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Ola the Orca will be the official face of the next Island Games.
After a spectacular event in Guernsey this year, the Games moves north for the 2025 edition.
Sarah Sutcliffe, a 12-year-old student from Kirkwall Grammar School, was successful among 880 entries in designing the new mascot.
“It has been fantastic to see that so many entries were received for the design of the Orkney 2025 International Games mascot,” said Culture Minister, Christina McKelvie MSP.
“While there can unfortunately only be one winner, the competition has been an excellent way for local children to get involved in the event, with it really capturing the community spirit for which Orkney is known. I’d like to say a huge well done to Sarah and the others who submitted their designs and I think Ola the Orca will be a great addition to the Games.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Congratulations to Sarah on her winning design of Ola the Orca and well done to all those who entered the competition. It is great to see so many young people taking part, showing the important role events play in our communities by providing the chance to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences.
“Ola the Orca will now continue the long tradition of event mascots by providing a fun and memorable character in the build up to and throughout the 2025 Orkney International Island Games.”
The first ever mascot for the Island Games was Max the Cat in 2001 when the Games came to Isle of Man.
Two years later, it was Daniel the Donkey for Guernsey 2003.
For Guernsey 2023, Jet the Puffin was the official mascot.
Orkney has also revealed the winning design for the medal, which was created by Jodie Brown.
Head Judge Sheila Fleet said: “The winning entry is very well deserved. Jodie has created a very iconic design with so much that symbolises Orkney. The hollow circle stands for Orkney and the presence of the iconic standing stones. As a medal it has great impact. It shows the real hallmark of an up and coming designer.”
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