Spending a day with Norman!
You must have crossed paths with him in the Games Village or at the competition sites. We’re talking about Norman, the world famous mascot of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. And if you have, I’m sure you’ll agree that he puts on quite a show.
The self-proclaimed “Captain of all WEG fans" loves meeting with spectators. We followed Norman over the course of an entire day and the least we can say is: It’s not easy being a mascot. As Norman said: “Each day there are hundreds of photo-ops and hundreds of hugs from our young visitors and from women as well.” A little macho maybe - and Pom’pommette might get jealous - but he is tough to keep up with. We had to run to keep up with the bugger as he jumped from the competition sites to the Village to meet fans of the Games.
Norman starts his day with a little stroll around the Village at 11am. What better way to start the day? Normandy’s favourite “stallion” is sure to take a break with you, which is without a doubt his favourite pastime. Then around noon he heads over to the volunteers’ dining area to say hi to all those green-jacketed helpers that make the Games possible.
There is just enough time to pay a quick visit to his long-time girlfriend Pom'pommette. We then head up to D’Ornano stadium where we find ourselves in the middle of the Jumping arena to get the crowd warmed up. Once again, he mixes it up with the volunteers as we dance the Harlem-Shake, with Norman getting very groovy indeed. He also likes to clown around in front of the cameras of France 3 and Equidia. Lastly, the taxing day for us and him winds down with a visit to the main stage to light up the “Norman puts on a show” programme where he entertains the crowd for 10 minutes. Entertaining the masses: that’s what Norman does best!