Who Are the 2010 Winter Olympics Mascots?

HISTORY OF OLYMPIC MASCOTS

Since the 1968 Winter Olympics, the official games have had a mascot. The mascot generally represents an animal native to the hosting country or a well known cultural figure. The mascot serves as an ambassador that conveys the spirit of the games and their home city, especially to young children. In the past, mascots were Misha (brown bear from Moscow), Sam (the bald eagle from the United States), and Hodori (a tiger from Korea.)

CANADA'S PAST CHOICES

As past host of the Olympic Games, Canada has offered mascots in the past. In the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, there was Amik, a beaver. Amik represented the spirit of hard work which is crucial for athletes to gain the stature of being Olympic champions.

In 1988, for the Winter Olympics in Calgary, the world met Hidy and Howdy, polar bear siblings, whose names expressed feelings of brotherhood and welcome. Both are very important parts of the Olympic spirit.

2010 VANCOUVER MASCOTS- MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Miga

Miga is an adorable sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod near Tofino, off the coast of British Vancouver. She loves snowboarding. According to First Nations' legends, a sea bear part killer whale and part bear. The myth, Gonakadet, is one of the known tales of the sea bear. Miga is a combination of killer whale and Kermode bear. 

Killer Whales are the largest members of the dolphin family. They have been called by names such as Orca, Blackfish and Wolves of the Sea. They travel in family groups and depending on the type will eat seals, fish, and sharks.



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