Birmingham 2022’s official mascot is a bull named Perry! Perry is named after Perry Barr, the area of Birmingham where the transformed Alexander Stadium will host the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events. The mascot was designed by youngster Emma Lou, a 10-year-old, who was given the brilliant news on a visit to her home in Bolton.
Described as a “proper brummie”, Perry is kind and a little bit cheeky, and what better animal for the mascot of Birmingham to be than a bull. Birmingham’s Bull Ring market has been around for 867 years, and the bronze statue of a bull at the heart of the city centre is an iconic symbol across the world. Perry aims to be Birmingham’s most famous bull nonetheless!
Birmingham 2022’s motto is “Games for Everyone”, which is why Perry is covered with hexagons of all colours of the rainbow. They represent the coming together of the Commonwealth in equal partnership with the diverse communities of Birmingham and the West Midlands. As well as this, hexagons are the strongest shape, denoting the strength of the Commonwealth Games community.
Perry is not only a symbol of Birmingham 2022, he also represents the proud past of Birmingham. Around his neck, Perry wears a gold medal in acknowledgement of the historic Jewellery Quarter. The area produces 40% of the UK’s jewellery, and it’s also home to one of the world’s largest assay offices, which hallmarks millions of precious items every year.
Streaked up the side of Perry’s kit are the colours blue, red and yellow – a nod to the colours of the official flag of Birmingham and the city’s motto: “Forward”.
Both Perry and I are looking “forward” to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and we think you should be too.
