The organization that oversees school sports across Ontario has a new mascot, thanks to a student from Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
Grade 11 student Kaylee De Haan recently won a province-wide contest to design a new mascot for OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) this past Friday was able to see her concept become reality with the unveiling of Captain Ace.
“I took the inspiration from the logo of OFSAA and the colours that are within that, and I took the opportunity to make a character that represents past, future, and present athletes,” De Haan says. “To just represent everyone who’s going into OFSAA and coming out of OFSAA, just have that legacy.”
OFSAA spokesperson Pat Park presented De Haan with a banner to hang at the school and a certificate to recognize her achievement. He says Captain Ace checked all their boxes, blending the organization’s logo and colours in a gender-neutral character that appeals to all ages.
The mascot design contest was intended to provide inspiration for student athletes through the pandemic, a way to keep connected to their sport even though they weren’t able to play.
De Haan plays volleyball and soccer.
She says it was a surreal feeling to have her design chosen from more than 30 submissions from across Ontario.
Alon with seeing her vision become reality, De Haan was given a $500 prize. CKSS also receives $500, which will be divided between the school’s art and sports departments.