2014 Mascot is big in Brazil

Ever since the Official Mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ was introduced to the Brazilian public the fun-loving armadillo has been very busy getting to know people and attending various activities. Having first been introduced to the Brazilian public in his very own segment of TV Globo’s weekly Fantastico show last Sunday, where he met one of his footballing heroes Ronaldo, the mascot began his work, setting out to bring the joy of the FIFA World Cup™ to all corners of Brazil. The day after his first appearance on television the Official Mascot woke up on Monday and went on a visit to one of FIFA Partner Coca-Cola’s Coletivos, meeting with lots of young people and learning some new dance moves. He then headed off to meet famous TV personality Luciano Huck before making another appearance nearby the Maracana stadium, where the Final Match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be played on 13 July 2014. Brazil’s most famous armadillo was then out in public again on Tuesday 18 before making his most emotional visit so far on the Wednesday 19 September. Coca-Cola took him on a very special trip to visit children at the Casa Ronald McDonald, a home where a number of young people are being treated for long-term illnesses. The mascot’s visit was certainly well received: “We hope he comes back soon to visit Casa Ronald!” said Casa Ronald McDonald’s director Sônia Novais Neves: “The kids, volunteers and staff were delighted to see the mascot and witness his affection for the children of this house which has been built with love”. He then made a number of public appearances on Thursday and Friday, popping up in shopping malls in Sao Paulo and Rio before finally getting a bit of time at the weekend to rest, meet up with his friends and of course play some football! The announcement that Coca-Cola will be unveiling huge inflatables of the Official Mascot in several of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™’s Host Cities between now and December is yet another sign that the Official Mascot is now hard at work in Brazil – but the question is….where will we see him next? FIFA