Whirl was introduced as the 2012 World Choir Games' mascot on Thursday, June 2, 2011, emerging from a mascot design contest held by the Cincinnati Organizing Committee. Following the announcement we spent a few minutes with Whirl and asked him a few questions.

What’s your reaction to being named the mascot for the 2012 World Choir Games?
I’ve dreamed about this day ever since I was created. The thought of hanging out and having my picture taken with people from all over the world is pretty awesome. I wish these Games started tomorrow. In the meantime, I hope to spend the next year meeting with the people of Cincinnati and showing up at a lot of the way cool events that happen here. Cincinnati USA rocks!

Are you prepared to deal with instant worldwide stardom?
I emailed the San Diego Chicken and Phillie Phanatic to get some advice. I’m waiting for them to get back to me. I hope they don’t think it was spam. I’ll also reach out to Gapper, Who Dey, the Bearcat and the Blue Blob to find out how they handle fame here locally. I’m a little worried, though, about not being able to go out to dinner without getting mobbed by paparazzi. 

Rumor has it they may create a female companion. Any truth to that?
Really? Who did you hear that from? Is that true? I would love it. I mean, I would welcome having someone to share this great experience with. I have already heard about that Rosie Red lady down at the ballpark. Can’t wait to meet her.

The 2012 Games represents choirs performing in 23 different musical categories. What are you most looking forward to tuning in to?
Wow, 23 musical categories? I can’t wait for it all. I heard that in China last summer, a group from Sri Lanka was jamming to Michael Jackson tunes and that an Iranian choir sang the theme song to “Friends.” I’m gonna be dancing in the aisles. Wait - will that be allowed? I hope so. Um, wait just a minute – I’m Whirl, the World Choir Games mascot – of course that will be allowed!

Can you sing?
One of the “golden rules” of being a mascot is that you can’t talk – or sing – when you’re out in public. I really kill it in the shower, though.  Really, I do.

Read more about Whirl and all the contest winners.

Read more about the designer, Davis Stanard.

View a photo gallery of all the mascot contest entries.