Special Olympics: Hunt For Football Mascots

Written by Mireille Hakkenberg on October 21st, 2009 | 1 comment

There were videos circulating the internet that show the theft of the football mascots of three popular British football teams: Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea. At the end of the videos, viewers were prompted to visit the website Getyourmascotback, where the thieves revealed themselves as Special Olympics Great Britain.

Now, the organisation behind the sudden disappearance of the mascots released three ransom videos in which they demand donations in return for the freedom of the mascots:

The theft & demand for ransom of the three mascots are the fundaments of a national charity campaign to draw attention the efforts of Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB).

The theft of all three mascots and the ransom notes are uploaded to YouTube and at Twitter we can follow Chelsea’s mascot Stamford the Lion, who, right before he was taken, already felt like he was being watched:

I’m having a lovely morning outside the Bridge, but I am sure I am being followed.

And

HEEEEEEEEELP! http://bit.ly/4w3V3n

I think they want a ransom. I am so definitely worth it, whatever they want. http://bit.ly/4w3V3n

And as it turns out in the ransom videos and at www.getyourmascotback.com a ransom is exactly what Special Olympics wants!

Special Olympics is the provider of sporting opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The foundation provides year round sports activities for people with (learning) disabilities and hopes to raise money to continue their good work in the future. Rather than generate a straightforward plea for donations, the ‘Mascot Theft’ appeals to football fans in a different way. People can donate via Get your mascot back or directly via JustGiving for Monty Magpie, Fred the Red or Stamford the Lion. So what are you still doing here? Donate

The charity campaign is a cooperation between Special Olympics, JWT London and our sister company SocialMedia8.

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