After much speculation, the mystery of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 mascot has finally ended as Ottawa’s youth soccer community were the first to meet Shuéme, the Great White Owl.
Shuéme will help celebrate and promote the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, and serve as a reminder of the spirit of the competition and the expansive soul of Canada as a multicultural nation.
Shuéme was introduced to Mrs. Laureen Harper by 11 year old soccer player Sarah, at a celebration in the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Accompanied by the Honorable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Mr. Peter Montopoli, CEO for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 and Event Ambassador, Canadian soccer star Kara Lang.
Mrs. Harper spoke to the children aged five to 11, about the excitement of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, but also the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 taking place this summer.
“Unveiling the official mascot for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ is the perfect way to get Canadians excited for the upcoming coast- to-coast-to-coast celebration of women’s soccer,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport).
Hosting the tournament will provide our Canadian players with top-level competition here at home and inspire more Canadians to take part in sport and physical activity.
That is why the Government of Canada is proud to contribute up to $15 million toward the hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014.”
Shuéme was inspired by the elegance and strength of the women’s game. Her sporty and elegant contours enable her to glide around the ball while her soft texture is friendly and welcoming.
Her pure colour is symbolic of peace and fair play throughout the competition. Her wings and tail provide precise control and agility.
Her stylish hair is a sign of confidence and pride. Her wide eyes are symbolic of the wide world that the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ is ready to welcome.
“Shuéme is a symbol for Canada and we are absolutely thrilled to introduce her to Canadians and the many fans of the women’s game around the world, said Peter Montopoli, Chief Executive Officer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 National Organising Committee. “A considerable amount of thought went into creating a character that children will adore, and that represents Canadians and the spirit of Canadians from coast to coast.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 mascot, Shuéme, will become a staple in each of the six host cities, by engaging youth and helping to inspire them “to a greater goal,” the competition slogan.
The mascot launch represents a significant milestone in the journey to the first single sport competition to be held in Canada from coast to coast, and the largest women’s sport event in the world, the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In the photo is Mrs. Harper along with the Mascot.