Kid Approved: Vancouver 2010 Mascots get Thumbs Up

Quatchi, the young Sasquatch who hails from the great Canadian wilderness, has found his way into the hearts of children – not just in Whistler, but around the world. When the Vancouver Olympic Committee unveiled the mascots – Quatchi the Sasquatch, Miga the Sea Bear and Sumi the Thunderbird - in late 2007, Quatchi was the one that kids instantly went crazy for. A lover of all winter sports, especially hockey, Quatchi dreams of being a world-famous goalie. Young Miga is part killer whale and part Kermode bear and lives with her family pod near Tofino on Vancouver Island. Sumi is an animal spirit that lives in the mountains of British Columbia and takes his name from the Salish word “Sumesh” which means “guardian spirit”. Later came Mukmuk, the small and friendly Vancouver Island marmot and mascot sidekick. Mukmuk is a big supporter of games and races and always cheers the loudest for his friends.

All were inspired by local Aboriginal mythical creatures and have since taken on personalities of their own. Social butterfly Quatchi even has a Facebook Fan Page, multiple Twitter accounts and two blogs.

Local Whistlerite, six-year-old Kate Risso, confirms that while Quatchi is great, it is Miga that has captured her affections.

“Miga has always been my favourite,” says Kate. “And Mukmuk is my second favourite. I know that all the mascots are kind.”

Mascots have been a fixture at Olympic Games since 1968 and have ranged from Sarajevo’s little wolf Vucko in 1984 to Calgary’s Hidy and Howdy twin polar bears and Seoul’s Hodori and Hosuni tiger cubs in 1988. These cuddly, cheerful and still symbolic mascots have been core to Games hospitality and are an important part of Games’ merchandising.

Mascots extend far beyond the Games though, with many communities, sporting teams and organizations having developed their own mascots – not the least of which is Disney. According to Whistler Blackcomb Minis Supervisor, Peter Konczarek, mascots can both engage children and also put them at ease.

“When Whistler Blackcomb’s mascots Bart the Bear and Gizmo come by the ski school, most kids go nuts,” says Peter. “They want to hug them and tell them stories. They don’t seem to mind that they only answer with gestures.”

Any parent will agree that happy children are crucial to a great family vacation. Mascots are just a small part of what makes Whistler so fantastic for families. From kids ski school programs and craft activities to the Core climbing wall, free Fire and Ice show and Tube Park, there are plenty of ways to keep kids engaged in Whistler. Even if you’re a “big kid”, Whistler has you covered with high adrenaline, ultimate relaxation, ski camps, mountain bike camps, spas and lively nightlife.

So whether you want to land a corked 720 in the halfpipe like Miga, or simply sit back and sip hot chocolate like Sumi, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in Whistler – mascot-approved.