From CONCACAF

OTTAWA — The historic Canadian Museum of Nature nestled in the nation’s capital Ottawa proved the perfect perch from which to unveil Shuéme, the young female great white owl and Official Mascot for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.

Shuéme was introduced to fans and media at a special ceremony attended by Canadian young people and special guests, including Laureen Harper, the wife of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper; Event Ambassador Kara Lang and National Organizing Committee CEO Peter Montopoli.

The great white owl has been a striking and highly significant symbol throughout Canada’s history and Shuéme is very much a modern owl, embodying perfectly the spirit of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.

“Shuéme is a symbol for Canada and we are absolutely thrilled to introduce her to Canadians and the many fans of the women’s game around the world,” said Peter Montopoli, Chief Executive Officer for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 National Organizing Committee. “A considerable amount of thought went into creating a character that children will adore, and that represents Canadians and the spirit of Canada from coast to coast.”

Shuéme, whose name is inspired by the French word for owl (chouette) as a tribute to Canada’s status as a bilingual nation, embraces the expansive and inclusive soul of Canada as a multicultural country and will become a familiar sight from coast to coast in the months ahead.

“Shuéme is the perfect embodiment of the values and qualities of women’s football and she is certain to be a big hit with fans of all ages during the year ahead,” said FIFA Marketing Director Thierry Weil. “The importance of such a strong visual asset as part of the tournament’s overall brand identity cannot be overstated and Shuéme, whose proud outlook incorporates spirit, grace and power, is a great recruit to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ team.”

Imagined and created to reflect the esteem Canadians hold for the women’s game, Shuéme is every inch the sporty, elegant owl-about-town. With colors that symbolize peace and fair play, and with stylish hair that exudes self-confidence and pride, Shuéme’s flowing contours suggest grace under pressure, while her wings and tail ensure precise control and agility.

Image: (l-r) Canada 2015 National Organizing Committee CEO Peter Montopoli; Event Ambassador Kara Lang; Sarah Stapley; Shuéme; Laureen Harper, wife of Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the unveiling of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 mascot on June 17, 2014, in Ottawa. (Photo courtesy of the Canadian Soccer Association)