Bonnie the seal is the Glasgow 2018 mascot
The city is hosting the European Championships in August 2018
Last updated 11th Oct 2017
Bonnie the seal has been unveiled as the new face of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships with exactly a year to go until the start of competition.
The female mammal, reportedly from Argyll and who swam down the Clyde, will represent the city during the event next August.
More than 3,000 of the best athletes on the continent will compete in a range of venues across Scotland, in sports including gymnastics and swimming.
The audience at the Scottish Events Campus were told seal pup has lots of energy and a sense of adventure.
Bonnie doesn’t always get things right on first try but knows the most important thing is to at least have a go and try her best.
The mascot was developed following consultation with around 100 children aged seven to 12 from three primary schools, namely Miller Primary, Kelvindale Primary and St Rose of Lima Primary. The name was chosen by the general public from a shortlist.
Double Olympic gold medal winner and three-time European Champion gymnast Max Whitlock, who is an official ambassador for the games, demonstrated a series of moves on the pommel horse.
Bonnie also joined in with a dance troupe’s routine on stage.
Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport, said: "The mascot’s fun personality is ideally suited to encourage children to try their hand at new activities and sports. This fits perfectly with 2018 as the Year of Young People, and also our priority to increase active and healthy lifestyles. I’m sure Bonnie will become a much loved face in Scotland and beyond, helping to build on the legacy from the Games - and of course the legacy of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships."
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr Susan Aitken said: "Today marks one year to go until the biggest sporting event to come to Glasgow and Scotland since we hosted the best ever Commonwealth Games.
"As the excitement builds ahead of championships time, it’s fantastic to be able to introduce Bonnie - who will engage with young people and communities across Scotland.
"Her gregarious and playful character perfectly embodies the spirit of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships."
Max Whitlock said: “I’m really excited about Glasgow 2018 - it is always great to compete at a multi-sport event and I have always loved it here in Glasgow. The crowd is always amazing and give you that extra lift. It can make such a difference to your performance out there on the podium.
"I witnessed that first hand during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and again at the World Championships the following year. So I have no doubt that Glasgow 2018 will be a huge success. I’d just urge fans to get their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment."
To keep up to date with Bonnie’s adventures, like her on Facebook at Glasgow 2018 Mascot , follow her on Instagram at Glasgow 2018 Mascot and follow her on Twitter @Gla2018Mascot