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Powder, Copper, and Coal

Powder (top left), Copper, (bottom left), and Coal (right).

Powder, Copper, Coal, and Otto were the mascots of the 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were unveiled on May 15, 1999 at the Triad Center in downtown Salt Lake City. The mascots were created by Steve Small, an illustrator known for helping work on Nickelodeon's Rugrats and Disney's Hercules. For the first time in Olympic history, schoolchildren in Utah suggested the names, and the public voted on which ones were the best among the top picks. Previously, it was up to the creators and the IOC to name them. During the unveiling, American Indian and actor Billy Daydodge narrated their legends. The names were officially announced at a BYU Cougars football game in Provo on September 25, 1999. Except for Otto, all their names represent natural resources that makes up Utah's economy, and they have a charm around their neck with an original Anasazi or Fremont style petroglyph that reminds them of their heritage. All 4 are based on animals that are major characters in local American Indian legends.

Powder[]

Powder is a female snowshoe hare that is white. Her name comes from powder snow, a natural resource in Utah. She represents Faster in the Olympic motto. Her favorite Olympic sports are Skiing and Speed skating.[1]

Copper[]

Copper is a male coyote that is beige. His name comes from his namesake, copper, another natural resource from Utah. He represents Higher in the Olympic motto. His favorite sports are Ice hockey and Curling.[1]

Coal[]

Coal is a male American black bear that is brown. His name also comes from his name, coal, another natural resource from Utah. He represents Stronger in the Olympic motto. His favorite sport is Speed skating.[1]

Otto[]

Otto

Otto is the mascot of the 2002 Paralympic Games. He is a male sea otter. His name derives from the Italian translation of the number "eight", as Salt Lake City hosts the 8th Paralympic Winter Games. He represents Mind, Body, Spirit in the Olympic motto. His favorite sports are Para-alpine skiing and Ice sledge hockey.[2]

References[]

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