Sochi 2014 Launches Mascot Design Search

The Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee has officially opened a national competition in Russia to design a mascot for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games.

For the first time, every resident of the country will have the chance to submit their ideas for the official Paralympic Mascot. The winning entry will be chosen by a national vote on 7 February 2011. Residents have within a three-month time period to send applications via the competition portal, talisman.sochi2014.ru, or by post.

President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko said that the mascot will become an important symbol of the Sochi Games over the next few years and will represent Russia on the world stage.

“It should reflect the national and cultural characteristics of Russia,” Mr. Chernyshenko said. “So we have made an unprecedented decision – to get our Mascot designed by the whole country. Yes, it will be a challenge, but we are ready to ensure that every vote is heard.”

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games will take place from 7-16 March 2014.

For more information about the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games, please visit www.sochi2014.com.