CANADIAN HEROES - Mukmuk, Vancouver Olympic Sidekick

This week's Canadian Hero did not even exist to most Canadians little more than a week ago. His name is Mukmuk, he's a Vancouver Island marmot and he's also part of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. For reasons known only to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Committee, he is not a full mascot like Quatchi, Miga and Sumi. Instead Mukmuk has been relegated to sidekick status. Exactly why he was downgraded to the first ever Olympic Sidekick Mascot is unknown, but we think it's pretty awesome. If Johnada were an Olympic Mascot, we're pretty sure we'd be a sidekick too. We especially like that Mukmuk's official description basically only talks about how much he eats.

There seems to be a movement by some to make Mukmuk a full blown mascot. They've even started a petition. We won't be signing, and we encourage you not to either. Johnada thinks these people should consult with Mukmuk first. Maybe he prefers things the way they are. In fact, here's how we think things happened:
Vancouver Olympic Committee: Congratulations Mukmuk you have been chosen as an Olympic Mascot!
Mukmuk: Really. That's...um...fantastic. Hmm. This is awkward, but I don't think I can do the whole mascot thing right now.
VOC: Well, we've already started our promotional campaign. The wheels are in motion.
Mukmuk: Actually, I've got a lot going on right now. What with the whole endangered species thing. Plus, I'm working on this screenplay with Seth Rogen.
VOC: But you're already on the website.
Mukmuk: Ouch. Well, I don't think I'm going to be able to make it to any morning or afternoon events. I really like to sleep in.
VOC: Well, most of the events are at night.
Mukmuk: Oh. Actually, night doesn't work too well for me either.
VOC: Is there anything we can work out?
Mukmuk: Any chance I can somehow get paid and not have to do anything.
VOC: Maybe we can think of something . . .
Thus the Olympic Mascot Sidekick was born, and with it a true Canadian Hero.