Author(s): Gülten Ä°MAMOÄLUï· Levent CEYLAN
The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and effects of the mascots used in the Olympic Games and some important sports organizations. Literature was searched. The use of mascots in major events in sports arenas was officially at the 1966 Football World Championships and at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Then the mascot application is used in all Olympics and major sports organizations. At the Olympic Games and World Championships, mascots are used as various animal, human or object figures. In cities where sports organization will be organized, mascots are used to promote and publicize the streets before the organization starts. The mascots aim to entertain the audience before the competitions and during the waiting period between the competitions, to attract their interest and to make the fans love things, to make economic contributions and souvenirs. The majority of mascots are selected from animals. Mascots are identified with people who are cute, friendly, cheerful, sporty, helpful, and have similar positive personality traits. Conclusion: In the Olympic Games and some major sports organizations, animal-based figures were generally used for Mascot. Human Figures are also included. These mascots were used by football fans in the stands in different ways. Cultural impact and simplicity in the choice of mascot for major sports events planned in Turkey is recommended.
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