What is the mascot of the World Cup?

20 10 south Africa world cup mascot "zakumi": 20 10 south Africa world cup mascot was officially unveiled, and an embarrassing cheetah "zakumi" was finally elected. This little cheetah wearing green shorts, a white T-shirt and green curly hair is called "Zakumi". "Zakumi represents the unique spiritual quality of the South African people, territory and South Africans. I believe that the advent of Zakumi will add a lot of fun to the World Cup in South Africa. " FIFA Secretary-General Walker said.

20 10 south Africa world cup mascot "zakumi"? Meet the characteristics of the World Cup.

The organizing committee of the World Cup in South Africa chose a cheetah as the mascot, mainly because cheetahs are widely distributed in Africa, and cheetahs are also the fastest animals on land. This cheetah, full of speed and strength, is in line with the characteristics of the World Cup. Therefore, the organizer chose a native animal that can represent Africa as the mascot.

In addition, Zakumi's green mane not only represents the green on the South African flag. "Zakumi's green mane also represents the stadium," said mascot designer Odendale.

20 10 south Africa world cup mascot "zakumi"? Reflects the vitality of South Africa.

Compared with the German World Cup mascot Glio, the South African World Cup mascot Zakumi has been well received by the media since it came out. The British BBC said that this little cheetah symbolizes the current vitality of South Africa, and its lovely image is also deeply loved by people. Glio, the little lion in the last World Cup in Germany, has been left out by the Germans. Because the eagle has always been a traditional symbol of Germany, but the lion can't represent Germany. At the same time, the failure of Glio also led to the bankruptcy of its manufacturer, German NICI Toy Company.

20 10 south Africa world cup mascot "zakumi"? Born in 14 years old.

In order to give the mascot more humanity, the mascot designer specially made a resume for Zakumi. This little leopard named Zakumi was born in June 1994, which was the day when South Africa's apartheid policy came to an end. At the same time, June 16 is also a "Youth Day" in South Africa, commemorating the protests of South African youth against the apartheid policy that broke out in June 1976 under white rule. So setting Zakumi's "birthday" in June 16 also symbolizes the arrival of the new South Africa.

20 10 south Africa world cup mascot "zakumi"? Name meaning

The first two letters of the mascot "Zakumi" are the abbreviation of South Africa. The letter KU-MI after it means "10" in many African languages, which is the year of the World Cup in South Africa. According to Moddis, spokesman of the South African World Cup Organizing Committee, in some African languages, "Zakumi" also means "welcome".