The Commonwealth Games 2022 mascot is everything you would expect from Birmingham: colourful, strong, and, of course, a bull.
With the Bullring being the centre of the city and such a bustling hub of life, it only makes sense that a bull should be the animal representing Brum this summer when the world is watching.
Perry, multi-coloured and always smiling, can’t wait to ‘get the party started’ and will be seen by more than a billion people all over the world as the Games kick off this July.
Commonwealth Games Mascot Graduates
Ahead of the huge event, Perry was given a very exciting honour by the University of Birmingham, an official partner of the Games. On July 15, Perry ‘graduated’ from the uni and was granted a ‘Perryfessorship,’ in the Great Hall.
Cathy Gilbert, Director of External Relations and University Lead for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: ‘Welcoming Perry to the University’s beautiful campus brought home just how close we are to the Games as the excitement continues to build. It was marvellous to see our graduating students engaging with Perry and taking selfies – a real bonus to an already memorable day!’
After receiving the honour, Perry walked out of the gall and under Old Joe, the famous clocktower at the university, in his mortar board and gown. Walking under Old Joe is a tradition that Birmingham graduates take part in each year.
All about Perry the mascot
Perry has a patchwork of multi-coloured hexagons which symbolises all of the communities of the Commonwealth coming together ‘in equal partnership’ in Birmingham this summer.
The cheeky bull brings together different elements of Birmingham- he wears a sports kit adorned with red, yellow, and blue stripes like the colours of Birmingham’s official flag, whilst his gold medal was made in the famous Jewellery Quarter.
Why Perry? The iconic mascot got his name from Perry Barr, which is home to the Alexander Stadium where the Games will begin. The Games released a video introducing Perry to the world, narrated by comedian Guz Khan, which you can check out here.