Paralympics mascot Sumi cavorting in Vancouver

It's Sumi's time to shine at the Paralympic Games.

Part orca whale, thunderbird and black bear, Sumi is the official mascot of the Paralympics.

His name comes from the word ``Sumesh,'' meaning guardian spirit. He acts as the guardian over the other Olympic mascots, slightly wiser and older than Quatchi and Miga.

They were the mascots of the Vancouver Games in February.

Sumi made daily appearances during the Olympics, skating with the other mascots at a public rink in downtown Vancouver.

Quatchi is a sasquatch and Miga a seabear, and along with Sumi, the mascots have ruled over Vancouver, promoting events together since they were introduced in November 2007.

It was part of the overall marketing and organization concept of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games - two events, one festival.

``Sumi was a constant reminder that there are two games and that there are two opportunities to have that extraordinary sporting experience,'' said Maureen Douglas, a spokesperson for the organizing committee.

Sumi came back into the spotlight at the opening ceremonies for the Paralympics on Saturday, flying high over the crowd.

Sumi will be cavorting around Whistler and Vancouver until the Paralympics end on Sunday.