AYG Mascot a hit in the community!

FRASIA – a play on the phrase “Friends of Asia” was the eventual name chosen among some 1,470 entries from the public during the week-long contest to name the lion mascot. The winning entry was picked for its apt representation of the values and virtues associated with Olympism – friendship, respect and excellence.

In-flight supervisor Michael Lye, 55, is the humble winner of the contest, insisting that it was a team effort between him and his wife of 21 years, Georgia, 50.

The name came about after a tussle with names like Leo and Lionel, which their son, Gordon (who was named after ‘Flash Gordon’ by his comic-enthusiast Dad), insisted was clichéd.

The couple then decided that the contest should not simply be about giving the mascot a name, but about “what the Games is about – the coming together of youths and the values of cooperation, humility and sportsmanship” ,Georgia explained.

They finally settled on FRASIA, submitted their entry, not knowing that their effort would go on to lend a voice to the AYG mascot.

The Lyes took  home $500 cash, along with passes to the AYG opening ceremony, and a pair of  all-access pass to the Games, $100 worth of 100 Plus products and of course, a FRASIA plush toy.