From 7 to 23 February 2014, Sochi will host the Olympic Games. For each Olympiad, the organizing state chooses a talisman that should reflect the spirit of the host country, bring good luck to the participants, and cheer up the audience. The symbols of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi will be the Bunny, the White Bear and the Leopard, and the Paralympics - Ray and Snezhinka.
In 2010, a competition for the best symbol of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi was announced in Russia. More than 20 thousand applications were sent from all regions of the country. The election of the mascot took place in several rounds. In the final in February 2011, the drawings of the Leopard, the White Bear and the Bunny won. Residents of the entire country were involved in the selection of the mascots, who could vote for the finalist they liked by means of SMS voting.
The national elections for the symbols of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi were held for the first time in the history of the games. Also, the distinction of the Sochi Olympic Games was that there were three mascots at the same time (two more at the Paralympic Games - Ray and Snezhinka).
A white bear named Polyus is similar in character to the symbol of the Moscow Olympics 80. He is the best friend of children, a kind, merry fellow, docile, caring and polite. He cannot sit still, he is a fan of sledding, always strives for new sports heights, energetic and strong-willed, loves and knows how to win.
Leopard Barsik with a fluffy white skin is a hardy and strong animal. He is a resident of the Caucasus Mountains, an expert on all slopes and a wonderful climber. It helps bobsledders, loves snowboarding. It protects Sochi and the nearest villages from bad weather.
Bunny Arrow is very active, he has time for everything and everywhere. She is an excellent student, helps her mother, loves sports, and especially figure skating.
Paralympics 2014 mascots Ray and Snowflake are of alien origin. The first symbol came from a hot planet, and the second from an icy one. They inspire special people to high achievements, help them open up incredible opportunities in themselves.
All these characteristics of the symbols of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi were told by the artists who drew sketches of the mascots for the Olympic Games in Russia.
