How to Earn a Mascot Trophy

You've worked hard to be the best mascot you can be. You've developed a repertoire of original skits and stunts, learned to express a personality through a giant head and built up enough stamina to keep a crowd energized even when their team is losing. You should now enter any of a number of mascot competitions to earn a trophy to show for all your efforts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Mascot costume
• Props as needed
• Music as needed

Enter Competitions to Earn a Mascot Trophy

1. Enter the Celebrity Mascot Games, held in Orlando, Florida, in July. This competition, founded in 1933, raises money for children with life-threatening medical conditions. You can not only earn a trophy, but earn some good karma too.
2. Enjoy the company of cheerleaders--lots and lots of cheerleaders--when you enter the mascot competition held each January by the United Cheerleaders Association. This competition has been held for more than 25 years.
3. Try to outdo the University of Wisconsin at the United Performers Association competition. U of W mascots have won 4 of the last 5 competitions.
4. Put your best paw forward at the Cheerleaders of America competition. This newcomer has only been around since 2005.
5. Participate in the United Spirit Association's competition and clinics, held in western states at various times throughout the year.
6. Represent your school at the NCAA mascot championships held during the Capital One Bowl Game, held on New Year's Day in Orlando, Florida.
7. Bring your most fur-ocious moves to the mascot competition sponsored by the National Cheerleading Association. This competition has been running since 1992.
8. Visit websites and download information for each competition you want to enter. Requirements vary widely and guidelines must be strictly adhered to or you run the risk of being disqualified.

Tips & Warnings

• You are likely to be responsible for your own travel expenses and entrance fees for competitions. Hold a fund-raising event to defray these costs and give your fans a chance to meet you up close and personal.
• Be extremely careful to prevent dehydration. The excitement of the competition may make you more likely to forget to drink enough water, while at the same time you are putting forth maximum effort. The temperature inside mascot costumes can reach well over 100 degrees.
• Keep your performance tasteful. Most competitions require family-friendly skits and routines.

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