Montreal 1976The Mascot

Name

Amik

Amik means “beaver” in Algonquin, a widespread language among the Indigenous people in Canada.

Description

Amik appears with a red stripe featuring the Montreal Games logo, which symbolises the ribbon traditionally used for the winners’ medals. There is also a version with a multi-coloured ribbon in the colours of the Organising Committee.

Creator

Guy St-Arnaud, Yvon Laroche and Pierre-Yves Pelletier, under the leadership of Georges Huel.

Did You Know?

A national competition was held in Canada to find a name for the mascot.

Choosing a beaver was far from random, as the animal is closely linked with the history of Canada, where it appears on the reverse of the five-cent coin and various stamps. It is also featured on the coats of arms of Montreal and Kingston, where the sailing competitions were held.

This animal is known for its patience and hard work, and has occupied a significant role in Canada’s development since the 16th century, when the trade in beaver fur became the major commercial activity in North America. In Greek mythology, Castor and his twin Pollux, the sons of Zeus, were the gods of hospitality and athletes.