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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Endangered armadillo mascot for 2014 World Cup
SAO PAULO, Brazil -- The mascot of the 2014 World Cup is a yet to-be-named Brazilian endangered armadillo.
FIFA said Brazilians will have until mid-November to choose the mascot's name from three choices -- Amijubi, Fuleco and Zuzeco. The mascot's announcement was made Sunday on a television show with the participation of former Brazil star Ronaldo.
"I'm delighted to welcome such an important member to the 2014 team," Ronaldo said. "The mascot will play a key ambassadorial role in the next two years. I'm sure he will inspire many young football fans in Brazil and all over the world with the great passion which he has for the sport and for his country."
The three-banded armadillo, which is in danger of extinction, rolls up into the shape of a ball when threatened and is commonly found in northeastern Brazil.
The mascot carries the colours of the Brazilian flag. It is yellow, with green shorts and a blue shell and tail. It is dressed in a white shirt with the words "Brazil 2014" written on it.
"The fact that the three-banded armadillo is a vulnerable species is very fitting," FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said in a statement. "One of the key objectives through the 2014 FIFA World Cup is to use the event as a platform to communicate the importance of the environment and ecology."
FIFA said Amijubi is a "representation of friendliness and joy," while Fuleco and Zuzeco are linked to an "ecological message."
Football's governing body said the three options were picked "after a vote by a high-profile judging committee" in Brazil, including former Ronaldo teammate Bebeto.
The mascot of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was a leopard, an animal commonly found in that country. It was yellow and green -- the So uth African colours -- and was called Zakumi. In 2006 in Germany, the mascot was a lion called Goleo.
The first time a mascot was introduced at the World Cup was in 1966 in England -- a lion dressed in the Union Jack flag and named Willie.
Brazil is hosting the World Cup for the first time since 1950.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 17, 2012 C2
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