Calidoso arrived to the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 2022

¡And it's here to stay! With his multicolored suit, this cat, which from now on will be the mascot of the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 2022, represents the passion, tenacity and strength that more than 1500 young athletes will leave on the track of the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium from August 1 this year.

Among more than 100 proposals, Calidoso came out undefeated against 8 finalists who emerged a spectacled bear, an ocelot, a blue lizard, a bird, a chontaduro (typical fruit of the department of Valle del Cauca) and two cat brothers like him. “Calidoso is inspired by the Gato del Río, which is one of the most representative icons of Cali. He represents the warmth of the people of our city, their hospitality and joy, but also the passion that the athletes leave on the field. On the top of his head, he carries chontaduro, his favorite fruit,” says Andrés Camilo Gutiérrez, creator of Calidoso.

For Ramiro Varela, president of the Organizing Committee, "Calidoso, faithfully represents the city and its spontaneous and cheerful nature."

The presentation of Calidoso to the world and the media will take place today, Thursday, May 19th (05/19/2022) at the Pascual Guerrero stadium, the epicenter of the 11 days of competitions that will take place during the World Athletics U20 Championships. In this same act, the District Mayor's Office of Santiago de Cali, will install the Coordinating Committee of the World Athletics U20 Championships, in order to gather all possible support from the different administrative agencies to make the sports championship a success and that Cali shines on the track and stays in the hearts of those who enjoy this sports festival.

Cali thus welcomes the best young athletes in the world, from 155 countries and who are fighting for a place on the podium during the 6 days of competitions. The Organizing Committee of this championship thanks all the local, regional and national institutions and entities for the valuable support they have provided so that the World Athletics U20 Championships is a success and positions Cali, Valle del Cauca and Colombia, as important sports destinations of international stature.

Calidoso will begin to tour the entire city, enjoying the hugs of the children and the affection of the people. He will train hard to receive the athletes and the delegations, accompany them and support them throughout the competitions.

 World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 2022 Organizing Committee.