The 2015 Canada Winter Games organizing committee is hoping to tap into the imagination and creativity of elementary school students to create the games' mascot.
From Jan. 20 to Feb. 7, students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 can select from the six animals linked to the games' branding -fox, bear, moose, cougar, salmon and eagle - and create a name, persona and back story for their proposed mascot. The submissions can be dropped off to Canada Games House at 545 Quebec St.
"I encourage people to get involved," organizing committee CEO Stuart Ballantyne said. "We want to get our mascot into the marketplace by summer."
Ballantyne said the final mascot will make appearances at pre-games events and extensively during the games.
At the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Que. that games' mascot -Zigzag the ruby-throated hummingbird - made over 250 appearances, engaging children and promoting healthy lifestyles, Ballantyne said.
Three finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and announced on Feb. 15. The public will then have a chance to vote for the winner online at www.canadagames2015.ca until March 1. The winner will be announced on March 11.
Ballantyne said games organizers have already reached out to teachers and school boards across the North to encourage them to take part. The winner will get a prize of Canada Winter Games clothing and win a party for their class.
The YMCA of Northern B.C. is the presenting sponsor for the games' mascot, YMCA CEO Amanda Alexander said, and will play an active role in the selection committee and presenting the final mascot.
"We see this partnership as a perfect match," Alexander said.
Part of the YMCA's mission is to encourage active, healthy lifestyles for children and adults, she said, and she hopes the games mascot will help spread that message.
"We are very pleased our collaboration does not end with the mascot program," she added.
The YMCA of Northern B.C. will be creating a children's play area as part of the legacy program of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, she said.
The mascot contest was announced at a special assembly at cole Lac des Bois on Wednesday.
Mayor Shari Green said she could see the spirit of the games in the children at the assembly, and encouraged them to go out an enjoy the games and the city's newly-renovated sports venues.
"We're going to enjoy it all together."
