The Smurfs become the mascots of the Memorial

The collaboration of the Memorial with the Region of Brussels Capital and VisitBrussels has led to the idea of naming a mascot for Belgium biggest athletics meeting. The Smurfs have been chosen as the meeting mascots. The legendary blue creatures of Pierre Culliford alias Peyo from the comic that has been translated in more than 30 languages appeal to the young and the old on every continent.


The Memorial Smurfs will already be present at the upcoming event on Sep.5th in the King Baudouin stadium.


Alliance with the Comic Festival


The Region of Brussels Capital also supports other ambitious projects. On Sep. 5th two international events are being staged on Brussels soil. Besides the AG Insurance Memorial Van Damme Brussels hosts the Comic Festival, organized by VisitBrussels. The best comic artists are invited to create a comic spectacle for the young and for the old in the central parc Warande in the very heart of the city from Sep. 5th till Sep. 7th.


The Comic Festival starts on the same day as the Memorial and closes on Sunday Sep. 7th. It highlights the Comic Art with an abundant program for the young and for the old. Comic heroes can be seen all over the city during that weekend : on Balloon Day’s Parade, on the Comic Art Festival, at the Tintin car rallye, at signing sessions, at comics exhibitions, at an evening spectacle in the Brussels parc and during guided tours.


On Sep. 5th both events ally to celebrate diversity and excellence. They show the picture of a region where talent can be shown, shared and experienced. Giant balloons of Tintin and Spirou will welcome the spectators at the gates of the King Baudouin stadium and comic heroes the Smurfs, Spirou and Spike and Suzy will be making a lap of honour during the opening ceremony of the IAAF Diamond League Final.


Athletic talents will be highlighted as well. Young kids from all corners of the country compete in a 4 x 100m relay in the pre program of the Memorial. It is the final of a large number of preliminary races that were held by school sports organisations of the different regions and communities in Belgium. It provides an excellent opportunity for these kids to experience the greatness and the magic of international athletics at hand and to discover Brussels and two of its biggest attractions : the Atomium and Mini Europe.