The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is Canada's time to showcase its exceptional athletic achievements. The spectacular cultural performances show the world that Canada is a community of immense diversity filled with talented people.

Mascots have become important and popular representatives of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They bring warmth, fun, and excitement to the games. Tourists from all over the world delight in the antics of these lovable mascots.

Each host Country and region designs their mascots to represent the culture and ideals of that country. The mascots are often the storytellers of the games and symbolize the values of the athletes. The host province of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is British Columbia but contributing provinces and territories include Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and the Yukon. The four host First Nations include: Lil'wat First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.

The role of the mascot has made significant advancements. Imagination and creativity are poured into mascot designs resulting in a tremendous line of collectables, toys, and other mascot paraphernalia. Canada and the province of British Columbia have carried on the tradition of creating mascots that emanate pride, celebration, diversity, inspiration, and the Olympic spirit.

Vancouver 2010 Mascots

1. Miga is a snowboarding sea-bear inspired by the First Nations' legends of the Pacific Northwest. Miga is part sea-bear and part orca whale and has been described as mischievous and outgoing. Snowboarding is Miga's favorite winter sport. She is a young sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod, beyond Vancouver Island, near Tofino, British Columbia. Miga is part Kermode bear, a rare white bear that only lives in British Columbia. The Kermode bear is a rare white or cream-colored sub-species of the black bear located along the central West Coast of British Columbia. According to First Nations' legend, Kermode bears were turned white by Raven to remind people of the Ice Age. Orcas are revered by West Coast First Nations as travelers and guardians of the sea.

2. Quatchi is a young Sasquatch who comes from the deep Canadian forests. The Sasquatch is a well known character in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi enjoys exploring new places and making new friends. Quatchi is a bashful and kind Sasquatch. He has a long brown beard and blue earmuffs. His large size makes him a bit uncoordinated. Quatchi's favorite sport is hockey and his dream is to become a famous goalie. He is eager and understands that working hard is a key component of realizing your dreams.

3. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia. Sumi's name comes from the Salish word Sumesh which means guardian spirit. He has wings of a Thunderbird that allow him to fly and the furry legs of a bear. The bear often represents strength and friendship. Sumi is a leader dedicated to protecting and conserving our water, land, and the critters that make it their home. Sumi loves every sport of the Paralympic games.

4. Mukmuk is a small and sociable Vancouver Island marmot. Mukmuk gets his name from the word 'muckamuck,' which is Chinook dialect for 'food.' Mukmuk loves to eat and cheer for the athletes during races and games. His favorite foods are berries and mountain flowers. He is an honorary member of the mascot team.

These sweet and cuddly mystical creatures symbolize the strength and transformation of the athletes while showcasing First Nation culture. Audiences will find the mascots of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games entertaining, educational, and memorable.