Then unnamed mascots of the Rio Games 2016
The unnamed mascots of the Rio 2016 Olympic (R) and Paralympic Games are pictured during a visit at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro December 4, 2014. Bright yellow and cat-like, with a green leaf-haired brother, the mascots for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro were launched by organizers late on Sunday. The mascots, who are said to represent the animals and plants of Brazil, are a key part of the Olympics merchandising campaign which is set to feature 12,000 products and is an important revenue source and a vital way of engaging the public. A public poll will be held to decide their names from a shortlist of Oba and Eba; Tiba Tuque and Esquindim; and Vinicius and Tom. Reuters

The names of the mascots for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games have been revealed, Vinicius and Tom, respectively after a public vote was held via social media and online.

"The names of Vinicius and Tom are recognised worldwide as a synonym for excellence, which is in line with what we want to achieve with the Rio 2016 Games. In addition to representing the Brazilian fauna and flora, our mascots also connect to the best of our music. We are certain that they will be an inspiration to the youth,” President of the Organising Committee for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Carlos Arthur Nuzman stated via an official release from the organising committee to for the Rio Games to be held in 2016.

Organisers said Sunday said the public voting, which was done via the official Rio Games website and social media Twitter, attracted 324,327 and around 44 per cent voted for the winning monikers. The then unnamed mascots were revealed over three weeks ago and voting for the said names were open since then. Vinicius and Tom were chosen over Oba/Eba and Tiba Tuque/Esquindim the other names short-listed in the final voting.

Vinicius will be the yellow mascot which resembles a feline animal and represents Brazil’s fauna and wildlife while Tom will be the blue and green mascot with a head covered by leaves that represents Brazil’s flora and country’s rich vegetation. The mascots were created by Birdo Produções, a São Paulo-based design and animation company, which is one of the most creative animation studios in the world.

“The choice of the names Vinicius and Tom adds even more ‘Brazilianness’ to our mascots, which are ambassadors of the Games. Their role is to share the messages of the event and the values​ ​of the Olympic and Paralympic movements to various audiences, especially children and youth," Brand Director of Rio 2016 Beth Lula said in the same press release. Lula said in a previous presser that the mascots are the most important symbols of the games and they hope that it creates an emotional link with the public, especially the children, who will follow the games.
Sports fans, especially the young ones, can visit the mascots own Facebook and Twitter profiles and their own website with interactive and fun activities.

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