What are your favourite Olympic or Paralympic mascots?
Why? My favorite Olympic mascot is Barcelona’s Cobi. Cobi, a wild Spanish dog, was a very unpopular choice across Spain in the beginning, but proved that personality and connection with the values of the Olympic Games can conquer all. Created and brought to life by the vision of artist/designer Javier Mariscal, Cobi’s magnetic personality soon won everyone over, including adults. His popularity increased his visibility to include a 30 minute animated series every Saturday in Spain. It was one of the most touching moments in my Olympic experience when he sailed out the Olympic stadium in a hot air balloon at the end of Closing Ceremonies. My favorite Paralympic mascot was for Athens (Proteas). Conceptually, this concept was so appropriate because the seahorse, although legless, could do anything, and made all of the sports look effortless. This approach is very consistent with the view that the Paralympians have of themselves and their pursuit of excellence. They are identified by their
