Jenny Tharayil
Zakumi is the Official Mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He's a leopard with green hair and a wide smile. "Zakumi" is a compositon of "Za" coming from South Africa's international country code (ZA) and "Kumi", which translates translates into ‘10' in various languages across Africa.The green and yellow (gold) colours of the character match the colours used in South African sport uniforms and can also be seen in the South Africa national football team's kit.
'Zakumi' has been designed and produced exclusively in the host country.The original creator of the design is Andries Odendaal from Cape Town, and the mascot costume itself was produced by Cora Simpson of Cora's Costumes.
Zakumi was born on June 16, 1994, the same year as the country's democracy. 16 June 1994, has great significance in South Africa as it coincides with a day known and celebrated as Youth Day in South Africa and their second group match.
Zakumi loves football. "Its young, vibrant, energetic, enthusiastic, sociable [and] self-confident," LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan said.
Fifa marketing director Thierry Weil told reporters that the very first Fifa World Cup mascot was a lion, invented by England in 1966.
"The mascot's role is to be an ambassador for the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa - an ambassador that embodies the spirit of South Africa," Fifa marketing director Thierry Weil said. "The mascot will be used to represent the World Cup and must become a symbol recognised around the world."
As a sign of his undying passion for the game, Zakumi always carries his football around, using it to invite people to play with him..Zakumi's main priority is to turn the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa into one huge, joyful and unforgettable party and show the thousands of international guests the warmth and spirit of the African continent.
Reference: http://www.worldcuplive2010.com/faq/the-news/95-meet-zakumi-the-mascot;
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