Ever since arriving in Vancouver last Wednesday, I have been on a mission to seek out and find the Official 2010 Winter Olympic Mascots – Sumi, Quatchi and Miga.
Quatchi - An Imposing Figure In Goal
Seemed like a simple task. I’m staying in downtown Vancouver, right in the heart of the action. I’ve been attending popular events like ice hockey and speed skating. Yet, no sign of these three furry creatures anywhere. The cynic in me began doubting if these fictitious characters even existed beyond the endless plush toys and cartoon images plastered across the city.
On Saturday, I ventured over to Robson Square – a popular downtown hub during the Games, with lots of outdoor activities going on. I had no intention of going there to wait 8+ hours in line to take a 20-second zipline traverse across the square, rather, I was heading over to meet up with Eric, my old college roommate, who was there with his family to take in the ice show at the Square’s outdoor rink.
When lo and behold – The mascots emerged on skates as the stars of the show!
Miga - Who Knew A Sea Bear Could Be So Popular?
The popularity at the Olympics of these figures cannot be understated. This particular event was literally the kids’ equivalent of going to see Team Canada play in Men’s hockey. Hundreds looked on as Quatchi dawned goalie pads, while Sumi (pronounced SOO-mee, the animal spirit with a noted legal background) skated circles around the opposition. Collective high-pitched chants of “Miga, Miga” filled the air.
For the 10-and-under crowd here in Vancouver, Brodeur, Iginla and Crosby clearly have nothing on these three.
OK, so I can finally check “mascot-sightings” off my list. Now it’s time to get serious and go see the big boys play. Men’s hockey – USA vs. Canada. The biggest game of the Olympic Tournament so far.
Let’s fast forward to the men’s hockey showdown, no offense mascots.