(above) Squatchi, an activist group's take on the official Olympic mascot Quatchi, sits on a bobsleigh near the Olympic countdown clock in Vancouver on Monday. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)
Anti-Olympic groups are gearing up for a large protest before the opening ceremonies on Friday, saying keeping the demonstration peaceful will be up to police.
Several critics of the Games held a news conference Monday to show off a mascot named Squatchi — a parody of official mascot, Quatchi — who spreads skepticism rather than Olympic spirit.
There is a large protest planned Friday ahead of the opening ceremonies of the Games, and more promised when the Games get underway.
Bob Ages of the Council of Canadians says he's hoping thousands of people show up, from anti-poverty groups to union members.
Ages says his group is particularly concerned with Olympic sponsors such as RBC for its involvement in the oilsands, but the list of protesters' complaints range from alleged displacement of the homeless to police treatment of activists.
RCMP and Vancouver police say they expect peaceful protests, but they won't tolerate demonstrators interfering with the rights of others or disrupting Games activities.
The original mascot is much cuter, the 38" version (shown below) is on display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. Although the 38" version is not for sale they have several other Quatchi memorabilia for sale at the museum. So support the the Olympics and Cryptozoology by visiting the museum and buying some collectible Quatchi tchotchkes.
International Cryptozoology Museum
661 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101
Wed-Sat, 11-6, Sunday, Noon-5.
207-518-9496
EXTERNAL LINKS
Vancouver Now article about protesting mascots
Other Quatchi stuff available at ICM
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