Expo mascot's new look gets a ticket to Shanghai
A Liverpool school’s creativity will be marked at a permanent exhibition in Shanghai following the World Expo.
A number of Liverpool schools were invited to decorate fibreglass models of the Expo’s mascot, called Haibao, in a competition.
Now a senior World Expo official in China has judged the winner of the competition, with their handiwork chosen to feature in the Liverpool pavilion and then go on permanent display in an Expo museum once the event is over.
St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School in Speke won the contest with their design depicting the Expo theme of better city, better life.
Peter Price, headteacher of St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School, said: “The children wanted to show that making our city a better place will make our lives better, and they have done a great job. We are so proud of the children whose handiwork will now travel all the way to Shanghai.”
The winning design of Haibao, which means treasure of the sea, includes Chinese writing on his hand which means peace, and depicts a clean and tidy world.
Other schools which entered designs into the competition included Windsor Street School, Emmaus Primary School, St Oswalds Juniors, The Beacon Primary School and Our Lady of Good Help Primary School.
Mike Taylor, director of investment and enterprise at Liverpool Vision, said: “The World Expo officials were impressed with the high level of all the entries in the competition.
“The model will stay in Shanghai long after the Expo has finished, and will act as a lasting reminder of what we are aiming to achieve, and a mark of the continuing special relationship which Liverpool shares with its sister city.”
Liverpool’s Pavilion at the Expo will shine a spotlight on the city’s assets and strengths for millions of visitors attending one of the world’s biggest events.
The World Expo runs between May 1 and October 31. It is regarded as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to consolidate existing and forge new relationships in the world’s emerging markets and is predicted to deliver up to £50m in economic benefits to Liverpool and the North West over the next decade.
The Liverpool Pavilion’s main sponsor is Peel Holdings, which has interests in ports, airports, renewable energy, media and property development across the North West.
Further information is available at www.liverpoolshanghai2010.com
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