Pachi was designed by four grade eight students from Buttonville Public School in Ontario as part of the Toronto 2015 Mascot Creation Challenge.

Fiona Hong, 13; Michelle Ing, 13; Paige Kunihiro, 14, and 13-year-old Jenny Lee's design was one of more than 4,000 entries submitted by groups of children from across Canada who were challenged to come up with a unique mascot for what will be the largest multi-sport Games Toronto has ever hosted.

Pachi the porcupine has 41 quills which represent each of the Pan American countries taking part in the Games and has five different colours which symbolise his qualities - green is youth, fuchsia is passion, blue is collaboration, orange is determination and purple is creativity.

He also sports a Toronto 2015 hat and Pan American and Parapan American wristbands.


"We are proud to introduce Pachi to Canadians and people from across the Americas," said Ian Troop, chief executive of Toronto 2015.

"A lot of hard work and creativity has gone into making this character and Pachi truly represents the spirit of the Games.

Pachi was one of six finalists shortlisted in May following an online vote which polled more than 33,000 votes.

The other finalists were a moose in running shoes, a maple leaf-headed beaver, a rainbow-hued owl, a rascally raccoon and twins wearing funky hats.

"Mascots are the face of the Games and something that I remember fondly from each of the Games I have competed at," said Olympic trampoline champion Rosie MacLennan, who was joined at the unveiling event by Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medallist Tyler Miller.

Following the selection of Pachi as the official mascot, illustrator James Caswell refined the design before Toronto-based Maydwell Mascots Inc added the costume design.

"Our group was called the Pachi Pals because we thought the name was so cute," said one of the original designers Lee.

"And now kids from across Canada and the Americas can be Pachi Pals too."


As part of the countdown to Toronto 2015, Pachi will be visiting communities across Canada.

"Symbolising the spirit of the 2015 Games, Pachi captures the energy, excitement and creativity of our young people," said Michael Chan, Ontario Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

"Pachi will be a great ambassador for the Games, as well as Fiona, Michelle, Paige and Jenny, who I'm proud to say are from Markham, Ontario.

"Congratulations to all who contributed their creativity in giving the 2015 Games a unique identity."

The Toronto 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games take place on July 10-26 and August 7-14 respectively.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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