Mascot contest announced for Lake Placid 2023 World University Games

LAKE PLACID | Hoping to help ignite excitement for the 2023 World University Games in Lake Placid, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a design contest for the international sports competition's official mascot. The 11-day competition is held in a different city every two years, drawing more than 2,500 student-athletes and coaches to compete in a range of winter sports. Attracting a global audience, officials said the mascot will serve as a highly visible symbol of the winter games. The winning mascot will be featured as live-costumed characters, merchandise, apparel, and souvenirs before and during the games slated for Jan. 12-22, 2023. "Lake Placid has long been a global symbol of excellence in winter sports, and the World University Games will build upon that legacy while showcasing the state's investments in our winter sports facilities and providing opportunities for local economic development," Gov. Cuomo said March 23 in announcing the contest as he urged North Country residents to submit their contributions. "This design competition will engage New Yorkers in a way that not only commemorates the 2023 Games but also captures the unflagging spirit of this great state." Submissions are being accepted immediately with hopes of capturing the collegial spirit of the international competition and the heart of New Yorkers. The contest is open to New York residents 18 and older. Any U.S. residents currently enrolled in New York State colleges and universities are also eligible. More information, including how to submit your design, can be found on the I LOVE NY website. Submissions are due by Sunday, April 18. Public voting begins Wednesday, April 21, and closes Friday, April 30. Ten finalists will be chosen for a final panel of judges comprised of academic, government, tourism, and athletics officials from across the state. The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize that can be used to attend the Lake Placid 2023 World University Games. In a statement following the announcement, ORDA President and CEO Michael Pratt said "The countdown is on as we prepare our venues and the region to host these exciting Games in just under two years. A tour through the Olympic Museum features a variety of memorabilia with Roni the Raccoon from the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid, so this new mascot is another opportunity to add to the legacy of the World University Games in a fun and creative way." Officials said the 2023 Games marks the second time Lake Placid has played host with the first time being in 1972. New York is the only state in the U.S. to ever host the World University Games. During the competition, student-athletes from across the globe will compete in twelve sports throughout the Adirondacks, including alpine and nordic skiing, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, and snowboarding. Adirondack North Country Sports Council Chair James McKenna said We're excited to showcase Lake Placid and the surrounding communities for a global audience, and the mascot will be vital to welcoming visitors from around the world." "Mascots are an enduring part of international sports competitions, and this contest is an opportunity for New Yorkers to participate in the fun leading up to the 2023 World University Games.

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Mascot contest announced for Lake Placid 2023 World University Games

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