Dima the baby mammoth to be Sochi 2014 mascot?

02 January, 2008, 07:07

A baby mammoth might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Russia or the Olympics. But nonetheless, it could become the mascot for Sochi's 2014 Winter Games, if a campaigning group in St. Petersburg gets its way.

Dima, a baby mammoth, is wanted as the new Russian Olympic mascot.

Dmitry Ilkovsky, Head of Saint Petersburg’s Olympic campaign, says a baby mammonth named Dima is the right choice for the Olympic mascot.  

“The mammoth is a very popular animal in Russia. Firstly, because it’s interesting and also as it’s mysterious. Everyone knows it lived here but they don’t know why it disappeared,” Ilkovsky explained.

There’s also been greater interest in the ancient animal ever since the discovery of a frozen carcass in Russia’s Yamal region in December.

Hundreds of people from in and outside the city have been sending in their ideas and support in the form of drawings, poems and even cake.

Dima the mammoth  has been helped by a big promotion campaign, including his very own cheerleading team with specially created chants and routine, a website for people to send in pictures and play interactive games and guest appearances from the mammoth himself at schools, concerts and hospitals in the area.

But the Saint Petersburg team will have to wait until 2011 to find out if Dima the baby mammoth wins the hearts of the nation to become the Russian Olympic symbol.