The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : `Mello' off to West Indies

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Mello' off to West Indies

Special Correspondent

City's contribution to World Cup Hyderabad-based company has shipped four inflatable mascots to West Indies

IN FULL FORM: `Mello' mascots, made by the Hyderabad-based company, Inflatable Ideas, will adorn the stadia in the West Indies

HYDERABAD: As the ICC World Cup gets underway in mid-March, Hyderabad will have its own contribution to the biggest sports extravaganza, after soccer.

Four inflatable `Mello' mascots, made by the Hyderabad-based company, Inflatable Ideas, will adorn the stadia in the West Indies during the mega event. The company has already shipped four inflatable mascots to the venue.

"We just can't wait to see our products beamed live on the TV. Everyone in our company is excited. ," managing partner of the company V.N. Bhanu told The Hindu .

The mascots, each measuring 16 feet and costing 700 US dollars, have been made in the company's factory at Mallapur on the city outskirts. "We made an extra one and kept it ready, just in case the organisers want an extra one," Mr. Bhanu said. It took about 10 days to complete all the four inflatables using PVC coated nylon. The mascot resembles an orange raccoon-like creature wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt over a white vest, a golden pendant, khaki trousers and blue canvas shoes. Mello is shown standing with cross legs and tossing a white ball in the air, while leaning on a cricket bat.

Creating awareness

It has a red ribbon pinned on the left side of his shirt showing his support for the ICC/UNAIDS initiative, aimed at creating awareness of HIV/AIDS challenges among people.

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