The Magic of Olympic Mascots

Today was sitting and chatting on the beach with Fran Weems Sawdei.  Fran is a great sports fan who has attended the Olympic Games and It was her mom, Eleanor Olsen Weems, who first encouraged me to go to the Olympic Games. Eleanor, who is now 96 taught aviation and was one of the female pilots (WASPS) in WWII. (Incredible family)

One of the topics that came up as we chatted away by the ocean's edge was the mascots of the Olympic Games.  Fran mentioned that they were a rather recent addition.  And even though some think the design of the mascots are not so appealing, they sure do grow on you, just like E.T!

Thousands of real doves were released and The Dove of Peace was the symbol/mascot in Mexico ’68.  The Dove was pictured almost everywhere.  Although the dove was not a character walking around, it still spread the spirit of peace and the spirit of the Olympics during the games. 

A small stuffed animal, a dachshund, Waldi was sold in novelty shops throughout Munich in ’72.  

And now we have Wenlock and Mandeville.  Like several Olympic mascots of the past, a bit strange at first glance.  Then as they work and spread their Olympic spirit they become more lovable as the games progress.

Wenlock and Mandeville represent the start of the Industrial Revolution with their camera eyes.  No need for two, one with peripheral will do! They are named after the village “Much Wenlock” in Shropshire which hosted a precursor to the modern Olympic Games in the 19th century and “Stoke Mandeville” where the first paralympic games were held in 1948.  They’ve got some history to share, aye?

So get ready, no doubt they will be successful in sprinkling their “Mascot Magic” on you tool