Ever watched those oversized plush characters dancing and waving at sporting and community events and wondered who's inside the mascot suit?
Now it can be you.
The City of Surrey is seeking volunteers for several upcoming local Olympic-related events. People are being – or in some cases, already have been – recruited for positions doing henna, face-painting or handing out rental skates at the Surrey 2010 Celebration Site at Holland Park in North Surrey near King George Boulevard and 100 Avenue.
While most of those volunteer spots have been filled, there are still some shifts available in information booths (helping visitors find venues or services) and in the Sustainability Zone, an area where there will be displays and interactive games relating to the environment. Volunteers for those areas must be age 14 or older.
According the the city's website, however, all shifts are available for Mascot Performers during the torch relay celebration on the evening of Feb. 8.
The job description says successful applicants would play the parts of Olympic mascots Quatchi, the earmuff-wearing sasquatch-like figure, and Miga, the petite black-and-white sea bear.
The ideal candidate for Quatchi would be between 5'10" and 6'2" tall, while someone posing as Miga should be between 5'1" and 5'4". Both must be 18 years or older.
"Mascot performers should be reasonably fit and able to withstand the heat, weight and and other physical limitations of the costumes," the job description reads.
For more information about volunteering at local Olympic events, check www.2010.surrey.ca and click on "Volunteer to be part of it".