London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville return to the big screen for final time

By Tom Degun

May 12 - Wenlock and Mandeville, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic mascots, have returned to cinemas for the fourth and final instalment of their animated adventures, Rainbow to the Games.

The 15-minute film is being screened exclusively at the Odeon Weekend Kids' Club throughout May giving children across the country the chance to catch the exciting conclusion of Wenlock and Mandeville's journey on the big screen.

Wenlock and Mandeville's first three films showed fans how they were created and their sporting adventures across the United Kingdom but Rainbow to the Games is their most action-packed adventure yet.

The film sees the mascots meeting new friends and athletes, as well as carrying out a daring rescue – all with a nail-biting wait to see if they make it to the London 2012 Games in time.


The story for the film is written by award-winning author Michael Morpurgo and it features narration by television and film personality Stephen Fry, with a soundtrack created by British award-winning composer Thomas Hewitt Jones.

"The London 2012 Mascots were created for children in order to inspire them to choose sport and connect with the magic of the Games," said Morpurgo, who shot to international stardom when his book War Horse was turned into a successful film last year.

"I wanted to write a story full of adventure and heroism, so that children could experience the wonder of Wenlock and Mandeville as they make their journey across the UK towards the London 2012 Games, and 'Rainbow to the Games' is the thrilling conclusion to this journey."

Animated versions of Olympic and Paralympic athletes are out in force for the final instalment of the film including British sailor Ben Ainslie, British long distance runner Mo Farah, South African Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius, Kenyan long distance runner Mary Keitany, American gymnast Jordyn Wieber and British Paralympic javelin thrower Nathan Stephens.

British stars in the form of diver Tom Daley, triple jumper Phillips Idowu, mountain biker Shanaze Reade (pictured below), gymnast Louis Smith, weightlifter Zoe Smith and cyclist Victoria Pendleton also make a special reappearance after starring in earlier films.


"As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games come ever closer, Wenlock and Mandeville continue to play an important role in inspiring young people to get involved in sport," said London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe.

"Their journey to the Games has proven hugely popular with children across the country and 'Rainbow to the Games' continues to bring the magic of London 2012 to the younger audience."

In total, Rainbow to the Games will be shown on 373 screens in more than 100 Odeon cinemas across the country every weekend throughout May.

The trailer and story so far, including the previous three films, can be viewed on the Mascots' website by clicking here.

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