Name the mascot for 2016 swimming European Open

Para-swimming fans are being given the chance to vote for the name of the mascot for the 2016 IPC Swimming European Open Championships, to celebrate six months to go until competition gets underway on 30 April in Funchal, Portugal.

The mascot, a monk seal unveiled on Friday (30 October), represents the unique setting for the Championships which will be hosted on the island of Madeira. The monk seal is a protected species and a colony lives on the island.

The Championships talisman is a colourful, friendly character complete with goggles on his head, t-shirt and a pair of swimming trunks.

Fans can vote for their favourite name at Facebook.com/IPCSwimming by liking the image with their favourite name or @IPCSwimming by retweeting their choice. The name with the most combined likes and re-tweets will be the winner.

The three names, selected by the Local Organising Committee of Funchal 2016 to reflect the culture on offer in Madeira, are:

1. Funcho – Madeira’s local plant which gave the name to the archipelago’s capital – Funchal. It is frequently used to make tea, lollipops, sweets and cakes.

2. Caco – Traditional bread well known for its use in local cuisine.

3. Poncha – Traditional local drink that can be made with local fruits such as passion fruit, banana or pineapple.

Voting ends at 4 pm on 6 November 2015.

The 2016 IPC Swimming European Open Championships are expected to feature around 450 athletes from 50 countries between 30 April – 7 May.

The event is organised locally by the Portuguese Swimming Federation (FPN) and will take place at the Complexo Olimpico de Piscinas da Penteada.

As well as competing for European titles, athletes will also have the chance to test themselves at the last major competition, and qualifier, ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Media accreditation for Funchal 2016 was also opened with six months to go at Funchal 2016 website.