Olympic mascot: a way of teach values to our students

Abstract

Olympic mascots are undoubtedly one of the new Olympism´s symbols. Many experts say that mascots help to bring the celebration of the Olympic Games to children. In the other hand, Olympic mascots are a source to get great profits by selling them through merchandising. The truth is that Olympic mascots are animals o fictional characters, usually native of the country hosting the Games and usually seems the natural heritage of the country. But the reason that leads us to talk about the Olympic mascots is the Olympic philosophy which are accompanied, values its creators intended to convey to the world and to the youth people. Some of these values are: resistance, toughness, agility, patience, work, friendship, generosity, delivers energy, vigor, nature protection, hope optimism, peace, fair play, union among the peoples, prosperity, happiness, passion sports, unity, health, joy, etc. In this article you can find an analysis of the official mascots of the Olympic Summer Games from Waldi the 1972 Munich Games mascot (the first one) to the latest one: Wenlock in London Games at 2012.