Bushy-tailed charmer

Updated: 2005-10-07 15:59

For many Chinese people, the 11th Asian Games mascot "Pan Pan" the Panda is the most famous mascot. Indeed, lovely "Pan Pan" was an ambassador of the Games, the largest one China had ever held.

Pak Pak and Macao Chief Executive Edmund Ho

Later this month, another mascot will come to the limelight and will soon win favour with thousands of people.

This time, the hero is "Pak Pak", mascot of the 4th East Asian Games to be held in Macao from October 29 to November 6.

According to the organizing committee, "Pak Pak" comes from Macao's famous Guia Hill where there are lots of fir trees, where is found the oldest lighthouse on the China coast ?the Guia Lighthouse.

The designer says "Pak Pak" is a friendly squirrel that is good at different kinds of sports ?from judo, volleyball and football to swimming to just about everything. Being a happy-go-lucky squirrel, "Pak Pak" always has a smile to share, just like the people of Macao.

"The squirrel is a moral animal," says a Macao resident, who only gives his surname as Cheung. "It knows how to store food in case of shortage."

"Pak Pak" has been active in promotional activities of the Games. It can be seen on many occasions. The squirrel's image now appears everywhere in the city, welcoming people from Asia and the world.

"It's lovely and looks so hospitable," says Cheung. "I believe people will be fond of it."

The mascot has been playing a big role in sports events. It helps organizers to promote the Games and generates a wealth of business opportunities.

Souvenirs with the design of "Pak Pak" sell quite well nowadays.

Cheung will soon be one of the buyers of "Pak Pak" goods. "I have promised my son to buy a Pak Pak doll. He likes the squirrel so much and asks me hundreds of times a day for a doll."

"I simply don't want to let him down," says a smiling Cheung.

Close