Mascots from previous Olympic, Paralympic Games arrive

The five previous Olympic mascots, Fu Niu Lele (L) from Beijing 2008, Misha (3rd-L) from Moscow 1980, Wenlock (2nd-R), Mandeville (2nd-L) from London 2012 and Athena from Athens 2004

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 21 (IANS)

Five mascots from previous Olympic and Paralympic Games arrived in here to meet the Rio 2016 mascots, who will make their first public appearance on next Monday.

The five moscots, which include Misha (Moscow 1980), Athena (Athens 2004), Fu Niu Lele (Beijing 2008) and Wenlock and Mandeville (London 2012), landed on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

It is the first time that mascots from past editions of the Games have visited the current host city. Numerous local children eagerly awaited at the gate of the arrival of Rio's international airport with welcome signs and placards.

"This is an unprecedented event, the first time an organising committee has invited mascots from previous Games to meet their own mascots. They are all friends, one big family," Rio 2016's brand director Beth Lula said.

"Everyone will meet the Rio 2016 mascots soon. We hope they engage the whole world around our joy, our diversity, for the big party we'll have in 2016. Their mission is to spread the messages of the Olympic and Paralympic movements and invite everyone to take part in our celebration."

Before the unveiling of the Rio 2016 mascots, the five former mascots will visit some of Rio's famous scenic spots like Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach.

"I think the whole world will fall in love with our mascots, just like we already have. They are very communicative, very playful, they are magical creatures that represent our culture, our people, really well," Lula said.