The lynx mascot of the 2017 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships in Finsterau in Germany has been named "Filu" ©Finsterau 2017

The lynx mascot of the 2017 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships in Finsterau in Germany has been named "Filu".

The name, a combination of the words Finsterauer and Luchs, was chosen after a Facebook competition was launched which allowed the public to submit suggestions.

Finsterauer and Luchs translates to "Finsterau lynx" with the winning name submitted by Jasmin Denk, from Mauth in Germany.

She will now receive one of the 360 mascots produced for the Championships as a prize, as well as a spa visit.

Filu will represent the wildlife of the Bavarian National Park, which is home to some of the world’s last wild lynx.

The lynx mascot represents the wildlife of the Bavarian National Park ©Finsterau 2017
The lynx mascot represents the wildlife of the Bavarian National Park ©Finsterau 2017

The name was announced by Organising Committee head Olaf Heinrich, who is also the chair of the District Council.

The announcement of the name was completed in the new festival hall, built specifically for the Championships. 

Numerous volunteers are said to be working around the clock to deliver a successful competition, with action taking place between February 10 and 19.

Biathlon and cross-country skiing will be the two disciplines contested, in the last major competition before the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Paralympics.