Georgia State Games Commission

The 1993 Georgia Games Opening Ceremonies created a new Atlanta hero - the Georgia Games Mascot. It had taken a year of education, personal growth and development for the mascot to feel ready to represent the Georgia Games as their official mascot.

THE FIRST SPARK

It was July 23 when the torch was lit to commence the 1993 Georgia Games Championships. A 240-foot wire designed to light the torch was extended across Bobby Dodd Stadium. After a 330-mile Torch Run relay, the runners entered the stadium and lit the wire. The flame sparkled, flickered and burned as it made its way down to the caldron to ignite the torch and open the Games.

During the flame’s charge down the wire, one “special” spark landed on Georgia Tech’s home field. With all the attention focused on the torch, the spark quickly scurried down to the end zone and went into hiding, for what would be an educational and exciting year. The future mascot was now alive but needed to develop and gain experience in the many facets of life before it could take on its current role.

THE TRAINING MONTHS

The first priority for this new spark was to watch the Games and learn about its participants, spectators and staff. To insure that it would not be seen, it observed from very obscure places. After watching an extraordinary four days of competition at the Georgia Games Championships, the little spark was amazed by the scope of the Games and by the spirit of athleticism and sportsmanship the events brought out in all of the athletes. This inspired the spark and it began to grow.

This burning desire in the little spark made it long to become a part of the Games. But it wondered how it could contribute. What did a little spark have to offer such a big event?

"A mascot -- that’s what the Georgia Games needs," decided the little spark. At that moment the spark knew its purpose and set out on a journey across Georgia to learn all it could about sports and the people in the state.

Track meets, football games, wrestling matches, mountain bike races -- there wasn’t a sporting event in the state the future mascot did not observe. The competition, pursuit of excellence and participation of athletes of all ages and skill levels motivated it to work harder to reach its goal of representing the Georgia Games. The little spark grew even more; knowledge and enthusiasm made its flame burn brighter and brighter, making it difficult to remain hidden.

Several Georgians reported sightings of the growing flame many times that year. Not only was it taking in athletic events, but the young flame had also been learning about the South. It was seen on the Chattahoochee River, at a Braves game and at the Paralympic’s mascot launch. It attended anything that would help the growing flame fill its role as the Georgia Games mascot.

THE FLAMING TORCH

After months of traveling around the state and learning about Georgians, the spark was now a bright flame. It felt ready to become part of the Georgia Games. When the flame revealed itself to the Games staff, they welcomed it and gave it a home. They placed it in the official torch so it could burn brightly and be held high as a symbol of the Georgia Games. The burning torch stands as a symbol of dedication, commitment and determination, all qualities found in Georgia Games athletes, volunteers, staff and sponsors.

The next thing the mascot needed was a name. Kids from around the state were asked to help. After seven weeks the name "Spike" was chosen because of his fiery and spiky-looking hair.

Spike then continued touring around the state encouraging Georgians of all ages and skill levels to compete in Games activities. During just about every weekend in May, June and July you can see him cheering on Georgia Games athletes in all walks of life.