HANGZHOU, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The organizing committee for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games launched a campaign Tuesday to solicit ideas for official mascots.

Xu Liyi, vice president and secretary general of 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Organizing Committee (HAGOC), said that the design for the mascots shall comply with the pursuits of the Olympic movement and also reflect the history, culture and innovative vitality of the host city of Hangzhou. He added that the mascots should embody the spirit of dreams, innovation, joy and perseverance and that they should be lively, adorable, and friendly, in such a way that will allow them to make an impact on people of different culture backgrounds, genders and ages.

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, sent a congratulation letter to the event, expressing his belief that the mascots will faithfully reflect the unique charm of the Asian Games in Hangzhou and will be loved by people throughout the world.

The solicitation campaign starts from April 16, running for three months until July 15. A complete design proposal shall consist of a design plan for both the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games.

The result will be announced by the end of 2019. The winning design will be given a prize of 120,000 yuan ($18,000).