Organisers of the delayed Rugby League World Cup 2021 which kicks off in Newcastle in October are looking for a talented young a artist to design the mascot to capture the spirit of the prestigious global event.
They say it should represent the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments being staged in the festival of sport, be eye catching and recognisable, fun and friendly, have a great name and backstory and represent the values of the tournament.
The winning design will be revealed in time for the tournament's opening game on October 15 between England Men and Samoa Men at St James' Park. It will follow in the footsteps of Grubber Bear, which was designed by Bolton student Luke James, and was the mascot the last time the Rugby League World Cup was held in this country in 2013.
Read more: Joy as St James' Park confirmed as host venue for rescheduled Rugby League World Cup in 2022
The mascot will be chosen by a RLWC2021 panel of ambassadors and announced on social media. The winning designer will receive two tickets to the Men and Women’s finals day at Old Trafford on November 19 and the chance to take their entire class at school to another tournament match (excluding finals).
They will also get the opportunity to visit the creative studio and see their entry brought to life as the official tournament mascot.
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “Whether it is entertaining the crowd or celebrating with some of the tournament’s biggest stars the mascot for RLWC2021 will be a hugely visible part of the competition and one that will be seen by millions of people around the world.
“We want this year’s Rugby League World Cup to be an event that is remembered as one that inspires young people from all walks of life to get involved in sport and live healthy and active lives.
“Therefore, we thought it was only right that our tournament mascot be designed by the very people we are aiming to inspire. We are really looking forward to seeing the entries come in and starting the journey which will end with our tournament mascot beamed out across the globe at the opening fixture at St James Park on 15 October.”
The mascot competition comes as RLWC2021 relaunches its innovative Education Programme which is designed to not only educate, but also motivate and inspire the next generation of Rugby League fans and players.
Developed by One Community Trust, the resources follow the national curriculum and have the four key RLWC2021 values permeating throughout along with exciting World Cup themes showcasing the power of sport.
Warrington based Oakwood Avenue Primary School, Gorse Covert Primary School, Woolston Community Primary School and Croft Primary School worked with RLWC2021 organisers to create the unique resources.
Rugby League World Cup 2021 Social Impact Director, Tracy Power said: "Children learn, and are inspired, in many different ways and sport can be a brilliant tool to get young people passionate about different subjects, whether it be English, maths, Geography, Science and much more.
"The resources offer an insight into some of the different cultures and countries that will be taking part of RLWC2021 providing a really unique learning experience."
The classroom resources will allow teachers to devise and deliver themed lessons which capture the cultural and geographical scope of this unique tournament, featuring men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions simultaneously, and can be accessed online for free by signing up here: rlwc2021.com/education
Any schools signed up to the resources by May 31 will be entered into a prize draw which will see one lucky school receive a visit from the three Rugby League World Cup trophies.
Entries for the mascot competition should be emailed to: mascot@rlwc2021.com or sent via post to The Mascot Challenge, RLWC Bonded Warehouse, 18 Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4AP
More information about the mascot competition can be found here: https://www.rlwc2021.com/mascot-challenge
