One thousand days ahead of the opening ceremony, organisers of Glasgow 2014 have joined forces with the BBC to launch a children’s competition to design the official Commonwealth Games mascot.
Mascots are a major part of the Games experience, embodying the values of the Commonwealth Games and character of the host country, and playing a lead role in engaging and inspiring young people.
The Mascot will be a significant personality in the run-up to and during the Games, used by Glasgow 2014 to welcome visitors and spectators, visit schools and community events and appear on signage.
Find out how to enter the competition
Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison MSP said:
“The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be a truly Scottish occasion and I am delighted that young people across the country are being encouraged to get involved through the mascot competition.
“There are 1,000 days to go to the opening ceremony of what will be an outstanding Games and giving our young people the opportunity to impact on how the event is marketed across country, the Commonwealth and the world is the perfect way in which to mark such an important milestone.
“The Games will show the world what vibrant and welcoming places both Glasgow and Scotland are and now more than ever it’s important that we involve people and communities from across Scotland in the excitement of the Games. I would encourage all young people to get involved with this competition and play their part as we get ever closer to 2014.”
Glasgow 2014 is looking for a mascot that is:
- Original
- A made up or imaginary character, animal or person
- Easy to recognise as the official mascot for Scotland and the Commonwealth Games
- Is appealing to young people
- Friendly
- Incorporates red, yellow, green or blue – or all of these colours
Entries will be judged in three age categories (6-8, 9-11 and 12-15) and children from all over the UK are being encouraged to enter the competition.
Ten of the best entries from each age category will be selected in the first round of judging. These will then be shortlisted and judged a second time before a final winner is chosen. The winner will be announced after the London 2012 Paralympics in September 2012, where the winning mascot will be unveiled.
The judging panel will be made up of BBC and Glasgow 2014 staff and external experts. The eventual winner will receive four tickets to the opening ceremony.
Entries must be sent in on an A4 piece of paper and must be drawn or painted. For full details go to: www.bbc.co.uk/glasgow2014
Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive David Grevemberg said:
“This is a great opportunity for someone to become part of Commonwealth Games history by designing our mascot, which will welcome spectators and athletes from all over the world to the Games.
“Designed by young people, for young people, the mascot will be very important to the Games and to Scotland. We believe that one very special person will put pen or paintbrush to paper and come up with something totally original for us to have as our friendly face of the Games.”