For Immediate Release
February 7, 2008

John Baird Introduces Vancouver 2010 Olympic Mascots to Local Students

(OTTAWA) – Yesterday, John Baird, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean introduced the students of Agincourt Public School to three very special Canadians; Miga, Sumi and Quatchi, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Mascots. After a presentation of “We are Canadian” by the school’s choir, Mr. Baird energized the 425 assembled students with Olympic trivia before calling on the mascots to meet the students.

“Some of you here today might attend the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games and some of you may also grow up and participate in the Olympic Games!” said Mr. Baird. “Miga, Sumi and Quatchi have come all the way from Vancouver, British Colombia to share some of their Olympic spirit with you.” Upon being welcomed to the roaring gymnasium, the mascots greeted the children, parents and Mr. Baird before performing a dance routine for those assembled. After their performance Miga, Sumi and Quatchi took some photographs with students before setting off to another Ottawa-area school.

“When I received the phone call that the mascots wanted to come to Agincourt I didn’t hesitate,” said Shirley Brackenbury. “It was an honour to have Vancouver’s Olympic Games mascots at Agincourt Public School.

The mascots who are in Ottawa to unveil the official 2-year countdown clock at the NCC Infocentre, were invited to Agincourt Public school by Mr. Baird. They are currently promoting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games on a cross country tour.

Photo: John Baird, MP (Ottawa West-Nepean), students and Miga, Sumi and Quatchi, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games mascots at Agincourt Public School.

Further information:
Office of John Baird, MP                                                         
Ottawa West-Nepean
613-996-0984