Games mascot takes gold in pleasing the crowd

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This article was published 05/08/2017 (3284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When people first meet Niibin, the official mascot of the 2017 Canada Summer Games, it’s not uncommon for them to ask what, exactly, Niibin is.

Squirrel? Fox? Many people think he’s a Pokémon. He is not a Pokémon.

Officially, Niibin (pronounced nee-bin) is a magical creature from Manitoba’s Spirit Sands desert. His name is Anishinaabemowin for “it is summer,” and he gets his energy from the sun.

Being on Niibin’s crew is also one of the most fun volunteer positions at the Canada Games. And since he has a packed schedule with lots of places to be — including Gimli and Kenora — nine different volunteers will transform into Niibin at various points during the two-week event.

On Friday, it’s Pierre Bernard. We’re at the University of Manitoba Stadium, and he’s in the locker room prepping for his shift. Donning an oversized head and working a crowd is familiar terrain for the gregarious 24-year-old: he is a professional mascot, playing both Buzz at Winnipeg Blue Bombers games and Clutch, the Steinbach Pistons’ horse mascot.

For those who inhabit these characters, mascots aren’t just marketing tools. They’re ambassadors and entertainers. To little kids, they are stuffed toys come to life. It takes a certain personality to make that mascot magic happen.

The charged game-day atmosphere attracted Bernard to the gig.

“I like being around people, so it comes natural,” he says. “I like being an actor, too.” He relishes the anonymity the costume affords him. “No one knows who you are, so why be shy?”

Being a mascot is sweaty business, but luckily for Bernard, Niibin has recently had a bath. Bernard says it’s the humidity, not the heat, that’s killer.

Volunteers have to be in pretty good physical shape to be a mascot; this is a job that requires stamina.

It’ll be a full day of dancing, waving, high-fiving and selfie-posing for Bernard. By now, a week into the Games, Niibin is a celebrity. Kids obviously love him, yelling out to him by name as soon they spot him, but adults are often just as excited to see him. Volunteers clamour to get photos before they begin their shifts and have to put their phones away.

Every athlete warming up on the track Friday morning gives him a wave or a casual, “Hey Niibin,” as though they’re old pals. One playfully challenges him to a race. His crew/entourage, clad in Team Niibin jerseys, ensure he stays hydrated and takes breaks.

Niibin’s newest, biggest fan is eight-year-old Marissa Kenny. She’s at University Stadium to cheer on her big brother, Manitoba pole vaulter James Kenny, who is competing later in the afternoon, but she’s equally pumped to meet Niibin.

“I wanna take a selfie,” she says. Marissa is also an athlete; she plays tackle football for the St. Vital Mustangs. “She’s tough,” mom Christy says.

Bringing a little magic and excitement to kids such as Marissa is the best part about being Niibin.

“It’s fun,” Bernard says. “Seeing their faces blows my mind. Their eyes just glow. It makes them happy. Even if they’re down, you can try to make them happy.”

Niibin, of course, is always smiling. And while you can’t see Bernard’s face, I’m pretty sure he’s got a perpetual grin under there, too.

jen.zoratti@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @JenZoratti