Zagreb, January 26th 2015 – European Universities Games 2016 in Zagreb and Rijeka have announced the official mascot of the Games. After tight public voting, the figure of hamster won the highest number of votes and thus became the official mascot of the Games.
Final selection of the mascot is the result of the selection process that began in September last year. At an open call 64 applications arrived. Nine-member jury selected three finalists that were presented to the public. The second round of the competition offered citizens the opportunity to make a final decision of the EUG 2016 mascot. The creators of hamster mascot are young authors Vedran Rede and MatijaTomsic.
“The concept of our mascot is based on the idea:“It is important to participate” and cute and small hamster embodies this idea the best. This animal is known for its specific way of having fun – running. Our hamster is not so muscular, but it does not stop him to do sports. The most important thing for him is to socialize, have fun and participate. That makes him a winner regardless of the outcome and that is the motto of the Games. We are proud and happy that our bid gained the most sympathy among the citizens and that our hamster became the official mascot of this great event. “- said the creators of the mascot.
“European Universities Games are not just another competition envisioned solely to competitors. It is our wish and goal to involve as many people as possible through various programs. That is why we offered the citizens a chance to vote for a mascot they like the most. I hope that this cute hamster will sneak into the hearts of many citizens and leave as good impression as the unique Zagi did. “- said Gordan Kozulj, the representative of the organizers of the Games.
Along with the presentation of the official mascot, the organizers announced a new call in which the citizens will have the opportunity to choose the official name of the mascot. Citizens will be able to suggest the names via EUG Zagreb – Rijeka 2016 official Facebook page.
