On 1 September 2010, the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee will open a Russian national competition to design a Mascot for the 2014 Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Movement, every resident of the country will have the chance to submit their ideas for the Mascot, within a 3-month time period, by sending applications via the competition portal, talisman.sochi2014.ru, or by post. The winning entry will be chosen by a national vote on 7 February 2011, exactly three years before the Games begin in Sochi.

"The Olympic Mascot will become the most important symbol of the Sochi Games over the next few years and will represent Russia on the world stage. It should reflect the national and cultural characteristics of Russia, be in keeping with the spirit of the occasion, generate positive emotions and promote Olympic and Paralympic values. So we have made an unprecedented decision – to get our Mascot designed by the whole country. Yes, it will be a challenge, but we are ready to ensure that every vote is heard", said Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee.