This is the story of Miga, Quatchi and Sumi and how they became the mascots for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Written and illustrated by Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy, this 32-page storybook includes the mascots’ story in both English and French. The story brings together the magical landscape of Canada’s West Coast, the stories told, for thousands of years by local Aboriginal people, of mystical creatures such as sea bears, sasquatches and animal spirits, and the excitement of the 2010 Winter Games.

About the Mascots
Miga, Quatchi and Sumi were inspired by local Aboriginal mythological creatures and also strongly influenced by popular culture, modern animation styles, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, the culture and wildlife of British Columbia and Canada, and the artists’ own imagination. Each of the creatures is unique, both in personality and physical appearance.

Miga is a snowboarding sea bear inspired by the legends of the Pacific Northwest First Nations – tales 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 – a popular figure in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. The sasquatch reminds us of the mystery and wonder that exists in the natural world. 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.

Mukmuk is a small and friendly Vancouver Island marmot who always supports and cheers loudly for his friends during games and races. Mukmuk, the mascot sidekick, is considered an honourary member of the team and enjoys surprising his friends by popping up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games. Mukmuk gets his name from the word “muckamuck,” Chinook jargon for food, because he loves to eat – when he’s not playing with his mascot friends.

About VANOC
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.