tickets are for corporations only - not the general public - and they are pre-selling at $2,000.0 per person to select organizations already.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:03 PM
Vancougar (Vancouver) wrote:

Conversation overheard at The Bay, Oakridge centre, February, 2010:




"I think I want one of those adorable little mascots to bring home to my niece back in Texas. Let’s see - one is a bear, right? I guess that must be the biggest one. Oh, the big one is a SASQUATCH? Yeah I’ve heard of those before. Canadians see them when they've been up in the mountains after they've had a few too many Kokanee (eh?). Now which one is the BEAR? Oh, it’s not a bear, it’s a bear and a whale CROSS? Is that right? That one is called “Sushi” or “Suri” or something, isn’t it? No? That’s the name of the one that’s a RAVEN crossed with a bear? Or is it a raven crossed with a WHALE? Oh, it’s just wearing a whale HAT? So is that even a RAVEN? Why does it have hairy legs? I've never seen a bird that looks like that before! Oh, it's a THUNDERBIRD? So is it still a BIRD? And what the heck is a KERMODE bear? Sounds like a cross between Kermit the frog and a toilet! Now, are there THREE mascots or FOUR? The fourth one isn’t REALLY a mascot? Well what is it then? A mascot APPRENTICE? Oh, just give me one of EACH!”

Cashier: "That will be $112.95 - CANADIAN."



Posted November 27, 2007 04:02 PM
Denise (Kelowna) wrote:

Quatchi? QUATCHI??? Seriously...


Posted November 27, 2007 04:02 PM
David (Whistler) wrote:

With VANOC's propensity to sue (sumi) everything Olympic, I wonder if VANOC will sue the Columbia brewing company (Kokanee) and demand licensing fees for their use of the Sasquatch?
The intro video on the 2010 website makes more sense than looking at the 3 mascots by themselves.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:01 PM
Kelly (Victoria) wrote:



I am not First Nations. Why does everything need to be First Nations? I know the comments are already out there. I just want to agree that it is ridiculous to represent Canada and BC in this way.


Posted November 27, 2007 04:01 PM
Miriam (Victoria) wrote:

I hope the mascots are sold with tags around their necks where their background story and some explanation is printed on. Otherwise, I don't see how anyone could even in the slightest way relate those creatures to BC, Canada or the Olympics.

Furthermore, it may well be true that the mascots appeal to kids. But aren't mascots supposed to make it easier for kids (and adults) to relate to the event they represent? The only things these mascots make it easier for kids to relate to is Pokemon and other Asian cartoon figures!

What a waste of taxpayer's money!


Posted November 27, 2007 04:00 PM
Karen dolphin (Victoria) wrote:

My initial reaction is shock, horror and embarassment!! The 2 smaller mascots look like "Miss Kitty" spin-offs !!


Posted November 27, 2007 03:57 PM
Johnny the Jester (Vancouver) wrote:

Best I've ever seen.

I can't wait for the bobble heads so I can add it to my sweet collection.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:57 PM
Robert Starcevich (Port_Moody) wrote:



Why three plus a side kick? This is either evidence of a money grab in encouraging people to buy all 3 mascots plus sidekick. Or a desire to please everyone. In the end the majority of my friends were expecting the Spirit Bear, Orca or Sea Otter. But now we once again have confusion.
I am also disappointed in the art work. It looks more Pokeman than West Coast First Nations.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:56 PM
Jimmy (Vancouver) wrote:

Maybe the critics here should recall Hidy and Howdy from the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Must have been nice to have such a facile stereotype to abuse as cowboy bears.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:55 PM
Denise (Vancouver) wrote:

I think they are adorable!


Posted November 27, 2007 03:55 PM
mur (NW_BC) wrote:

Extremely ugly. Totally ridiculous.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:51 PM
JJ (Victoria) wrote:

Part Spirit Bear and Part Orca. Why not make it part bald eagle too so they can have the most politically correct mascot ever.

What about a beaver, or a moose or something recognized as Canadian?

They didn't even go with a First Nations 'style' to the mascots, so we end up with some sort of hybrid Native/Chinese joke. Ah well, Hybrids are also politically popular these days I guess.




Posted November 27, 2007 03:48 PM
Jason Landry (Vancouver) wrote:

I love them - they look cute and the kids will love them. Also, why is everyone so concerned about their asian style. The style may have originated in Asia, but it went global years ago. Walk through any elementary school or mall and you will see tons of examples.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:48 PM
Gary (Port_Alberni) wrote:

Booooooo Hissssss to all 3. Three ridiculous fictional characters of Aboriginal origin is certainly not representative of Canada today. Why does every international event entered by Canada have to have the Aboriginal trademark on it? They are but 5 percent of our total poulation. Enough already!!


Posted November 27, 2007 03:48 PM
John Ashbridge (Elkford_BC) wrote:

Very disappointing! Another reason not to see the games.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:45 PM
Suss (New_West) wrote:

Really, they are just mascots. However, I am confused about Canada now. If I were from somewhere else in the world it would appear to me that Canada is so behind the times and all we do is live in snow and get around on sleds and the only people that live here are Native. It's no so much the mascots, but the theme they are using. It's inaccurate to B.C. and Canada.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:42 PM
Linda (Coquitlam) wrote:



They are cute, but are the first nations the only people that live in Canada, My entire family was born and raised in canada and I am not first nations. Why does at the closing ceremony at the last winter olympics was only represent first nation, why does our olympic symbol only represent first nations, and now this this, I guess if you are not first nations, you are not Canadian, I think the olympic commitee better start think of the rest of the country and people, I case they din't notice, Canda is made up of other people NOT just FIRsT NATIONS Again not representing Canada properly


Posted November 27, 2007 03:39 PM
Jill (Vancouver) wrote:

I like the new mascots. There have been many comments about the mascots needing an explanation, and they are not immediately obvious what they are meant to portray. I believe that in our excessive television and internet wired world, we lose our ability to imagine, question, and hypothesize. What is wrong with someone using their brain power to imagine what they could be and what they are. I think they are original (spirit bear would be too similar to the calgary mascots... canada is more than bears!) and I'm just glad it didn't turn out to be the Bell beavers :)


Posted November 27, 2007 03:37 PM
Dave (langley) wrote:

Are you kidding me? How does this reflect the province of British Columbia and what we are all about.... Enough is enough. Maybe there just should have been one of those figures holding its hand out with some bills in it and a bubble of complaint above it...
A previous poster put it perfectly.."Where is a Canadian flag? Something BC-ish? A maple Leaf, a tree, a salmon, heck even a komodi bear?"
What kind of a minds eye view of our province and people is this going to generate?
Jeeze.....


Posted November 27, 2007 03:37 PM
Brendan Edwards (Courtland_ON) wrote:



I'm not so concerned or disappointed in the Pokemon-like design of the 2010 Winter Olympic Mascots as I am with Canada's continued appropriation of Aboriginal themes. While we see no problem in representing our country on an international-scale with Native-themed images, our governments continue to ignore the appalling social-standing of many First Nations people and much of the non-Native Canadian populace has little or no knowledge or interest in Aboriginal treaty issues, history, or affairs. Perhaps one of these mascots should have been two-faced.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:33 PM
Laura Halliday (Burnaby) wrote:

They've *got* to be kidding.

Oh. They're serious. Sigh...


Posted November 27, 2007 03:30 PM
J. (B_C) wrote:

Ridiculous; I say, Ridiculous...what is so Canadian about those cartoon mascots....if I was a 1st Nations person I would be totally offended...I have, as we all have, seen some beautiful 1st Nations art and it certainly does not look 'cartoonish'...I agree with many of the comments that perhaps a Canadian Flag or at the very least a Maple Leaf to represent Canada and then 'a Bear', perhaps an Eagle, and 'Salmon'; something to represent BC and also the 1st Nations culture....but cartoon characters....YIKES....what were those designers thinking of and the Olympic committee, what's with the cartoon characters...YIKES...I think those "what do you call thems"...should be scrapped and perhaps the Olympic committee and the designers should go back to the drawing board...you do have a couple of years left to design something suitable and respectful of both Canada and the 1st Nations....as a WASP I am very embarressed to even think those cartoon characters represent Canada...God help us.....


Posted November 27, 2007 03:30 PM
Camille (Burnaby) wrote:



The new mascots are adorable! They will appeal to children, fulfilling VANOC's ambition to sell plenty of stuffed toys this Christmas season. They should appeal to adults as well, because of the First Nations significance. I hope that this is a preview of more First Nations influence on our Games. Compared to the horrendous and chiched presentation at the Torino Olympics, we can be glad to have such cuddly critters representing Vancouver, Whistler and the Canadian West Coast.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:29 PM
Nicholas Collins (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

As I drove to work this morning and heard that the mascot would be unveiled today my immediate thought was," I hope it is not as bad as London". I have now seen them (not it) and I have to say they are NOT as bad as London. They are far worse. Does this give us the Gold Medal or what? NJC


Posted November 27, 2007 03:27 PM
Lesley (North_Vancouver) wrote:

I agree with some of the other comments, the mascots are cute and the idea is good, but no one will know what they are unless it is explained to them. Also, looks suspiciously like Asian cartoons. I do not see any Native influence in the characters.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:26 PM
mo (Coquitlam) wrote:

love them

current animation style, mythical, unique, appealing and not done before - great stuff - much better than a dancing snowball and ice cube - *cough* torino *cough*

whether people like it or not the sasquatch is a huge part of BC - just look how Kokanee as exploited it and the orca and whales and things suggested have been done to death before - nice to see something new and fresh in a current style



its gonna getting people asking questions and looking into native culture perhaps and maybe people can be a little more enlightened as a result from such a simple thing


Posted November 27, 2007 03:25 PM
jamie Hill (Kelowna) wrote:

Come on CBC, add up the totals and tell us how many are for and how many against. I don't think that anyone will be surprised....


Posted November 27, 2007 03:21 PM
frank (mission_bc) wrote:

Love them, truly reflect our place in the Pacific Rim.
Meomi Design did a fantastic job. Kids will love them and they are very media friendly.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:21 PM
sebastian (scotland) wrote:

didn't realise british columbia was in japan, because thats what those mascots are telling me...

ps. i am a graphic designer


Posted November 27, 2007 03:19 PM
Lynn (Abbotsford_BC) wrote:

Looks like Hello Kitty cartoon characters. T'would have been nice to see something a little more grown up thrown into the mix.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:19 PM
Matt Cottingham (Vancouver) wrote:



So I guess what you really want is a picture of a spirit bear with a maple leaf on it's chest drinking syrup out of a tree. He can't be animated, because that's too kiddie.

People were going to complain no matter what when these mascots came out. If you don't want them, don't buy them. That's pretty much all you have to do. If people start judging Vancouver based on it's mascots, then they are the ones who are close-minded.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:19 PM
Paul R (Ottawa) wrote:

I'm surprised that there are three of them. Wonder if they speak French too?! My quatchi is itchy.....


Posted November 27, 2007 03:17 PM
Kate (Vancouver) wrote:

Nice imitation of the 2008 Beijing Olympic mascots. Hard to believe we can't come up with anything original, other than the half-baked explanations of the symbolism. Incidentally, I thought we were trying avoid the embarrassment of repeating the faux pas of our not-so-well received symbol. Miserable failure.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:17 PM
Mike (Edmonton) wrote:

The three Vancouver mascots are Horrible! I cannot believe that the people of Vancouver would approve of the use of these characters to represent their city to the world. I am embarrassed that a Canadian city would use these for the Olympics, after all I am Canadian too.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:15 PM
robio (vancouver) wrote:




LOLZ Quatchi is a toadal stoner


Posted November 27, 2007 03:15 PM
Anderson (North_Vancouver) wrote:

Wow, I am speechless,

These Creatures do not represent Vancouver at all when I think of Vancouver, I think of the Killer Whales, and the Spirit Bear, not Sasquatch and the Thunderbird. When I think of Canada I think of the Beaver so why not have a Killer Whale, Spirit Bear and a Beaver.

Also these look like Hello Kitty drawings, not what I think of when I think of Vancouver at all. I'm actually ashamed to be saying these are the mascots of Vancouver 2010.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:13 PM
Dave (Langley) wrote:

Way to go VANOC perhaps you could of had a competition on the awarding of the mascots. Instead, you give this contract to an eastern company, did you have to buy golf balls?
At least your supporting BC's grow-op industry!!
Pass the joint.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:13 PM
steve (kelowna) wrote:

Up to this point I have been against Vancouver going into debt for, I mean hosting, the Olympics. It has caused me some uncomfortable situations with the mindless sheep whom have been brainwashed into thinking the Olympics are for all BC citizens, and will have positive impacts as well. Perhaps in 50 years when it is all paid off we will realized some sort of good legacy.
But now that these riduclous anime' creatures are the mascots for your Olympics I am proud to say I will be too busy those two weeks to watch them prance around like rejects from a Pokemon movie as they represent you folks whom asked for this. How much did these cost? Maybe VANOC traded some Bey Blades or a Tomagachi for them.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:12 PM
Cheryl McQ (Sechelt_BC) wrote:

I whole idea of mascots based on First Nations mythology is wonderful however; the cartoonish mix of Pikachu and Secret Squirrel doesn't do the mythology any justice. Great idea, poor execution.




Posted November 27, 2007 03:09 PM
Ashley (Vancouver) wrote:

I am an adult and a designer and they appeal to me!


Posted November 27, 2007 03:06 PM
Kevin (Vancouver) wrote:

What lame mascots. What is with the Japanese flavour? Horrible designs! If you wanted to give little kids nightmares you succeeded. Leave it to some braindead Torontonians who haven't seen a tree for all that southern Ontario smog to design the mascots. I pitty the person who has to get stuck in the sasquatch costume for 5 years. Was better off buying surplus carpet to wrap around himself.

Hey VANOC, I can't wait to see the rest of the mind numbing show.



Posted November 27, 2007 03:06 PM
Andrew (RichmondBC) wrote:

First off, while I have no complaint about using Native mythological creatures as mascots, exactly how is this supposed to represent the rest of B.C. or Canada? If there were going to be three mascots, one of them could have been a bit more broadly representative, I'm sure. This are being hailed as Canada's Games, not the Musqueam's. Or did I miss something where the Musqueam were going to donate some of their profits from developing Pacific Spirit Park to VANOC? (Didn't think so).
I suppose the B.C. content is to come from the soon-to-be-tired joke of putting a can of Kokanee into the hands of the Sasquatch.
Second, the artistic rendering of the characters is awful. They do indeed look like the illegitimate offspring of Hello Kitty and several uglier Pokemon, with a few relations with Beijing's mascots thrown in somewhere. Even taking a full-size suit accommodating a human being into consideration, a little graphic design goes a long way.




The only evidence of Canada and British Columbia being a modern, successful and environmentally aware society is the inclusion of a Vancouver Island Marmot, but even that is an afterthought as VANOC admits that little "sidekick" isn't an "official" mascot, just popping up from time to time. Seems to me that is the most telling statement on how VANOC views the taxpayers who are footing the bills.


Posted November 27, 2007 03:02 PM
Rick (Chilliwack_BC) wrote:

This is just the latest botching of the advertising campaign for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The first was that symbol which looks like it belongs on Easter Island. Ridiculous! The mascots are NOT representative of a cross section of Canada. It is only a very small part of it. It looks to me like more of a politically correct thing to do, rather than a true representation of Canadian Society or our country's landscape.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:59 PM
Scott (Langley) wrote:

Wow! So much hate for such cute and well designed characters. The style the characters are drawn in is simple and iconic. The many animation studios in Vancouver are using similar styles right now. And Vancouver has a larger asian population, so why not toss in a little asian influence. I'd rather see these energetic designs than a bland high school mascot rendition of a Spirit Bear.

For those calling it 'Japanese cartoons': Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astro Boy) is commonly believed to be the inventor of the Japanese style of comics using the big eyes and whatnot. He was inspired by the cartoons of North America such as Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop. So what goes around comes around.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:59 PM
Lisa (Vancouver) wrote:




Again, we see the big corporate bigwigs appropriating, distorting and profiting from First Nations art and imagery. First Nations people of Canada are not for profit.It is simply outrageous the Olympic committee has blended first nations imagery, their sacred religious symbols (the Bear, Thunderbird, Salmon) with "Pokemon" "Anime" and "Hello Kitty". I would not for one wish to have my sacred imagery (which is not First Nations) blended with Asian artistic license. This is taking 'diversity' and cultural acceptance too far! Accepting cultural diversity means respecting it without trying to change it into something we wish to see. Visitors to our province will return to their homes overseas with a distorted image (even still after 500 years)of our First Nations peoples. I wonder if, for example, what people would say if people used sacred images of Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism in such a distorted and exceptionally offensive manner for the Olympics? The Olympics are being held in BC, do you think an Inuit Inukshuk was an appropriate symbol for this? This is an ancient Greek event, what happened to the good old rings?


Posted November 27, 2007 02:58 PM
Aaron (Vancouver) wrote:

I didn't used the term "Asian" as a despective term, and I don't think anybody's done so. I used it to express that when I see the mascots' sytle I think of Japan or China, not Canada.

The fact that so many adult people reject this characters, and that a lot of people think that because they were tested and appeal to children stresses the fact that this is all about marketing.

The mascots are going to be the symbol of the games, the ambassadors for the games around the world. Why didn't anyone tested these mascots with the First Nation's people? Or with adults? If you read the posts, the mascots don't appeal to neither of them. So is it only about making a profit by appealing to kids? Again: this is not only marketing, they are going to represent the games.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:56 PM
Lily (Vancouver) wrote:




I think the mascots are cute and very applicable to children. While I think it is great that the government/VANOC is acknowledging First Nation's culture and stories, it would be nice if the government spent more time/effort/money supporting these communities and their history and culture rather than just profitting from them.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:56 PM
Mr.Mike (Vancouver) wrote:

I like how the spirit of 'a' mascot has been spun into '3' mascots. And it's not just Vancouver, previous cities have fallen into the same trap. Why are we making more mascots, is there just THAT much culture here that we can't sum it up in one fun mascot? No, the idea is to capitalize on impulse buyers who want their memorabilia.

As for choices, I'm not blown away by any of them with the exception of the sasquatch. Why do we need to overdo it? He encompasses Canadian lore, enough said. We don't need to ram some kind of complex message down everyone's throat, look at previous mascots and their simplicity, there was a frickin' ICE CUBE for one, and Montreal's was a beaver. Helllloooo? What is that furry bird, and orca-that-doesn't-look-anything-like-a-while?


Posted November 27, 2007 02:54 PM
Linda (Prince_George) wrote:




triple crap!!!!!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:51 PM
Lorne (Williams_Lake) wrote:

Some body sure missed the boat on this one for sure!!! Our tax $$$ at work here guys! It is too bad they didn't spend the money they spent on shutting down other people who had the rings on display on this instead. Millions to get the rings removed and $5 for this! What a joke!!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:41 PM
DW (FV) wrote:

Why does everything have to revolve around natives? This country is always bending over backwards to please a minority and the powers that be are mostly too afraid to think of anything that is original!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:40 PM
Ian Frazer (Victoria_BC) wrote:

Now I know where the missing "agricultural products" are being smoked. And while they watch low-quality Japanese kiddie cartoons apparently.

Where is a Canadian flag? Something BC-ish? A maple Leaf, a tree, a salmon, heck even a komodi bear?

What a poor joke on Canada VANOC is making. All in the interests of some drunken "PC" quest. We are stuck with these multi-million dollar drummed up mascots for the next 5 years. What a waste of money, opportunity, and space.

We could have done so much better.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:40 PM
sammy i (vancouver) wrote:




VANOC, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE RECONSIDER!!

IS THIS THE FINAL ANSWER? Who chose this crap? These mascots are abominations. Were there ever other choices, a contest perhaps? Did WE, "The Canadians", have a vote? If we did I wasn't privy to it? I guarantee these creatures would not have been the people's choice.

How embarrassing.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:39 PM
Jen (maple_ridge_) wrote:

Pokemon meets hello kitty? not what I would consider "Canadian" or motivational.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:38 PM
Nicole (Vancouver) wrote:

Why did a Toronto design firm do the animals?

No wonder this happened, so much for BC local business benefitting from this whole mess...

The cultural appropriation from native culture is unfortunate.

They are cute, but do not represent BC at all.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:37 PM
Donna (Delta) wrote:

I LOVE THEM AND SO WILL MY KIDS! They're cute and their stories reflect Canada and the West Coast. Great job, VANOC, Canadians will all celebrate another achievement on the road to 2010!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:36 PM
Christine (Vancouver) wrote:




I think these mascots are fantastic, I am not sure why people assume that the mascots need to be a realistic creature. Where is your sense of imagination? These mascots stand out, they are creative, they are cute and cuddly. I think having that sort of, as described earlier - Pokemon appearance - is a pro, not a con. That's what kids are into these days, and these characters are FOR children. I think VANOC nailed it. Hats Off and Nice Work!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:33 PM
John Zeiler (Vancouver) wrote:

Well, they are better than the rock pile that we've had to date as the symbol, but surely we deserve better than some make believe genetic freaks.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:33 PM
dean (vancouver) wrote:

What a disgrace to Vancouver. Takes me back to the stupid closing ceremonies at Turin. I am a true supporter of the Olympics but this is going to far.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:32 PM
Jennifer Ryan (Vancouver) wrote:

I don't like these particular characters - but that just means I don't like the artist, not the spirit behind them. I do not support the Olympics being here at all considering how many social programs were cut to get here - but I want to comment on the general mood of this commentary:

1. Mascots are definitely for kids. It's too bad that we, as adults, don't like them - but the kids will love them.

2. Robert makes a good, good point about First Nations being culturally rooted here - well said.

3. We have a large Asian population on the West Coast, particularly in Vancouver where the Olympics are being held. Our Asian population has contributed a great deal to our cultural make-up in this province - and we sure weren't nice to the Japanese during the war now were we? I think it is good that they are reflected with the use of Meomi design.

4. As a 'mosiac' country, it will be next to impossible to find something that represents everyone equally and to their cultural satisfaction.

5. Tattooing as an art form was practiced tribally (not only by OUR First Nations Peoples), culturally and historically with great significance and craftsmanship long before the Hell's Angels started wearing them.

That's my bit - thanks for reading.




Posted November 27, 2007 02:30 PM
Ashley (Vancouver) wrote:

I agree with Greg from East Van. I am so disappointed in the completely closed minded people posting here, seriously, do they have kids, do they know anything about current design trends. Why do the majority of Canadians want to maintain the utterly boring label that has been put on us- the Olympics is supposed to be fun and reintroduce us to the world as a place they want to come, a multicultural place. And if you think the positive posters here are from vanoc you are dreaming, these are posting by designers and parents.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:30 PM
Eccccccccch (Burnaby) wrote:

Mukmuk? More like Yuck Yuck...ha ha ha haaaaaaa HIGH FIVE!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:28 PM
Chris (Kamloops) wrote:

With such a rich history of west-coast native art to choose from for inspiration, our tax dollars paid for something that a Japanese kindergarten class created? We'd be better off with a pile of rocks for a mascot.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:28 PM
Tony (Vancouver) wrote:

Going to have to say "bad call" on the design, which does have too much of a Japanese flavour to it for a Vancouver-based product. The concepts drawn from First Nations myth almost seem to have been a creature-by-committee job, though if they're based on an obscure story good job on digging it up. Simplicity would have been better. Frankly, I'm pleased that it's not the Kermode bear, which would have replicated Calgary's polar bear in look; BC has a great many other animals that could have been drawn on in correlation with First Nations mythology that could have been considered. Raven, coyote, sea otter, orca - they're all far more recognizable. But, it's likely too late now to make much of a difference with complaints. I'd be interested to know just what kind of focus group work VANOC did to get positive results for these, though.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:26 PM
sue (victoria) wrote:

Okay, so let me get this straight, you finally decide to be inclusive of Native culture, and this is the embarrassment you come up with. Do you feel that this will somehow positively effect trade with Asia????....C'mon these look like Saturday morning cartoons.....what next related to these Olympics??....I shudder to think.




Posted November 27, 2007 02:25 PM
Remi (Fort_St_John) wrote:

Disappointing to say the least. One good character would outstrip these three-and-a-half mediocre grab-bags of symbols. Not a whole lot of talent at the advertising firm if this is all they could come up with.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:25 PM
Sandra (Nanaimo_BC) wrote:

I agree with the comments that they look like Pokemon. It was British Columbia's chance to come up with something unique and local. The spirit bear is not found anywhere else. I do like the idea of the Marmott, but he is only a sidekick. No one is going to know what the other animals are and a Sasquatch, come on... that is not even on the radar as an animal for British Columbia.
We have an Olympic Committee that gets untold amounts of money to
come with THESE idea's. Give me a break, my 16 yr old could have picked something more appropriate.
Now we just have something else to be embarrassed about in British Columbia. Don't you think we have had enough negative attention in the last while??


Posted November 27, 2007 02:25 PM
Vera Chang (Vancouver) wrote:

As an Chinese Asian living in Richmond, going to business school at UBC, driving a Honda Accord, and friend to a person who owns a bubble tea house, I must say I am offended by this obvious rip off of Hello Kitty.

After consulting with my 19 aunts, uncles, and cousins, I have decide that the best thing to say about these mascots is that our one-child policy in China would have made more sense here.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:24 PM
Peter (New_Westminster_BC) wrote:




"A camel is a horse designed by committee." - Sir Alec Issigonis


Posted November 27, 2007 02:23 PM
C Bremner (Kelowna) wrote:

Hey these mascots are totally cool. I don't know why so many are negative. They're cute, represent the traditional west coast culture and the kids will love them. So chill out people, THEY'RE "JUST" MASCOTS!!! Quatchi rocks!!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:23 PM
David N (Vancouver) wrote:

They're fine mascots. I can't believe the knee-jerk negativity and sarcasm coming from the westcoast about them. Wake up and join the world, Vancouver...


Posted November 27, 2007 02:21 PM
Tracy Arrowsmith (Prince_George) wrote:

While not exactly what I expected, I think that the mascots are very cute. I like that the sasquatch was included as although he is not proven to be "real" many people associate it with Canada. I think the mascots could have been a little more natural to BC IE a spirit bear that looks lixe a spirit bear. While the First Nations artwork is beautiful, it does not need to be in everything associated with 2010 as BC is a very diverse province.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:18 PM
Bernie Maroney (Vancouver) wrote:

It appears that Vanoc has learned nothing from their abysmal failure during the Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. Their attempt to be artsy and politically correct has resulted in something only slightly better than "Whatizit" from the '96 Atlanta Summer Games. And a non-mascot "sidekick?" How many mascots do they need?

I'm afraid I will not be among the consumers who purchase commensurate merchandise.



Posted November 27, 2007 02:18 PM
Stevo (Vancouver) wrote:

I think these mascots are a true reflection of how bad our drug problem really is. Perhaps we should have held off until 2014 with hopes of a sober Olympic Committee.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:17 PM
Jamie (Vancouver_Island) wrote:

what a great prank you guys!!! ok, let's see the real mascots because nobody would dare mix First Nations and Japanese cultures with Canadian folklore to come up with Pokemon rejects for mascots.

Oh right... This is VANOC... *sigh* Well at least nobody will EVER forget us...



Posted November 27, 2007 02:16 PM
OUCH! (Vancouver) wrote:

Like them or not, you better get used to them. Not only do we have them now, these are thrift store items of 2011 and the retro-chic items of 2020. OUCH!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:16 PM
Richard (Vancouver) wrote:

Love them! Very hip. Very young. Nice amalgamation of current animation styles and aboriginal/mythic elements.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:15 PM
Mike Boulton (Vancouver) wrote:

Not very happy with these.
You can say "aimed at kids" all you want, they are not very representative of Canada to me.




No maple leafs, or red and white colors.
Not happy that they look and sound Japanese too!

So they were "tested" on kids?

What a joke ! Another punch in the gut.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:12 PM
Jamie Hill (Kelowna) wrote:

They look much more oriental than Canadian, but then I guess that they are supposed to represent Vancouver and it’s foreign infatuation with money, much more than they are supposed to represent Canada and our values. My advanced apologies to our aboriginal peoples for their forced association with such a disgusting marketing initiative. Well done Gordo, another nail in the Liberal coffin.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:12 PM
Roy Allan (100_Mile_House) wrote:

Have these guys gone completely nuts. These goofy looking things are an embarassment. Why not just one character that truly represents the Province. The Kermode Bear would have been perfect.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:09 PM
Anonymous (Surrey) wrote:

I'm sorry, but the logo is a native symbol and now the mascots are based on native folklore as well? There are a lot of people in this province who are not natives but who were still born in this country. Why does it seem that these Olympics are all about the natives?


Posted November 27, 2007 02:09 PM
M G Brooks (Gabriola_BC) wrote:



These are pathetic! They look like cartoons from Japanese comic books. You say they are related to First Nations art??! Did anyone ask permission of First Nations people to make caricatures of their art? How insulting. Maybe you should have asked a First Nations artist to design them. I was hoping for a more realistic rendition of the kermode spirit bear and an orca, not mangled & mutilated kitch. I am disgusted! Maybe the public should be consulted about the designs before spending money from the public purse. No wonder they were trying to keep it a secret!


Posted November 27, 2007 02:08 PM
Thor (Vancouver) wrote:

Cheer up everyone. These mascots are fine. They are fun, colourful and remind visitors of Canada's First Nations' heritage. Why are we all so miserable?


Posted November 27, 2007 02:07 PM
Stephen Barber (Okanagan) wrote:

The responses of which about 80% talk are about Pokemon, Japan and the dislike for the cartoon-like mascots, nothing to do with Canada
I can't help but wonder if the response would be closer to 99% if the positive comments by VANOC members and volunteers were deleted.



Posted November 27, 2007 02:06 PM
Mary Ellen Lower (vancouver) wrote:

I think the new mascots are fantastic. I love the connection with the First Nation creatures and the folklore of British Columbia, i.e. the Sasquatch. Miga is my favorite creature whose story tells of being part killer whale and part kermode spirit bear. It's so cool he snowboards. Kids will love the creatures and it will be great for tourists too. Kudos to the Olympic Organizers.


Posted November 27, 2007 02:04 PM
Brendan (Victoria_BC) wrote:



I am not a negative person; I don't want to sound down on the Olympics - I actually support them and think that they are a great thing for BC and the rest of Canada. I am tired of hearing how there would be no drug, addiction and homeless problems in BC if it were not for the Olympics – I cannot think of anything that makes less sense to me. I think these mascots however, are insulting and ridiculous. They look like they come from a poor mix of Japanese anime cartoons combined with insultingly poorly done caricatures of First Nations Culture (which would have been OK for me if they were done in a more pure native-art theme).
They do not, to me, represent Canada; Canada is, by the way, more than First Nation peoples, there are a lot of people here from European, Asian and various other backgrounds and these mascots are insulting at best and ridiculous at the very least.
It is a shame we cannot come together to decide who we are in Canada, or at the very least, who we are as west coasters.



Posted November 27, 2007 01:59 PM
Sherylee Harper (Victoria) wrote:

These things are in no way representative of the animals they poorly simulate. These things are Japanese Anime characters and nothing more! What an obscene waste of my tax dollars!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:59 PM
Who cares? (Canada) wrote:

Anyone else think there was a lapse in judgement when the Paralympic mascot was saddled with a helmet? Not the best stigma associated to disabled people.
-Oh well; In the long run no one will really care about how badly these mascots were conceived.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:59 PM
Paul R (Germany) wrote:

I think they are really cute and wake up people AIMED AT KIDS! As a Canadian living in Europe I am sick to death of the whole polar bear/beaver/lumberjack schtick...



let show the world we are more than that! Otherwise what about a surly racist bitter british columbian dripping with maple syrup? you could get many of the bloggers here to pose...


Posted November 27, 2007 01:58 PM
Denis Hull (BC) wrote:

I think they are a typical example of the kings has no clothes sydrome and should be allocated to that three coloured line drawn painting the Feds paid 2 millions buck for a few years back. These drawings would be considered for China but not for B.C. Please gentlemen, where the hell are your brains and your taste ?



Posted November 27, 2007 01:56 PM
Stephen Barber (Kelowna) wrote:

Pitiful.... and typical of the corporate control of the Olymipics.
Homogenized, white bread, offend no-one decision.

Canada and BC have some of the noblest, more revered and storied animals in the world.

The Moose, The Eagle, the Spirit Bear, Marmots, Beavers, even a Salmon but instead VANOC chooses cartoon characters, ignoring Canadian identity and culture.

Trying sad.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:54 PM
Cheryle Ann E. (Cheri) Brooks (Port_Clements_BC) wrote:

These mascots are not representative of British Columbia or Canada. They are really silly and very childish. I thought that the Olympics were supposed to include ALL peoples of Britsh Columbia and Canada, not just one specific group or another and not just children. Isn't "The World" coming to the Olympics, or are just a few select British Columbians going to show up...



It would have been far better to take ALL the money wasted on this "Mascot Thing" and give it to a Children's Christmas Fund or a food bank.

Considering that BC has the highest child poverty level in Canada, something far better could have been done with the money that has been squandered on these so called "mascots"

Aside from this, few children are going to be able to afford these things, regardless. Only the rich will be able to waste their money on such trash.

What a HUGE disappointment! VOC is staying true to form with it's stupidity and its ineptitude... like they did with the logo creation...

A very disappointed and embarrassed British Columbian and Canadian,

Cheri Brooks
Port Clements, BC


Posted November 27, 2007 01:53 PM
Brett (HongCouver) wrote:

I can't put into word what garbage I think this is. *Puke*


Posted November 27, 2007 01:52 PM
Sean (Vancouver) wrote:

Much ado about nothing...they're cute kiddy mascots, nothing more, nothing less. Sure, I may not wear a t-shirt with them on it, but am I the demographic? Nope. but you better believe I will (or the wife will, more appropriately) buy souvenirs for my overseas friends' kids...


Posted November 27, 2007 01:49 PM
irene (victoria) wrote:

when we were little, my dad use to say "don't be such a muck-muck" when we would make a mess while eating. And now its a real name!




Posted November 27, 2007 01:49 PM
JOANNE (Squamish_BC) wrote:

In looking at the past Olympic Mascots....I guess ours isn't too bad....


Posted November 27, 2007 01:48 PM
Claudia (Mission) wrote:

Are these people who designed these creatures connected to the olympic committee? Are they the sons and daughters of some one? Is the olympic committee doing someone a favor and employing a friends kid to design these things? I am somewhat mystified as to what they were thinking.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:47 PM
wagster (Vernon_BC) wrote:

This is as idiotic as the Olympic symbol itself. (Rocks in a pile)
When you have to explain to Canadians what each symbol is & means you've made bad choices. People just can't relate to them.
The individual that okayed these items should run in politics, they would fit right in with the other idiots that make decisions on behave of canadians.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:47 PM
Marie Smith (North_Vancouver) wrote:

I agree with Ervin Chang:
they tried the Canadian Way to please every one and - no one will - really - like this mascots. I wish they had just chosen an animal - something every one can recognize and likes to buy too.



Posted November 27, 2007 01:46 PM
Peggy (Victoria) wrote:



I'm glad that the mascots reflect the Native culture. I am not Native but feel that is very appropriate.
However, I can't think of any reason that they need to look like anime creatures. Why couldn't a Native artist have created the characters? Their design does not reflect Native culture. I think they will be confused with whatever Asian mascots are there.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:46 PM
Marlene Mitchner (Terrace_BC) wrote:

Oh ... these are so ugly ...
Even if I accepted the concept of anime mythical West Coast First Nations cuddly creatures ... these are ugly and boring ... one thing about our province is that it's big, bold and beautiful ... and there's nothing big, bold or beautiful about these ugly little things ...
Isn't it just so depressing???


Posted November 27, 2007 01:46 PM
Pat Michael (Salmon_Arm) wrote:

I don't think these mascots represent our province or country very well. Especially when there has to be an explanation at to what they are depicting. However, I'm sure the affluent portion of our society will purchase them for the affluent kids. It is just too bad that the proceeds couldn't go toward easing child poverty.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:45 PM
Jerry Barker (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm concerned, deeply. Having a children's character with a tatoo???!! !! What kind of message does that send out to the kids.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:45 PM
Tony Tosdevine (YoubouBC) wrote:



In a province with many talented artists the committee decided on these stupid cartoonlike things to represent our province and the country....what a sad, sad statement.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:44 PM
S Dahl (Grand_Forks_BC) wrote:

WOW! Those are the the most pitiful examples of mascots I have ever seen. Please, someone tell me they farmed out this project to a Japanese animation firm. I guess I there is still lots of money to waste in the three generations of debt building committee.



Posted November 27, 2007 01:43 PM
Susan (100_Mile_House_BC) wrote:

Very juvenile and totally unnecessary. Just another expense (like that countdown clock) that we don't need. Far too much money is put into sports....we have homeless, hungry and many with health concerns that could well benefit from the overspending applied to sports.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:41 PM
Greg (East_Van) wrote:

If you know anything about current design and art, you will see that this style is innovative and modern. Meomi Design is from Vancouver and known the world over. They will be embraced by the world and you will all jump on the bandwagon.

I feel depressed today.
Depressed that people are so quick to be negative.
Depressed that people use "Asian" as an insult.
I had no idea that Canada was this close-minded and this on the edge of racism.

Our mascots represent different styles and cultures.
If you choose to use those cultures as insults then you aren't very Canadian.
If you need a moose or beaver to feel proud, you are pathetic.



Keep going VANOC.
You are bring a modern Canada forward.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:38 PM
Terry Murray (Squamish) wrote:

They look like pokemon characters.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:37 PM
Jerry (Vancouver) wrote:

Good to know that, once again, the collective culture in Canada is being ignored - there's no Irish, Italian, Scottish, English, Chinese, Indian, Jewish, Ukranian etc.. people here.... there's just First Nations.

The real Olympic mascot should be a hundred dollar bill strangling a homeless guy. Better yet a Euro strangling a homeless guy.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:34 PM
Tanya (New_Westminster) wrote:

Did somebody just call the mascots childish?

good grief, I thought mascots were meant for children


Posted November 27, 2007 01:33 PM
Andrew (Victoria) wrote:

All of the armchair graphic designers emerge! Take a few courses in media theory and and character design before you complain about colour schemes, demographic appeal and "Pokemon".

My compliments to Meomi Design for a modern, fun and appealing selection of mascots.




Posted November 27, 2007 01:33 PM
Raphael (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

I think the committee needed to be more decisive.

Half-bear/half-whale/half-thunderbird, what's the matter? No room for a a half-robot that plays guitar and rollerblades I take it. Still I was hoping for a time-travelling inukshuk whose hobbies include geology and piano.

The people who buy mascot memorabilia, will buy it no matter what is put out there. So please, just keep their presence low-key for everyone else's sake


Posted November 27, 2007 01:32 PM
Scott Bowen (Kamloops) wrote:

Why not just ask Fin to be the mascot I am sure Nonis wouldn't mind.

Hell Batemen could cover costs of manufacturing since it would be great ads for the nhl around the world.

I wonder how much of my tax $ went to drawing those cartoon mascots?


Posted November 27, 2007 01:32 PM
James (Burnaby) wrote:

Excellent post Jason


"And Canada is suppose to be one of the most accepting and multicultural countries in the world"

... I read a bit of the "back story" on these little mascots and the one is part orca part bear ... and they have fun and get along and have dreams ... these mascots represent the perfect message for kids who they are targetted towards




Posted November 27, 2007 01:31 PM
Ms. McPhee (Horseshoe_Bay) wrote:

They are appalling.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:31 PM
Ty (Vancouver) wrote:

Dont worry everyone!!!! with our logo and our mascots Vancouver will be the talk for a long time to come..... Us Canadians will just have to sit back and laugh at this.. cause these mascots are just about the funniest things I've seen next to Gordon Campbell's mugshot while DUI in Hawaii. Huge Disappointment good waste of our tax money!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:31 PM
Paul (Vancouver) wrote:

Once again, so many Canadians are proving to be NEGATIVE towards anything to do with The Games. If you don't like the mascots, what would you have proposed - a beaver or a moose? How about some fun and innovation for a change!!? And, please quit whining about the cost or the "financial hangover" the games are going to cause. The Olympic games have had a positive impact on the communities they have been hosted in over the past several games. Why don't you get involved rather than whining about it? The Olympics WILL be happening so just enjoy them. Stop being cranky!! Quatchi doesn't like cranky Canadians! LOL


Posted November 27, 2007 01:29 PM
Stef (wpg) wrote:

wow! they are disgusting! yuck!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:29 PM
Carmi Hiller (abbotsford) wrote:




These mascots appear very Japanese (in design AND name), NOT Canadian! We have bears, beavers, moose, deer, squirrels, etc, etc in our BC forests. The proposed mascots look more like "Hello Kitty" in style! Sushi anyone?


Posted November 27, 2007 01:29 PM
Grace Lankin (Grand_Bend_ON) wrote:

One word: Childish


Posted November 27, 2007 01:28 PM
Craig (Toronto) wrote:

love. them.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:27 PM
Colin (Richmond) wrote:

The designers web site gives you an immediate idea of what these characters were going to look like long before pixels hit the screen. It seems that VANOC feels it's a safer choice to go to an already established and accepted look in other parts of the world rather than taking even just a short step back and showcasing what British Columbia is really all about. The Beijing Olympic committee might as well use the Spirit Bear mascot since it's up for grabs now.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:27 PM
Jordan (Vancouver) wrote:

I'd like to see Quatchi square off against Izzy the Whatizit or Magique. That would rule.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:26 PM
Mike (canada) wrote:



I dont see what the big deal is, the legacy of the vancouver olympic games wont be remembered on the mascot design. I dont even remember what the mascot for the last olympics was, and frankly it doesnt matter.



Posted November 27, 2007 01:26 PM
Jason (Vancouver) wrote:

Seems like people will always have something to complain.

If it's not specific enough to represent BC, then you have people complaining why it doesn't represent the West Coast.

Now that the mascots are more West Coast, you have people complaining about them not being "Canadian" enough.

We even have people complaining that the art style is too "Asian".
We have people complaining why must it be so "First Nations".
Why must it be so "cute"?
Why must it be based on mythical creatures?
Why this why that.....

And Canada is suppose to be one of the most accepting and multicultural countries in the world......




Posted November 27, 2007 01:25 PM
Russ (Abbotsford) wrote:

Are the Olympics only being attended by people under the age of 6?
Are the designers based in Richmond?

From a kid's perspective the creatures are plain weird. From an adult's, they're pathetic! At least make them realistic looking or athletic... not Japanamated.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:25 PM
katie (Vancouver) wrote:

Don't like the style, they sort of remind me of the Beijing mascots and the colours are boring.

As to the Sumi/Semi comments posted by a couple other people, that never even crossed my mind...at all.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:23 PM
Taotu (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

The complaints about Japanese style art are getting a little over the top. These mascots look just as much like Miffy the Bunny, a Dutch character who's been around since 1963, as they look like Sanrio characters. This is not a Japanese art style, this is a cutesy art style. And what did we expect? That they'd be painted in the style of the Group of Seven?


Posted November 27, 2007 01:23 PM
Shamis (Port_Moody) wrote:

So that is what I gathered so far from reading all of these posts, this is how the mascots were chosen:

The Hell's Angels went to Wreck beach and picked up a fat and hairy Canadian, gave him a scarf and gang tattoo and called him a Sasquatch mascot. Then they got their pusher, a pooping marmot, to give the Sasquatch pot that it can sell to the tourists to fund the cost over runs dealing with the Olympics. Now the pooping (muk muk translates to poop) marmot gets the drugs from the Sumi, the semi-retarded athlete who drank water out of False Creek after injecting himself with steriods, who flys over Vancouer and drops the packages to the poophead. So far, we have a Hell Angel, a poophead, and a retarded steriod junky.



How does the tiny half orca half whatever that thing is fit into the picture? Easy, that's pothead - the child no one wanted so it lives on the downtown eastside and is pimped out by the pooping marmot in it's free time all the while get a supply of pot so it can dance freely and look at everything like it's a Pokemon world.

Is that accurate?


Posted November 27, 2007 01:22 PM
larry robertson (vancouver) wrote:

Does anyone else think sumi (sue-me) is a very appropriate name for an olympic mascot? I think it embodies the overly litigious nature of VANOC and Olympic Committees in general. Though I didn't see frivolous lawsuits listed in its hobbies.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:21 PM
Dennis (Vancouver) wrote:

good post celeste

chronic complainers are outraged over these mascots ... i wonder when the protest on the art gallery steps will be? Can we not keep some things on a positive feel good tip?

Silly rabbits, Mascots are for kids

The only complaint I have is Ill have to part with some cash when my daughter asks me to buy her one


Posted November 27, 2007 01:21 PM
TA (New_Westminster) wrote:

It's not about what they are. It's about who they are. I think that's quite Canadian.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:21 PM
Johanne Hubert (Vancouver) wrote:







This is the most embarrassing example of mascots of every seen - can't we every do anything that's "world class" cool - does everything have to look so computer animated - what a shame when we have so many wonderful artist in this country


Posted November 27, 2007 01:19 PM
Paul (Vancouver) wrote:

Some people are taking this way too seriously. The essence of the Olympic mascot is not very important. Who can even remember what they were at previous Olympics: not me. What is important is that they are fun. That, these are. Yes, the 5 year olds will like them. But isn't that the target audience?

A spirit bear aka kermode bear aka black-bear-with-white-fur? The world would have seen it as a polar bear, which would have appeared really dumb as there are none in BC.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:17 PM
Leon (Vancouver) wrote:

Why oh WHY can't Vancouver companies get off the first nations kick? We are one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. We're young, we're beutiful. But sadly, as has been shown again, we don't find ourselves interesting enough to actually grasp THAT aspect of the city... which is it's TRUE virtue.

Sad, sad, sad.... It looks like Hello Kitty meets the Museum of Anthropology.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:17 PM
Martin (Vancouver) wrote:

The mascots look fine, but why is everything we do for an international audience always related to our First Nations people. What about the rest of Canadians?


Posted November 27, 2007 01:16 PM
Leo Whiteway (Kelowna_BC_Canada) wrote:



It is hard envisage any more cartoony looking junk.
This business of having input mainly from a minority group does nothing for me.
I would be much more satisfied if the ideas were to come from generally all of Canada. Specially from the younger citizenry like the school students.
I was under the impression that this was Canadas winter Olympics in Vancouver.
I am Metis and I don't see any connection with these trivial cartoons. As member of the natives of Canada, I feel embarassed to see this STUFF.



Posted November 27, 2007 01:16 PM
Logan (Vancouver) wrote:

DUMB and STUPID and UGLEY should have been the mascots names.

For those people agaist the 2010 Olympics...Get on board...It's happening!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:14 PM
Joanne McPherson (Victoria) wrote:

How embarrassing! Is this how we want to represent ourselves to the world? You should hang your heads in shame!

In other words..."I hate them"!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:13 PM
geoff (white_rock) wrote:

what, no "tammy the syringe"?


Posted November 27, 2007 01:13 PM
Aaron (Vancouver) wrote:

These mascots are really awful. Why did they have to get the Asian Pokemon-Kitty look? In Vancouver we have the best game developers, a huge film industry, and with all the creative people living here, they come up with this?




The simple fact that we need an explanation on what these things are reflects the poor design involved. I'm embarrassed by these mascots. Another clue of the poor design: having four mascots instead of one. This is the Spice Girls concept: get an assorted mix so they appeal to everyone. Oh! Four is too obvious, let's make them three with a sidekick! Awful!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:12 PM
Celeste (Kelowna) wrote:

Generally, mascots are geared toward the younger demographic of Olympic spectators; should it be any other way?

The Olympics represent an event that brings countries and individuals together in the good will of sport. I believe that there is no other event that can inspire people to become better human beings than this. The truth of the matter is, generations can be affected, for the better, by the Games. My first "Olympic" memory is of Elizabeth Manley winning the Silver medal in Calgary in 1988. Her success on the world stage made me beleive that anything is possible. I am sure it is because of her and other athletes' successes that many of our Canadian Olympians are doing the great things they are doing on their road to 2010.

Including mascots that are geared to children will only further cement the legacy that the Games will have on our Society as a whole. These mascots are exposing kids to the fact that Canada is a diverse place, one with different cultures and strengths. They are teaching kids, perhaps indirectly, to be open minded and forgiving of others.

I like our mascots and I hope that with time more people will too.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:11 PM
Matthew (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

Whatever happened to the good old BC beaver or moose? These magical creatures belong in Japan not at the Vancouver olympics. The people of BC have really been let down, again...

matt



Posted November 27, 2007 01:10 PM
CNM (Kamloops) wrote:

How embarrassing for British Columbians. I would think with all the money being poured into the Olympics we could've paid people to come up with something better than three mutant cartoons.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:09 PM
Junipter (Whistler) wrote:

Don't hate these things too much. I found that if you smoke a bag of pot and then look at these things they are so cool. I would buy a shirt so I can smoke up with these things!


Posted November 27, 2007 01:08 PM
jorden (port_hardy) wrote:

i think they are ok but they all need more detail miga and the sasquatch :) thats what i think but they are ok


Posted November 27, 2007 01:07 PM
Alex (Vancouver_BC) wrote:



Awful.

I cannot believe it's the best of a PROFESSIONAL design work. It looks more like a result of a "photoshop for dummies" tutorial.

Absolutely awful.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:07 PM
Ray Parker (Burnaby) wrote:

OMG. Where did they find these reject Hello Kitty characters? Metrotown? There are ideal for the Chinese 2008, but not Vancouver, sorry, but they do not represent anything about the British Columbia I've spend 50 years in. Centennial Sam and Sue were the mascots for BC's centenial in 1958, now that was a better representation of true British Columbia spirit.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:06 PM
Diane (SurreyBC) wrote:

Say what? Who are these creatures? Never heard of these characters and at first glance, they remind me of Japanese characters like Hello Kitty ...and at second glance too. Why not have something that is more identifiable with the majority of BC residents like the Spirit Bear? I'm not impressed at all and certainly won't be buying into it.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:06 PM
Gordon (Surrey) wrote:

Awwww
I really wanted a taser me teddy, a pepperspray penguin, a clubbed baby seal, a poverty pus puppy and a homelessness heron.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:05 PM
Dale Pollard (KelownaBC) wrote:



Since there is, apparently, no "Canadian" style to showcase the brilliant aboriginal creatures chosen for the mascots, it is a tribute to the blending of west-coast cultures to present them in Japanese style. It is simply, not to my taste, sorry.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:05 PM
Phoebe (North_Vancouver) wrote:

These are embarrassingly BAD! what a waste of design skill and money
It's this kind of waste that gives VANOC a bad name.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:04 PM
Lana (Vancouver) wrote:

I AM A VER SAD CANADIAN
These mascots are not what BC or Canada is about. With a province full of distinguishing animals, they were passed by. Even if the presented mascots more realist looking it would be better.

I beg of you go back to the drawing board.



Posted November 27, 2007 01:03 PM
Patricia (Kelowna) wrote:

I'm disappointed. Would have loved a cute cuddly 'spirit' bear. Perhaps something we could all relate to.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:02 PM
Ryan (Port_Moody) wrote:

Hello Kitty, Goodbye dignity


Posted November 27, 2007 01:01 PM
Paul (Calgary) wrote:



I like the sasquatch with the tattoo. That's fun. Regarding the hybrid creatures combining aboriginal mythology and Pokemon (quite possibly the quintessential symbol of utterly disposable consumerism): Pretty high on the tasteless meter. Kind of like marketing a "Shaman Barbie" (Sweat lodge sold separately).


Posted November 27, 2007 01:01 PM
Nick Steward (Kelowna) wrote:

Is this really the bst we could come up with? Pretty pathetic.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:00 PM
Ben (queens_university_kingston) wrote:

laughably bad... but then again, theyre about what i expected given the choice of an 'inukshuk' as the official logo.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:00 PM
Bill (Vancouver) wrote:

Mythical cartoon characters? These horrible monstrosities are an embarrassment and a huge disappointment. What the heck do Japanese Hello Kitty characters have to do with Vancouver or Canada? Where's the Spirit Bear?? Please, please rethink this horrible decision.


Posted November 27, 2007 01:00 PM
Ronda (Vancouver_Island) wrote:

Does anyone out there realize how close to extinction the wild Vancouver Island marmot is?? I hope the profits from mukmuk sales can be used to prevent the extinction of the wild Vancouver Island Marmot. I think we have over 200 Vancouver Island marmots born in captivity but approximately 35 Vancouver Island marmots born in the wild survive today. Rather than spending millions of dollars breeding marmots in captivity how about we do a deal to create protected habitat areas that would be so beneficial to wildlife and mankind.



How unfortunate the cartoon characters do not look like Pacific Northwest First Nations symbols at all.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:59 PM
Fred Allnutt (Gibsons_BC) wrote:

If the Kids enjoy them I guess they're alright. But as for me I don't see how they represent B.C. to the world. Nobody will know what they are unless it is explained to them, they'll only see some strange looking creatures dancing around. Who'll know that the Spirit Bear is represented there or the the Orca or what it has to do with B.C. and what we have to offer the rest of the world. Fred Allnutt, Gibsons B.C.



Posted November 27, 2007 12:59 PM
David MacKay (Vancouver) wrote:

I think they are FANTASTIC.
Good going keeping with our First Nations culture.
People are going to love them


Posted November 27, 2007 12:59 PM
Debbie Statham (Sunshine_Coast) wrote:


What's in it for your guest, Mark, who is pretending to be an "objective third party" in singing the praises of the Olympic Mascots? Good thing he isn't an actor because his schtick is rather transparent.

What do these characters tell the world about Canada? Certainly nothing factual at all! Completely mythical! This is a rare opportunity to convey OUR message to the world. Ask anyone in the world what these creatures are related to and they will say that they are Japanese cartoon characters!

So, our 2006 Winter Olympic closing ceremonies presentation was a complete cliche, depicting only ice and snowmobiles with some random munchkins building an ice structure. The primary-coloured gumbie symbol conveys nothing recognizable to the world. Now, we offer mythical, Japanese-styled creatures as mascots that relate neither to the bleak ice field blunder that we portrayed in the 2006 Winter Olympics nor to the primary-coloured gumbie. On top of that we throw in a "Muck muck" side kick character; seemingly because we couldn't quite decide on whether to use him or not. Maybe we were trying to satisfy the people of British Columbia in having an actual BC animal promoted, or maybe it was to please environmentalists and conservatists (and rightly so).

Do any of these symbols or portrayals make a foreigner say, "Hey, I'd like to go there and see that." What a disjointed marketing plan, or rather non-plan. Unfortunately, the layers of bumbling do reflect general Canadian truths. We don't know who we are nor how to promote ourselves. We look to the world to identify what our message should be. We seek to please every minority imaginable to the detriment of the majority, as evidenced by the hodge-podge of chaotic symbolism. If we want a project of any magnitude carried out with any level of expertise we must contract it to foreign companies. Oh, oh Canada.




Posted November 27, 2007 12:57 PM
Susan Grieve (Victoria) wrote:

Eeew....these are uniquely representative of BC? They look like derivative Pokemon crap, to me.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:54 PM
Graham (Vancouver) wrote:

I saw one comment about Pokemon and I do agree with that but overall I like them. I mean come on they are mascots - a Pokemon look is not a bad thing. They aren't animated cultural ambassadors.

After the innukshuk symbol I was getting ready for much worse but these are OK. I think that 3 is too many and I would toss the Sasquach if given a chance but overall I think that they are OK and will sell well.

Of course we'll complain anyways - its what we do.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:54 PM
Brad Murray (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

Merchandising-friendly mascots seem like a powerful way to extract cash from visiting strangers. I approve. If we can make some kind of collectible card game where they fight each other we can really ring in.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:53 PM
Dak (Vanc) wrote:

Is the 2010 Winter Olympics being moved to Japan?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:53 PM
Laura (Burnaby) wrote:



I hope vanoc did not break the bank on these choices. Go back to the drawing board and choose characters that stand out as distinctly (not to be disputed) CANADIAN, and not Japanese influenced characters.
These characters,the way they look now, may only interest a 2 year old, if lucky.
So disappointed and embarrassed.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:52 PM
C (Vancouver) wrote:

I love graphic artists Meomi! This is the very first thing about the 2010 Olympics I genuinely love. I wasn't even considering buying merchandise, furthest thing from my mind; and here I am thinking "what wouldn't I buy?". I want to congratulate Ms. Wong for landing such a large scale project.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:52 PM
Marsha (Vancouver) wrote:

Instead of representing First Nations drawings these look like Hello Kitty. It is disappointing that the Spirit Bear and killer whale could not have stood alone instead of being combined. It is also disappointing that a sasquatch made it in instead of either the bear or whale. All in all don't think the mascots are representative of BC


Posted November 27, 2007 12:51 PM
ed lindquist (chilliwack_bc) wrote:

This is insane , millions spent and this is what we are showing to the world . Firing these people in charge is not enough, public flogging , and tar and feathers for all involved starting with all politicians in Victoria . A sad day for for British Columbia .


Posted November 27, 2007 12:51 PM
MELANIE (SURREY) wrote:



I THINK THEY'RE CUTE..WHO CARES THAT MUCH ABOUT A MASCOT ANYWAYS??!! PEOPLE WILL NEVER BE HAPPY AND OBVIOUSLY HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERYTHING...AT LEAST WE DIDN'T HAVE SOME TYPICAL CLICHE LIKE A MOOSE OR BEAVER..THESE MASCOTS ARE MOSTLY MARKETED TO KIDS AND TOURISTS ANYWAYS..AND BESIDES ITS WAYYYYY BETTER THAN THE MASCOT FOR TORINO...


Posted November 27, 2007 12:51 PM
Betty (Vancouver) wrote:

I am quite ashamed to be a Canadian with these characters -Spirit Bear is what we should have as our symbol for the Olympics. There is more people in Canada besides the first nation-who I admire greatly-no wonder everyone thinks they should bring ski's to Canada in summer!!!!


Posted November 27, 2007 12:51 PM
Kimberly Watts (Okanagan_Falls_BC) wrote:

I feel as though I have stepped into a bad BC cartoon! Just pick one of the Native symbols and go for it OR one of our fabulous wildlife members! We have enough to choose from!

I will not buy a shirt or anything with something so unrealistic on it... perhaps you could find something a little more BC appropriate and less video game oriented!


Posted November 27, 2007 12:49 PM
Charles (Vancouver) wrote:

They look the exactly the same as the Beijing ones. The designers really nailed the 1 -3 year old girl demographic.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:48 PM
Courtney Salley (New_York) wrote:

I came to this site to see the mascots to see what our city could expect if we ever get the Olympics and I will admit, they are "unique."



I personally do not like them but it did make me want to look up these animals on Google. I didn't know what a Kermode Bear and a Vancouver Island Marmot was but when I searched on Google it doesn't sound like you Canadians are very nice to them. In fact, if you search Google about these animals it says that they almost went extinct due to poaching. Moreover it says that BC does not treat Indian groups very well either. I thought Canada have been smarter to use animals and people that they at least treat well. If I were your Olympic organizers then I would have at least Googled your bad reputation before using them on a worldwide campaign.

And by the way, everyone at my office picked up on the SUMI joke immediately. Maybe we are just mean, but naming your mascot for the paraolympic games Sumi, a name that can easily be made fun of as Semi (as in retarded) is a very stupid and inconsiderate move.

I guess Canadians are not that much different from Americans after all.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:47 PM
joy (Cloverdale) wrote:

Why not pick something REAL? Instead, the committee is once again off the mark when it comes to visually representing Vancouver. Gee, now we have two pieces of fiction: the mascots AND the budget.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:46 PM
David (Toronto) wrote:

This is disgusting. I guess the Asian countries truly do own the west coast of Canada. Vancouver and British Columbia should be ashamed that Pokemon was elected to represent Canada.

Dear Native People of Canada, I sincerely apologize that these olympic organizers in Vancouver have shamefully used foreign land images in your name. It is disgusting.

sincerely,
A Proud Canadian




Posted November 27, 2007 12:45 PM
Randy (White_Rock) wrote:

Same old story. Try to appease everyone and end up pleasing no one. Thumbs down!


Posted November 27, 2007 12:44 PM
Randy (Vancouver) wrote:

These are utterly lame. Another VANOC blunder.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:44 PM
John Coldwell (Vernon) wrote:

Yeah, the Pokemon Olympics. The Olympics are a joke on all of us and the poor especially. Promoting our steroid monkeys are tougher than your steroid monkeys mentality, whilst we, the people, pay billions for short term gain by BC businessmen. Now this joke of mascots done in Japanese amine format? Kudos to the crayon artists who foisted this one over. They claim to be aboriginal in concept but contain none of the traditional lines, motifs or symbols found in that art form? This is as BC or Canadian as Budweiser beer. Maybe a traditional symbol like Mount Fuji in fog would have been less insulting and have more artistic merit?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:44 PM
Edward (Richmond) wrote:

Assuming that cities vie for the Olympics for all sorts of value-added pre/during/post event marketing to attract tourists, investment, or whatever, why does the branding not focus on those things that may have some resonance with potential customers? The rationale that young children will love them holds no water because they're not the target audience.

Vancouver is a world-class wannabe city so why not brand its Olympics in a manner that actually underscores what we're selling?



Lifestyle, location, climate, geography are all things that could be presented via the branding icons. A bloody pile of rocks representing the Arctic, and now multiple anime characters that have nothing to do with urban life suggests the designers are adrift on a sea of overused Canadian icons. Some original thinking, and some marketing savvy might have helped but then why stress yourselves when you're bellied up to the trough? Kick back and cash those cheques, baby. Your design career is made, or at the very least, you've solidified your reputation for selling crap ideas to committees who apparently don't know any better.

Another wasted opportunity to promote the most expensive seventeen days days in the world. How very Vancouver.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:44 PM
K. Johnson (Britannia_Beach_BC) wrote:

Bad, bad, bad.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:43 PM
scott (canada) wrote:

This is a shame for Canada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Vancouver is gonna be a descrace for Canada in 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!everything seems to be not going to well?????NOT EVEN A PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THIS IS WIERD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Posted November 27, 2007 12:42 PM
Noemi Pomerleau (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

They're adorable, admittedly. The purpose of a mascot is to be marketable and make money (usually through blatant pandering to children) and they've achieved a victory in that category, at the very least. However, the pitfall of mascots that is inescapable is the consumer-friendly nature of them. They aren't meant to be taken seriously. And using First Nation symbols may be commendable, they're inherently cheapened because of the context.

A final note: Is it just me, or is the name 'Quatchi' begging for an unfortunate pronunciation error?



Posted November 27, 2007 12:40 PM
Gretchen Markle (Metchosin) wrote:

How tacky - bastardizing aboriginal characters, "Disneyfying" them, and then adding marketable accessories! Couldn't we have some up with something more original, more representative and more classy?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:40 PM
Justin (Vancouver_Island) wrote:

Why is it that to represent BC we have to use Native inspired icons? The Inukshuk Olympics logo, japanime nativ-esque mascots? If your going to exploit Native myths and icons at least do it tastefully.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:40 PM
Christina Toth (Abbotsford) wrote:

Where is the Kermode bear? I'm stunned. If we are using First Nations mythical creatures, then why not give them some dignity? Why are we going the cutesy Japanese cartoon route? This saccharine cute Olympic style has gone on long enough. What do they have to do with Olympic ideals? No adult or child with any dignity [beyond a three-year-old] will be able to bear these emblems with any pride. Can you see our hockey and slalom fans proudly hoisting or wearing these bland, pokemon, devoid of personality mascots. No way. I'm sticking to my Spirit Bear.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:38 PM
Mabel Lau (Vancouver) wrote:

The mascots to me look like Hello Kitty in differant outfits or perhaps Winnie the Pooh keychains you get from the Gum Ball machines. What a joke! No offence but did the same company design for the China Olympic mascots too?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:37 PM
glenne (Brackendale) wrote:



the theme is good but the application lacks.
Sumi is best.
The photo of Quachi is deceiving - is Quatchi on her knees ? By the illustration she is supposed to tower over the others.
Please send Miga home until his swollen head recognizes that freestyle skiing is the next big thing! No one is going to get "seabear" Plus - he looks naked with just a scarf, while Quatchi and Sumi don lovely headwear and coats.
Don't see a picture of MukMuk - was he late due to being stuck on the scree to slide hiway?
Cheers ;-)


Posted November 27, 2007 12:37 PM
Peter Nickels (Ireland) wrote:

As the father of a foreign Olympic athlete, I must say those mascots are very ugly.

Being an parent, I often shy away from tacky promotional gear but I was excited about buying an Olympic shirt to remember my daughter's potential trip to Vancouver. Between these ugly characters and the funny icon with the stones, I must admit I do not want to buy any of this. Don't think that tourists like me are not aware of the crap you try to sell us. We try to sell that stuff here too in Ireland.

I wanted to originally buy the sweater with the logo Vancouver originally had (smooth lines that look like mountains across a city landscape) like the one I got as a pin 4 years ago.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:35 PM
Christine (Vancouver) wrote:

UNBELIEVEABLE!!! Google VANOC and go to their site, the characters are there and if you drag your mouse over them they say their names....hmmmmmmmmmm wondering if this is Canada or Japan. I am so embarassed that these characters are going to represent our Olympics. Why not a Spirit Bear or an Orca or something truly Canadian. Yes the meaning behind them is nice but come on!!!!!!!!!




Posted November 27, 2007 12:31 PM
Susan Ford (Haida_Gwaii) wrote:

The creatures resemble Pokemon characters from the video games. While it is apparent they are in keeping with what children currently enjoy and therefore "safe", we missed an huge opportunity to showcase British Columbia as different and unique.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:31 PM
miss fish (burnaby) wrote:

very cute presentation.
however i always believed that the 'canadian spirit' is one of sharing and helping those less fortunate. how exactly are these very expensive toys helping the poor and homeless of vancouver???
i don't think the homelss will be able to snuggle up to them for warmth and comfort.
are any proceeds from their miniatures, t-shirts and other sales, which are expected to be in the million mark, going to be donated to those in real need?

i hope so, that would be in the true canadian spirit. till then these are just expensive toys for the rich.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:30 PM
Karen (Vancouver) wrote:

A real mish-mash of characters, instead of focusing on one or two mascots - and why have an unofficial "sidekick"? We could have selected a real animal (we have lots to choose from). Or we could also go with creatures from indigenous mythology and culture, BUT we should use the pure forms, not these hybridized caricatures. In my view, they are very disrespectful to the aboriginal community. Very disappointing......


Posted November 27, 2007 12:29 PM
Charlotte Mallory (Sechelt_BC) wrote:



Immediate reaction. Too edgy, not cuddly. Unfamiliar. Not sure what they represent. I thought. . . "are these really them"? A picture of the actual may have helped


Posted November 27, 2007 12:29 PM
Linda (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm offended! I'm offended for First Nations people and all other century long residents who consider themselves true proud Canadians. Just who are they trying to please, hardly us! Hello Kitty shows none of what our wonderful country represents! This makes us look as tho we have nothing REAL to show and certainly no pride left!



Posted November 27, 2007 12:29 PM
Marie-France (Kelowna) wrote:

OH NO
So sad,so cartoon like.
I hope you can offer something more beautiful.
Try again PLEASE.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:28 PM
Colin (Victoria) wrote:

YEEE-UCK!!!

I've got about 20 reasons why these things make me gag!! Not the least of which is the insipid FN cultural references. Better to leave them out of the process than to subject their culture to this indignity.

C'mon.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:27 PM
Monica (Delta_BC) wrote:



No, I do NOT like these mascots. They are not multicultural, as they are advertised to be. How can they be multicultural if they are First Nations inspired? I am disappointed that an animal like the beloved Spirit Bear wasn't chosen; an animal that appeals to the young and old, of all cultures and backgrounds. Perhaps publicity surrounding a Spirit Bear mascot would further endeavors to protect our beautiful provincial bear. Aren't the Olympics here in 2010 supposed to be "green"? Included in green actions and attitudes are ones that include the protection of endangered species as well as protection of our environment and ecological future. It's a shame that the committee ignored local children (weren't children from another country used as a focus group?) from Langley and the premier himself in their decision to market creatures (not animals) that remind me and my colleagues of those seizure inducing cartoons from abroad.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:25 PM
Jason (North_Vancouver) wrote:

This is indeed a sad day for BC. Wasn't it bad enough that the world went through the Pokemon card craze phase. Are the people from LA who designed this trying to squeeze out the last drops of that franchise. Maybe they could have used the most obvious Pokemon character VANOCimon - special powers sucking revenue out of BC and further incapacitating the Health Care and other vital services, while causing embarassment to Canadians....Bonus power, it makes fat cats get even fatter.
I love the native culture in BC, but this has to be an embarassment to West Coast Natives, who will look upon these creations with absolute amazement that their heritage is being bastardised by money grabbing VANOC. Shame on the designers of this. I think they must have used the same company that did the Canucks Jersey. Let's not go there. One has to ask? Was this a nepatistic choice of designer, who knew who and who scratched who's back to get this contract. I know I am not alone....


Posted November 27, 2007 12:25 PM
Myrna Christianson (Armstrong_BC) wrote:

I love them. They are cheerful, fun, and their names and history behind them make them uniquely BC.
Perfect.




Posted November 27, 2007 12:24 PM
Jeremy (Vancouver) wrote:

Why did they pick designers from the United States? Shouldn't they have picked designers exclusively from Canada? Also, no offence, but they don't look like First Nation inspired to me.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:24 PM
Kenneth Grant (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

No class ... no culture. VANOC missed again. They seem to be confused and they are passing on this confusion to the world. The symbols send mixed messages ... not really first nation art ... not reflecting the true nature of Canada. VANOC demonstrates their inability to find a suitable image that captures the essence of what is Canada. This problem was first demonstrated when VANOC launched our winning bid at the last winter olympics.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:24 PM
B.C (Vancouver) wrote:

These mascots are cute BUT, confusing and why do we need to make up an animal when instead we could have used this opportunity to spotlight the rare and real creatures in our very backyard. The mascot should have been the SPIRIT BEAR, that's it.

At least it would have been something majestic that represented our legacy as a province, our environment and made us all proud. Opportunity lost.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:24 PM
Robert (Vancouver_Island) wrote:

Firstly, as a First Nations person, I have to say that it is embarassing to be mentioned in the same breath as those ugly mascots. I have to agree with those who say that foreigners will have no clue about what they are. Even locals dont know. I wanted to address the over-representation of First Nations art and culture in big events like the olymics. It's not that we are the only people in BC, but ours is the only culture rooted in BC. All the other cultures were brought here... latest example, the pokemon we are passing off as mascots.
I know people think that the moose, orca, bear etc. are kind of overdone and passe, but if our mascot was more connected to the landscape, more canadians would be happy. It is after all, the mountains, oceans, rivers, trees etc that fill our backyards and viewlines, that make us proud to be from BC. If our mascot could reflect that, then more of us, no matter what our heritage would take pride in our province, and our olympics.

PS as long as those things represent BC, it aint MY olympics


Posted November 27, 2007 12:23 PM
Nancy Bain (victoria) wrote:



did they realize when they named the marmot mascot Muk Muk that muck is the colloquial coast native name for 'poop' (I am being polite)


Posted November 27, 2007 12:23 PM
LLL (Charlie_Lake_B_C) wrote:

They're so sweet and cute, my teeth are aching! Could be worse, though - some of the early proposals I heard being kicked about were unutterably cliched, or just plain unimaginative. And I do like the references to West Coast native mythology.
Where's Mukmuk's picture? Actually, he's the only one I'm really interested in; the V. I. marmot was the mascot I'd been rooting for.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:23 PM
Victoria Cronin (Victoria_BC) wrote:

All we wanted was the Kodiak "Spirit Bear".
But the Beaver, Moose or Polar Bear would have been more satisfactory than these toys.
Since when do the Olympics cater to children? These are cute little stuffed animals, unoriginal and BORING, just like our lacklustre display at the end of the last Olympics.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:22 PM
Tommy Katz (Vancouver) wrote:

As usual, the decision makers want to be all things to all people. These look like little cutesy-wootsey Japanese characters with a slight nod to Aboriginal themes. Please. Are you that blinded by political correctness? A Sasquatch wearing blue earmuffs? It looks more like a creature from McDonaldland. A Kermode Bear crossed with an Orca? While that may be a native myth, it is one that is so arcane as to be toally useless as a mascot. Yes, these characters are for the kiddies. But the kiddies, one would hope, should at least know about or at least identify with them.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:21 PM
mark (surrey) wrote:



I LIKE THEM, THANKS FOR NOT DOING THE ORCA OR BEAR. I KNOW MY 4 YEAR OLD SON WILL RELAY LIKE THEM.

HOW MANY 20-50 YEAR OLDS WOULD WEAR A SHIRT OR BUY A STUFF ANIMAL THAT WAS A BEAR OR SOMETHING "OLDER" I KNOW THAT ALLOT OF PEOPLE WILL WANT THESE FOR THEIR KIDS. THEY ARE COOL, FRESH, EXCITING


GOOD JOB


Posted November 27, 2007 12:21 PM
Rob (Vancouver) wrote:

Pick one or the other- are these creatures from traditional Native stories or Asian cartoon personalities? Giving "Hello Kitty" an Aboriginal biography is simply exploiting First Nations culture to appease a larger market. I don't like the mascots, and if I were Native I think I'd like them even less.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:20 PM
Angelo Khoshaba (Vancouver) wrote:

I love them. They are cute and reflect our West Coast well. VANOC got this one right.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:20 PM
andre schepkowski (slocan_valley) wrote:

What a great idea to market these cuddly creatures I think they are really nice. I wonder though how many of these things are vanoc going to be able to sell to all the kids in B.C. who are living in poverty. Shame on Vanoc and all those who support this crap.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:19 PM
HammerOfGod (Montreal) wrote:

They look like the offspring of the King of Cosmos and a mutant fish-squirrel.




Posted November 27, 2007 12:19 PM
Ashley (Vancouver) wrote:

I gotta say I pulled images of all the past mascots from the other Olympics and these guys are SOOO much better. You guys get that these are the mascots and not the logo- are the little animal characters that dance around at the events really for adults? Do you really care?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:18 PM
Heather (100_Mile_House) wrote:

I think most of us were expecting a mascot like the spirit bear, a killer whale, or something that resembled what a real animal looks like (with some 2010 Olympic extras of course)and represents B.C and Canada....my first impression was the mascots looked like Japanese cartoon characters...so I guess my opinion is no, I don't like them.
Sorry, honest opinion.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:18 PM
W. Hall (Victoria_BC) wrote:

I will only be looking to buy the t-shirt with the Marmot on it, but it is unlikely I will find one in an adult size.



Posted November 27, 2007 12:18 PM
elli jilek (Calgary_Alberta) wrote:

This is so typical, isn't it? Let's 'use' and exploit the First Nations' peoples and present it to the world as 'ours'. These events that put our so-called multi-cultural, all-inclusive society onto the world stage, seem to be fulfilling a wishful, yet elusive dream we have of actually including 'our' (why do we say this patronizing thing all the time, anyway?) Natives in the mainstream? Why is it that while we proudly show off these symbols of an important heritage that still exists in our midst, we ignore the fact that there are communities being evacuated at this very moment, due to appalling living conditions? Why is it that we have this disconnect between the reality of how many First Nations peoples live and this appropriation of what they represent to the rest of the world? I am sick of, and embarrassed by, this continued ability for us, both as citizens, and as governments, to put such a mask to the situation that we face here. The kinds of lives most of the first inhabitants of this country continue to be part of, are being either dismissed, ignored, or used to our advantage. Can't we see the obvious contradictions and yes, hypocrisy of our relationships with these communities? It is a shame and nothing to be proud of, although the use of these mascots will surely give the feeling of 'warm and fuzzy'. It's just pathetic and sad. I wish the energy and money spent for these things would be put towards more enduring and valued areas such as providing indoor plumbing or adequate housing on reserve land, for instance. What a novel idea that would be!


Posted November 27, 2007 12:17 PM
Janet Bickford (vanvouver) wrote:

These will definitely appeal to the "Hey Kitty" market, but not one of them actually looks like what it is supposed to represent. If you want to go with a First nations motif, why not use some real first Nations art work insted of this silly carttoo stuff?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:16 PM
Lorna (Port_Moody) wrote:



They look like they fell off the Pokemon truck. If we're trying to achieve a First Nations theme, why do they look like Asian cartoon characters?


Posted November 27, 2007 12:16 PM
Rob Wilson (Comox_BC) wrote:

OK, let's cut the racist garbage for a moment. First Nations are called First Nations because- Surprise!- they were here first! So technically, guys, we are guests so we might as well show some courtesy to the hosts. Having said that, I'm not too sure I like the result of crossbreeding sasquatches and pokemon. It must have been one hell of a party.

I might grow to like them- but I said the same thing about the logo and I still think it's a bit pedestrian.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:14 PM
Sonny (Richmond_BC) wrote:

Very weak, first inukshuk now this. Very disappointed in VANOC.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:13 PM
Samantha Jane (Vancouver_BC) wrote:

Well I'd like them to acknowledge the multi-culturalism in Vancouver and because of that was prepared to hate these 'mascots'. But they actually have a Pacific Rim flavour with an anime feel which is reflective of my Vancouver. Who can argue with cute.

However, for those of us who aren't Native Canadians can we please have some stuff that reflects us. I'm beginning to feel left out.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:10 PM
A. Davidson (Vancouver) wrote:



I am of Aboriginal ancestry and sure don't think these are Aboriginally based? Where in our history did these come from if so.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:10 PM
Ruby (Vancouver) wrote:

Interesting that when it comes down to putting their money where their mouth is 'VOC' did NOT put any emphasis on the First Nations Peoples, Canada, British Columbia or its people in the design of these mascots. Instead they paid a couple of designers to imitate Japanese anime. Forget designing something unique to our part of the world. Forget using the mascots as a way of raising the world's awareness to our precious and endangered wildlife. Let's just buy into something that every kid in BC will throw to the bottom of their toy box along with their pokemons and hello kitty dolls. I at least hope the purchasable trinkets will be MADE IN CANADA and not by children in a third world country who have no hope of ever owning one of these dolls let alone acutally witnessing an olympic event.



Posted November 27, 2007 12:10 PM
Alex (Saskatoon) wrote:

Disappointing and uninspired.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:09 PM
Colin (Cloverdale) wrote:

Looks like cooking by committee. Let's gather every conceivable West Coast cliche, throw it into a blender, add a pound of Japanese anime, strain out anything to do with Vancouver, use cookie cutter design, and then place it in the oven. Bake until it's overdone, add 3 pounds of sprinkles to cover up the distasteful appearance and the ridiculous back stories, wrap it up in the Olympic flag, overprice it and sell, sell, sell.




Posted November 27, 2007 12:09 PM
m. davidson (vancouver) wrote:

Are these the symbols for the JAPANESE Olympics?? What's with the names, UGH!! I too think that the orca,spirit bear etc. would have been MUCH better!!


Posted November 27, 2007 12:09 PM
Brian (Mississauga) wrote:

While it is nice that the mascots are attractive to 5-year-olds we must keep in mind that 5-year-olds don't care a bit about the Olympics. This may thrill B.C. schoolkids but that should not be the direction the Olympic organizers are taking.

Although I suppose it's nice that we have the aboriginal theme going once again (though I have to ask, is there ever an international event sponsored by Canada that doesn't use aboriginal images?) the cartoonish simplicity is a bit much to take. Is it too much to ask for a little dignity in these things? The use of Saturday morning cartoons isn't going to leave a positive or lasting impression on the world, though I'm sure we'll hear a chuckle or two.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:07 PM
louise (vancouver) wrote:



i was so pleased when i saw the mascots - very cute!

the combination of animals is a great idea and makes for original creatures that are fun but relevant to this area without being cliched.

i'm surprised by all the negative comments.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:07 PM
Michael (Vancouver) wrote:

Could we possibly give the world a more inaccurate, or stereotypical view of Canada? Why must every concept have a First Nations basis? We might as well go with an igloo or eskimo wearing a toque as the mascot. No wonder we aren't taken seriously....we our seen as a simple uncivilzed people living in a mysterious forest......phathetic.

Couldn't we have used a hockey puck or Johnny Canuck, or how about an animated mountie????


Posted November 27, 2007 12:07 PM
George (Vancouver) wrote:

Dear VANOC,

Why three and a backup? Could no one choose just one! Did you get the names from a sushi menu?

What a disgrace.



Posted November 27, 2007 12:06 PM
Ryan (Toronto) wrote:



I hope the committee has a plan to pay First Nations People for borrowing from their culture. I think the compensation structure should go something like this:
If the total cost = 100%, then 10% should go to the media company for thier minimal contribution and 90% should go to First Nations People. They deserve it. It belongs to them. STOP TAKING FROM THEM!

I hope that in my lifetime the decendents of aboriginal North Americans get the respect they deserve.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:05 PM
Camelia (New_Westminster) wrote:

They are not bad, if the only people living in this country would be the First Nations. It would have been nice if one of the three would represent the multiculturalism that we are so proud of, especially here is Vancouver.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:02 PM
Gary (Vancouver) wrote:

Very disappointed. Vancouver speaks to more than the native culture. Vancouver is a highly cosmopolitan city envied by many as being one of the most desirable places in the world to live. Surely we have more to tell the world than this.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:02 PM
Melissa (Burnaby) wrote:

I won't lie, I honestly love these guys. Given the fact that VANOC just doesn't have a clue, I was frightened of the outcome of this endeavour, but I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw them. I think it almost makes up for the horrible horrible design of our Olympics clothing/merch.
Besides, I'm glad they didn't make our mascots a Mountie, polar bear, and beaver all wrapped up in red & white. Because we definitely need those stereotypes shoved down our throats even more.
Vancouver's a fun city, Canada's an adventurous country, and these mascots showcase that nicely.



Plus they're adorable. big points for that.

Give the marmot more of a spotlight though! They're fantastic.


Posted November 27, 2007 12:01 PM
Gene (Valemout) wrote:

Apart from the fact they are very ugly, Im getting a little tired of sucking up to the first nations. They arent the only people living in BC and Canada. Perhaps something recognising the working people of BC who are footing the bill would be nice.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:58 AM
Adam (Vancouver) wrote:

Love Them.
I am glad they didn't go the moose/beaver/grizzly bear route.

I am reserving judgement until I see more....





Posted November 27, 2007 11:58 AM
Gord (Surrey) wrote:

It seems a lot of people are missing the point. Olympic mascots are supposed to be cute and they are more directed at children than adults. I think they are WAY better than the hokey Calgary Winter Olympic mascots. I particularly like the Sasquatch - which is certainly. I think that the half-animal/half human characters relate to aboriginal legends of transformers.

Visitors will have no problem finding thousands of cute touristy replicas of moose, orcas and grizzly bears. Our souvenis shops are filled with them. Honestly, I can't believe how many people will complain about anything.



I haven't quite figured out Sumi. Why does sumi have the face of a bear? I think that the characters could inspire some interesting original fiction that would also help to familiarize visitors with local animals and legends.

Bravo!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:56 AM
Ron Wilson (Gibsons) wrote:

Cute but more pandering to the first nations. There are more caucasians and orientals in BC but somehow we end up with The Vancouver First Nations Olympics.
Very sad that politcal correctness pervades even the Olympics. I am feeling discriminated against because I am a healthy white male.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:56 AM
Linda (Calgary) wrote:

These are really useless: if I had signed up as a volunteer for the Vancouver games (as I did for the Calgary ones), I'd now resign because I'd be too embarrassed to be associated with such dreck.

I feel sorry for the people who will be stuck wearing these outfits -- I doubt that "dressed up like an idiot for VANOC" is something anyone would want to put on a resume.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:54 AM
Guy (vancouver) wrote:

See what happens when you leave Pokemon in the bush too long?! It's those cold beadie little eyes i think the kids will really enjoy.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:54 AM
Tara (Vancouver) wrote:



Is this Japan or Canada? I'm confused.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:53 AM
sparks (Vancouver) wrote:

I think they are very cute with great personalities!

I am so happy that they did something different and that they are not a plain orca, moose, beaver, poler bear, mountie or other bad stereotype. I am much prouder to be represented by a shy, tattooed, hockey playing sasquatch then by a stupid red and white moose.

All of you people that have negative and sometimes quite ignorant things to say have to remember that these are for kids.

Kids are going to love these character and identify with their different personalities!

Well done! I'm proud!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:53 AM
Heather (Vancouver) wrote:

I actually really like them. They look like cartoons because they marketed towards children. Giving them a First Nations theme is great. Sasquatches and spirit animals actually have a lot of history with the First Nations all across Canada, so it is not just in BC. I would have preferred them to be a little more aboriginal stylized instead of the anime look. Any which way, I think it will sell.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:51 AM
Cara (Langley_BC) wrote:

Has VANOC forgotten that there are MANY cultures here? Is anything related to the Olympics going to represent other cultures in Vancouver, the lower mainland and all of BC?



Posted November 27, 2007 11:51 AM
Sarah (Vancouver) wrote:

I think they are great. People seems to forget that these mascots need to be marketable WORLDWIDE. Who would want to buy a shirt with that silly 80's white spirit bear on it? These characters will be popular and appeal to visitors from all over the world.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:50 AM
Bill (Surrey_BC) wrote:

Looking at the images of the mascots, I see nothing that would relate to BC or Canada. My apologies go out to the First Nations people as I do not think this has brought out any part of your culture.
The committee planing this trio must be laughing all the way to the bank!
While not the worst example of Mascots, we have come close.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:50 AM
Guy (Victoria) wrote:

Settle down folks. Like anything else to do with the Olympics, your opinion doesn't count. This is simply another attempt by the bureaucrats to make sure the First Nations don't set up blockades during the games. Like everything our government does....it's all about who we can satisfy TODAY.
PS....Small time thinking by those who keep telling us that we must pay our bureaucrats MORE if we want the best results....GO Figure ??


Posted November 27, 2007 11:49 AM
boo (Vancouver) wrote:

I love these guys. And I'm very grateful that these little ambassadors for our country did not become predictable, boring stereotypes as many people expected. Yay for the new Canada!




Posted November 27, 2007 11:49 AM
Nicole C. (Vancouver) wrote:

I LOVE THEM!
If you haven't seen the video on the 2010 site, you shouldn't comment.
The photo doesn't do them justice.
The video makes Vancouver come alive in a way I have never seen before. The hotel Vancouver has a freaking hat! (The website might be down now but be patient..)

For a city that envelopes aboriginal, urban and natural elements, it is brilliant to have mascots that are transforming themselves.

I am disappointed by the comments that have been posted because they show really narrow Canadian thinking. Really people - do we need the colour red and/or a moose or grizzly bear to be Canadian or patriotic? You would all be miserable and complaining if the mascots had been sterotypical.

Spongebob was once just a sponge with millions of non-believers..
I am glad to have an open enough mind to know these are going to be a hit in the same way..
Go Vancouver 2010 Mascots Go!!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:49 AM
Ashley (Vancouver) wrote:

These mascots are simple, clever and marketable. The Japanese styling is in vogue at this time- these mascots are pretty good- what would you have preferred? And who would have bought it?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:48 AM
April Duffield (Port_Coquitlam) wrote:

Sad to see that this was the best VANOC could come up with; considering all the money that's being sunk into these Olympics, they could have come up with something that reflected our nation as a whole not as a satellite of China! First Nations characters (the Raven, the Thunderbird, the Killer Whale), as they should look,



would have been more appropriate than these ridiculous characters! And to have a designer from Los Angeles as part of this team is absurd. No wonder they turned out like this, as we all know that the US has no idea what Canada is all about! I'm afraid to see what the opening ceremonies presentation will be like. Leave it to VANOC to embarass our nation!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:48 AM
Pieter (Vancouver) wrote:

I like them. I think they are brave choices, not the regular run-of-the-mill canadiana that has been recycled over and over again. Vancouver is a new city for new things and fresh faces, a place for experimentation. The colour scheme is retro-cool, the styling brings to mind the cartoons I used to watch as a kid in the seventies with a little anime update. I think we need to remember that these characters are for the kids and for fun. What kind of a statement would trotting out another red and white beaver and moose make? That we are imaginative with new ideas? They'll grow on us.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:47 AM
TP (Vancouver) wrote:

I am not impressed with the mascots. I know they are boring, but what happened to the beaver and polar bear; both easily recognizable, all-Canadian figures? What does a mukmuk have to do with the Olympics?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:46 AM
Richard (Winnipeg) wrote:

We may have lost the Grey Cup but at least we aren't stuck with those ugly mascots for the next 3 years! Ha ha ha.

As much as I hate to admit it, these mascots do represent BC very well - see, someone must have been smoking A LOT of BC bud when they created these things. Maybe the dealer was that marmot that no one can see.




Posted November 27, 2007 11:46 AM
Elise (Victoria) wrote:

Great... I luv the fact that we in BC are represented by mutant spirit animals! Good Job Folks!! ps - I have never seen a marmot in my life and I don't really care about them either.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:44 AM
Calvin L (Victoria) wrote:

Just awful. Absolutely awful. I can hardly believe how awful they are. OMG they are awful. In case I did not get my point across- they are terrible- and awful. Whatever artist created these should hide their head. It is sickening that the VOC put so much emphasis on First Nations, and then made them look like cheap Japanese animation. I assume that the the artist wasnt paid, and if the(y) were, get the money back. Since the artist is surely in grade four or five, they have lots of time to make more money in life. I was looking forward to the unveiling, and now I cant believe what was attempted. Senior managers of VOC should be immediately fired, as this is a sure indication that they are not competent to make a decision. Three official mascots, another as backup, made up of a multitude of animals/ myths/ legends is AWFUL. It has ensured I will no longer support the Olympics in any way.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:44 AM
Hornblower (Coquitlam_BC) wrote:

Ugh!!! Manga/Pokemon cartoon crap!
What is Canadian about that?
Since these are for the winter olympics I was hoping for a polar bear - esp. since they're facing extinction due to loss of habitat from global warming. A moose would have also been very Canadian.
Heck, let's just skip these guys and use the Bell Mobility beavers - cute, funny and Canadian.
This is a collossal waste of money by VANOC......


Posted November 27, 2007 11:43 AM
K.G. (Vancouver) wrote:



Awesome! I think these characters are adorable, and really well chosen. They're child friendly and mythological, reflect Canada's natural landscape, honour our First Nations heritage, and also have modern, urban interests. Very charming.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:41 AM
Patty (Okanagan) wrote:

This is what happens when you get a committee making decisions... instead of one powerful, fun image you get an embarassing mishmash of bland, cartoony cutie-pies. If you think these 3 (4) mascots are bad, wait 'til you see what the committee, with input from the ever tasteful IOC, will do to the opening ceremonies! Think Bland with a capital B! Bring it on! Zzzzzz.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:38 AM
Clayton (Calgary) wrote:

I like 'em... a friendly, welcoming bunch...


Posted November 27, 2007 11:37 AM
Brennon (Edmoton_University_of_Alberta) wrote:

This is very disappointing, being a lifelong resident of B.C. (Except for attending university)- I find this does not at all reflect us. I had no idea we were best represented by spirit animals heavily influence by asian popular culture; although I guess this does resonate with Vancouver's population quite well. Still, this leaves me feeling jilted: after all the taxes I'll end up paying they refuse to represent any of the other parts of British Columbia and their respective cultures.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:37 AM
Sharon Gautreau (North_Vancouver_BC) wrote:

I can't believe you chose those 3 characters - definitely not Canadian. They are like cartoon characters - what about the white bear or somthing that is red & white like our flag. I'm sure the Native people won't be too happy with those characters either.




Posted November 27, 2007 11:37 AM
Douglas (Langley) wrote:

As a person with of full First Nations descent I want to say that these mascots are offensive.

The olympics should stop using the First Nations card for blaming their poor design and decisions on First Nations people.

This is why people think First Nations groups are bad.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:37 AM
Aaron (Van) wrote:

Wade. Tazzy!! That was truly funny!!!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:36 AM
Martin (Burnaby) wrote:

No - I don't like them. I think they look like Japanese cartoon characters.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:35 AM
Dave (Abbotsford_BC) wrote:

Ridiculous, must have been designed by the same group who did the presentation of Vancouver during the last olympics...

We live work and play in British Columbia...we should have been offered something much better.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:35 AM
Barb (Vancouver) wrote:



You've got to be kidding what a joke. Asian inspired characters, they look nothing like our Spirit bear or our Orca whale or anything else that would inspire people to think of Vancouver or BC. What a huge disappointed as is most everything related to the Olympics coming to Vancouver.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:34 AM
Clive (Vancouver) wrote:

I love them. All three reflect BC's environment and culture. I particularly love the sasquatch -- it had to be.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:33 AM
Carol kostiuk (West_Vancouver) wrote:

I have grown up in BC and I can't relate to these dumb mascots.
Sumi and Miga look like they came from China.
One mascot - one focus!!
I just hope that the opening ceremonies are not all first nations.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:32 AM
Andy N (Port_McNeill) wrote:

My first impression is not good.
1. Bland colour scheme.
2. Simplistic facial detail.
3. More anime than First Nations
4. Sasquatch has a tattoo or arm brand?
5. Nothing "Canadian" about them.

Sorry, not this Christmas.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:30 AM
J-M Toriel (Vancouver) wrote:



How embarrassing! Looking at the obvious production expenses of this release, I wonder where the money is being spent... Miga demonstrates the clueless, in-box thinking and lack of knowledge management has towards our ecosystems and natural heritage. Orcas are rarely seen on the West coast of Van Island. Family pods are residential (not transients or offshore!) who prefer sheltered water. The Kermode Spirit Bears (I suppose they're both mammals!!- but what else do these have in common) are way north in the Great Bear Rainforest in the NW of BC! I suppose it is meant to appeal to an Asian market that would not necessarily know this anyway, so not a good way for them to learn about BC... but I suppose marketing is more important than nature to VANOC.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:30 AM
Kathy Macalister (Whistler) wrote:

2010 still doesn't get it . . . after the fiasco of the 2010 Inuit Inukshuk why did they choose "mythical" creatures that anyone outside of BC won't understand. BC has such a diversity of real & unique choices for our mascot such as the orca, bald eagle, marmot, grizzly bear and Pacific salmon. I think they missed the mark by a wide margin and anyone over 10 years of age will not be interested in these Pokemon clones!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:30 AM
Nina (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm in the minority, but I think they're adorable. Kids will love them.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:30 AM
Wade (Vancouver) wrote:

I was hoping for Tazzy, a mythical creature in an RCMP uniform that will zap any who come near him. THis would prepare all who are coming to attend the Olympics, for the welcome that foreigners receive once they enter our country.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:30 AM
colleen (Vancouver) wrote:



Come on people. Lighten up a bit. The mascots are great! Some people will never be happy, no matter what, they love to complain....

Go Mascots Go!!!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:29 AM
Mel Guaydan (Vancouver) wrote:

Its looks like the same person who designed the Beijing Olympic ones did these... it's not canadian, and its not BC. I'm surprised the First Nations people are letting themselves be affiliated to these animal representations. I'm embarassed.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:28 AM
Jack (Toronto) wrote:

The use of mythical creatures is very appropriate, and will go along well with mythical the economic and social benefits touted by VanOC. The Games is a big money pit, enriching a few at the expense of the average taxpayer.
I guess the original trio of junkie, hooker and panhandler, reflective of the downtown East Side's 'diversity', was rejected.



Posted November 27, 2007 11:27 AM
Hartley (New_Westminster) wrote:

I guess the Angels have muscled in on the Olympics as well. They got their own mascot - a sasquatch with the tattoo. Wow, they really do control this country.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:27 AM
Jack (Vancouver) wrote:

Hey look, it's Japanese Pokeman First Nations Characters - great, what does that have to do with Canada???, you know the rest of Canada???



Posted November 27, 2007 11:26 AM
Janine (Terrace) wrote:

Not impressed to say the least. For starters, the mascots seem a little too cartoonish, and how about unveiling the idea to adults and children alike, considering the adults will be tuned into the Olympics just as much if not more than say a couple hundred school children in Surrey.
Furthermore, two mythical creatures somehow became the face of our 2010 Olympics? What happened to the Olympic pride? Being the host city? I doubt we'll be taken seriously aftre this! Also why was one half of the design team from Los Angeles? Because LA really knows what's it's like to live in Rural or Urban BC.

The idea behind bringing First Nations into the mascot theme is a plus. Recognising history and culture is a big thing when representing the Country however when was the last time you saw a Thunderbird with Black bear legs or a hockey playing Sasquatch who also enjoys a little photography on the side? How indicative is it of our society that "everyone wins"! Definetly not impressed and definetly won't be buying any 2010 merchandise!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:26 AM
Deb (Kootenays) wrote:

It's disapointing to see mascots that reflect the Pokemon characters -
Is this really what they're going to put on the clothes for adults???? Give me a break!





Posted November 27, 2007 11:25 AM
Alex (Vancouver) wrote:

I am in full agreement with Mathew Goddard's comments.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:24 AM
Ed P (Vancouver) wrote:



If these mascots are First Nations inspired then all I can say is boy, I never realized that our First Nations were of Chinese and Japanese origin.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:23 AM
Sylvie (Vancouver_Island) wrote:

I hate them, when I read the other headlines and saw them out of the corner of my eye I thought they were the China mascots.

They look like Japanese cartoon characters, are they drawn by a Canadian artist? If they are meant to be first nations representations of animals, they look nothing like that...and orange and green clothing? A huge disappointment!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:23 AM
Saleem (North_Vancouver) wrote:

They are great. Love them, definitely the right choices.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:22 AM
Jag (Vancouver) wrote:

I think for an important event such as the olympics, better mascots could have been chosen. The color scheme is not very canadian, where are the red and the white? In addtion to this, to someone who does not know the background behind these first nations creatures there is nothing about these mascots that says "vancouver" or "canada." Apart from the sasquatch, it seems as if the creators just put together parts of various animals that exist in canada and mushed them together in unrecognizable creatures. In addition to this, they do look like pokemon characters. I do think the sasquatch is cute, but in all honesty if it didnt have the 2010 symbol on it, you would have no idea it was a mascot representing the 2010 olympics held in canada.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:22 AM
k.d.payne (westside) wrote:



Fire the three mascots and give the marmot a promotion!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:22 AM
alex (Vancouver) wrote:

To my other comments I add; Hum? On second thought, four mascots vs. one...FOUR TIMES THE REVENUE. I get it!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:21 AM
Rita Ames (Terrace) wrote:

Is the Olypic committee on drugs??? There are other people in B.C.
besides Natives. I am part Native, but foremost I am a Canadian
who is embarrassed by the Mascots. I can't wait for the Olympics
to be over.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:21 AM
Jen Hayes (Vancouver) wrote:

They don't represent Canada and you can't even figure out what they are. It should have been a spirit bear, an orca and a moose - THAT'S CANADA!!!!!!!

I think it's ridiculous that you can't even have regular animals as the mascots, instead they have to be these "symbols" that the rest of the world won't understand, and aren't really representative for ALL of Canada. Why "mythical" characters when we have great characters that also need attention for animal rights around the world and they are cute (orca, spirit bear, moose). We could have drawn attention to some wonderful animals that are truly Canadian and represent ALL of the Canadian culture, not just ONE of the cultures in Canada - we are multi-cultural but it seems the First Nations culture is the one being represented. I feel a little left out.

I feel the First Nations are being well represented at all of the ceremonies, the Olympic symbol and in every aspect but I think the rest of Canada is not being represented as well. We have many cultures and it would have been more politically correct to have Olympic characters that represent Canada as a whole rather than picking out one race/culture in Canada.



Poor job on choosing the characters, very poor choice.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:21 AM
Kathryn (Vancouver) wrote:

I love the fact that they are First Nations inspired. My favorite is Quatchi. They will be a hit but where is Mukmuk???


Posted November 27, 2007 11:19 AM
Kait (canadian_stuck_in_US) wrote:

ummm.... i get the whole "first nations thing", it's nice and all. But none of these are real animals let alone NATIONAL animals. God knows we have enough to choose from- Come on it's not about Vancouver or BC even its about CANADA... how about something that make the whole country feel involved?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:19 AM
Adam (Vancouver) wrote:

They look great for their intended purpose. If this was a First Nations bias, then they may as well look like the totem poles themselves. People will likely not remember the background for these and just like them for what they are, cuddly creatures which will bring attention to the games for all ages.

Who really cares that deeply about mascots anyways? Since when do people even remember these things?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:18 AM
Krista (Halifax) wrote:

The people hating on the mascots are crazy - they're charming. It's a sasquatch with a tattoo! Awesome!



Posted November 27, 2007 11:18 AM
Debbie (Langley_BC) wrote:

These Mascots are disapointing - They look like Japanese Cartoon Characters, not a First Nations Canadian Symbol.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:17 AM
Andrea (Vancouver) wrote:

1) They certainly tried to cover all their bases!
2) Forces people go out buy three instead of one.....$$$
3) More asian than canadian


Posted November 27, 2007 11:17 AM
June Baker (Regina) wrote:

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! They named the paralympic mascot SUMI, as in SEMI, as in RETARDED! It is bad enough that these athletes are living with a disability, do we need to remind them of this every day?

This is worse then when the Conserative Party and Reform Party wanted to combine and call themselves the Conservative Reform Alliance Party but backed off of it when they realized that the acronym spelt C.R.A.P. Who would have thought that politicians would prove to be smarter than an Olympic Organizing Committee?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:16 AM
Barrie Rains (Burnaby) wrote:

They appear to be designed by the same designer that designed the Peking Summer Olympics Mascots. It's too bad we had to copy China and we couldn't come up with something original.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:12 AM
Greg (Canuck_living_in_the_UK) wrote:



A good attempt and you will never please everyone but they do seem a little too kiddie or childish, but it could have been worse. Well done, I say.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:12 AM
Arlene Penman (North_Vancouver_BC) wrote:

Was hoping for the Kermode Bear since it is rare and unique to our Province. I realize the Polar Bear had been used in the past but feel the explanation of the Kermode and the marketing would educate people from all over the world regarding the difference.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:11 AM
eric (Burnaby) wrote:

Hello, Kitty.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:11 AM
Harry (vancouver) wrote:

Would have preferred to see some representation of the urban side of BC. It's not all orcas and black bears over here, y'know.....


Posted November 27, 2007 11:10 AM
Kaitlyn (Ottawa) wrote:

I’m really embarrassed. It seems like the people in charge of picking mascots couldn’t decide, so they picked a mishmash of animals. I like that they are first nations inspired, but their design is disgusting, far too contemporary and in no way Canadian. We finally get the games and this is the way they portray our country to the world? I doubt we’ll be taken seriously ever again after this.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:10 AM
Alex Nichols (Vancouver) wrote:



Although I can appreciate the connection these three creatures and their absent marmott side-kick have with Vancouver and the traditions of our First Nations people, from a pure branding perspective, "You're joking right?"

Creating a solid connection in the minds of the world with one mascot let alone four, simply boggles the mind, and unfortunately I find the approach to be amateurish and without sound basis. Are we such a complex host nation that we need all three and the little marmot to fully depict our uniqueness? Maybe VANOC will promote the little marmot to full-mascot rank in 2009 and banish the other hard-to-get-your-mind-around-Sunday-morning cartoon characters to the "mysterious forests of Canada" where they cannot embarass anyone. Nice try kids. Your branding efforts need a spank!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:09 AM
Andrew Hickok (Vancouver) wrote:

I'd like to add to my previous comment...

Are any of the profits generated by these mascots going to aid First Nations communities or contribute to programs for other aboriginal peoples? -- Or is this yet another example of colonial conquest where we exploit their culture and give nothing in return?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:09 AM
Scott M. (Vancouver) wrote:

Not impressed. Why are the First Nations always so overrepresented?


Posted November 27, 2007 11:08 AM
Saskriderfan (Nanaimo) wrote:

Thank you for giving me a good solid reason for not buying any 2010 merchandise. UGLY and stupid looking. As noted above, look out for the Pokemon lawsuit for copyright infringements!




Posted November 27, 2007 11:08 AM
Doug (Vancouver) wrote:

I'm tired of every logo, mascot, art project, etc designed for anything in BC having First Nations inspiration by default. Three mythical characters and a marmot - I live in BC, I grew up on the west coast - these don't relate to me as a long time BC'er and resident of Vancouver. I think the creativity of BC artists is being smothered by political decisions based on guilt.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:08 AM
BoB (Interior) wrote:

They forgot Ravi, the trickster, based on the Raven who tricked us all to drink in the hype and live with a 20 year economic hangover. Can we have any more "official" mascots? What ever happened to one or even a male/female couple? I guess it is all about carpet bombing, marketing style.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:08 AM
Joe (Whistler) wrote:

Lame!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:06 AM
Mike Pizzali (Toronto) wrote:

Absolutely hideous! I thought they tested these out on children before they decided on these "things." Where did they test this out? China? Not to say there is anything wrong with China but if I wanted lead-paint mascots I would go to China!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:06 AM
Mr. Weatherbee (Calgary) wrote:

WHat is thsi garbage liberal apologists must've come up with these stpuid characters. Why even try vancouver you cant beat calgary's olypics anyways I thought these were canadian olympics not first nations olypics




Posted November 27, 2007 11:06 AM
Silly Milly (Vancouver) wrote:

OMG, its Pokemon!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:06 AM
Alan B-C (Hawaii_on_holiday_but_from_Vancouver) wrote:

Very creative and should translate well to a real costume and stuffed keepsake. Although Miga looks a bit like a small French waiter!
Good work Olypic Team!!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:05 AM
John (Toronto) wrote:

I think they're creative, they look fresh and at least some of them are related to Aboriginal peoples' culture... I think they're one of the better mascots for an Olympic Games. And they go well with the general look of the Games, including the logo. Good work!


Posted November 27, 2007 11:05 AM
Leo Olive (Burnaby) wrote:

Very cute mascots. It will be a big hit with the kids. It's very different and very westcoast.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:05 AM
Fiona (Vancovuer) wrote:

I love them - would like to see the marmot though! i think lots of thought has gone into them and as with the inukshuk we will grow to love them in time!




Posted November 27, 2007 11:04 AM
Matthew Godard (North_Vancouver) wrote:

These mascots are no doubt cute and can be shown to reflect certain aspects of the games, but it is a stretch. These animated characters are drawn in a very Japanese Anime fashion. As this is a multicultural city there are reasons this type of animation form was chosen and I have no qualms. My question however, is where are the ideals and imagery to reflect canadian heritage in these mascots. There is west coast themes in each, but no true tie to anything that resembles a wholeistic canadian image. These games are about Canada and not just Vancouver. Its understandible that there was a decision made to stay away from the usual maple leaf, beaver, and moose icons in favor of something a little more west coast, but come on. At least the Inukshuk embodies the North, strong, Free and a landmark to help those in need of direction. These Fuzzy characters don't reflect our national image.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:03 AM
Andrew Hickok (Vancouver) wrote:

It was bad enough that VANOC chose to exploit First Nations and Inuit cultures for their original, inappropriate logo (an inukshuk -- not indigenous to the peoples of BC), now they are exploiting the local cultures, turning their supernatural, spiritual beings into Pokemon-like cartoon characters. Disgusting.



Posted November 27, 2007 11:01 AM
Erving Chang (Vancouver) wrote:

These are very ugly mascots. It's like genetic mutations that have gone off of the deep end. Now were these mascots the product of cloning experiments gone bad or did they accidently drink the water out of False Creek and mutate into these things? Better yet, are these things former Olympic athletes that took steriods?

I wished that they had just chosen one animal (or thing) to be the mascot. It's almost like they tried to please everyone around the world and just ended up creating poor marketing junk.

Lastly, these things look an awful lot like the Beijing mascots, just uglier - I guess all the pollution in China didn't hurt their mascots.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:00 AM
Michael (Vancouver) wrote:

I like the combination of real and mythical figures. Lovable creatures in all.


Posted November 27, 2007 11:00 AM
Dan (Vancouver) wrote:



what a joke... why dont they show the real mascot, meaning the real problem in vancouver, homeless, drug addicts, child poverty and a very unreliable transit system. What a joke....


Posted November 27, 2007 10:59 AM
Aslhey Swift (Whistler) wrote:

Saskwatches do not exsist its stupid.


Posted November 27, 2007 10:55 AM
Kristin (Victoria) wrote:

New characters for Pokemon Maybe????



Posted November 27, 2007 10:51 AM