Beijing profiled: Lele the Mascot

After careful consideration for perfect representation, Lele was chosen as the Official Mascot of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Well, the full name is actually Fu Niu Lele, but to promote its image ambassadorship of friendship, the preference becomes a shortened Lele. ‘Lele’, which means “Happiness”, is the name of the cow that will invite people from across the globe to come to Beijing

The bovine creature was unveiled at a grand ceremony on 6 September 2006 at the foot of the Great Wall, marking the two-year countdown to the opening of the Paralympic Games. The modern cartoon figure represents not only a general geniality, but the special connectedness of humans to nature.

The design of the mascot blends the modelling and design styles of Chinese folk engraved prints, with colours rooted in traditional Chinese New Year drawings and toys. Cows are often depicted as hopeful animals in traditional Chinese culture, inviting good weather and plentiful harvests. The characteristics of a cow, like diligence, determination, courage, endurance and strength, also encorporate the spirit of Paralympians competing in Paralympic Games.