November 27, 2007 - Surrey, BC
What better way to introduce the world to the mascots of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games than by transporting 800 local school children on a magical journey to the place these mascots call home?
For the official unveiling of Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Mascots, the Bell Performing Arts Centre transformed into an enchanted forest of gigantic trees; soaring mountains that reached into the sky; and a bright blue ocean that sparkled in the light. The show created a magical world that included a custom designed and built set; a showcase of emerging BC Artists; and an original soundtrack. The combined effect was spectacular and brought all guests in attendance to their feet.
“The mascot launch is a much-anticipated celebration leading up to the Games. The mascots will become cherished icons – especially for children – and symbols of our Games, our country and our moment on the world stage,” said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
Spearheaded by VANOC’s Communications Department, PRP Creative Sport was thrilled to produce the Mascot Launch including scripting, casting, directing and production management of the live event. PRP’s previous work with VANOC; the Vancouver 2010 Bid Committee; the BC Government; Canadian Government; and various sporting events, teams and corporate clients across the globe; made them an ideal choice for the project
In addition to producing the live show, PRP was responsible for the simultaneous live television recording of the event, for broadcast.
“Working under tight timelines and under immense secrecy is always challenging," said Show Director and President of PRP Inc., Patrick Roberge. “But, once the show starts and you see the audience’s jovial response to of all your hard work, it is all worth it.”
The 2010 Mascots, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi, along with their yet-to-be-unveiled sidekick Mukmuk, were inspired by local First Nations mythology and created in harmony with modern Canadian design aesthetics.
“Each of the mascots has such a strong unique personality,” said Roberge. “It was great to bring that personality to life and share it with the audience.”
Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations that tell of orca whales that transform into bears when they arrive on land. Part Spirit Bear, a rare white bear unique to BC, Miga’s outgoing spirit and high energy draw her to action and adventure.
Quatchi, a shy and gentle giant, is a sasquatch, which is a popular figure in local Aboriginal legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi reminds us of the mystery and wonder associated with the great Canadian wilderness. Although Quatchi loves all winter sports, he’s especially fond of hockey and dreams of becoming a world-famous goalie.
Sumi is an animal spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty thunderbird and runs on the furry legs of the black bear. With a name that is derived from the Salish word ‘sumesh,’ meaning guardian spirit,’ Sumi is passionate about the environment and is a fan of all Paralympic sports.
The PRP team was delighted to play a part in telling the story of our new friends, Miga, Quatchi and Sumi, and introducing them to the world.
Based out of Vancouver BC, PRP Creative Sport, a division of PRP Inc., specializes in custom live entertainment shows that enhance sporting events and achieve objectives.
For more information on the Olympic mascots, please check out...
VANOC 2010
Times Colonist - How VANOC kept the Mascots a Secret
