A day earlier, Gov. Kathy Hochul jump-started the reveal with a press release about the mascot.

“New York state has a proud legacy of hosting international competitions, and we look forward to welcoming college athletes and coaches from around the world to Lake Placid and the Adirondacks for the FISU World University Games in 2023,” Hochul said in a press release. “The mascot design competition was a unique way to showcase the talent and creativity of New Yorkers, and I want to congratulate Kristina Ingerowski on her winning design.”

The moose mascot was designed by Kristina Ingerowski, a sophomore at the Fashion Institute of Technology and a native of Farmington, Ontario County.

“It is an honor to have my mascot design chosen for the FISU Winter World University Games 2023 in Lake Placid,” Ingerowski said in the release. “Adirondack Mac is special to me because I have spent a lot of time over the years with my grandparents and family who live in Lake Placid. I wanted to capture the majestic beauty and character of the Adirondack region. There’s nothing more charming than an Adirondack moose to represent and celebrate this spirit of friendly athletic competition in Lake Placid.”

In March, New York state launched a contest seeking design concepts for a mascot to represent the Lake Placid 2023 World University Games. New Yorkers were encouraged to submit mascot design concepts that captured the collegial spirit of the international competition and the heart of New Yorkers.

Nearly 150 submissions were received from entrants representing 87 communities across 35 different counties. Following a public vote on the I LOVE NY website, 10 designs advanced to a selection committee representing academia, government, tourism and athletics. As the selected winner, Ingerowski will receive a $5,000 cash prize.

Adirondack Mac will be a highly visible symbol of the games, which attract a global audience. Mac will appear in various forms including a live, costumed character; as merchandise including toys, stuffed animals, apparel and other souvenirs; and in promotional materials.

The mascot was welcomed Nov. 13 by hundreds of people who came to explore the new Mountain Pass Lodge and try the new mountain coaster and indoor rock climbing at Mount Van Hoevenberg. Guests also learned about upcoming events this winter on the state Olympic Regional Development Authority’s modernized Lake Placid venues, job and volunteer opportunities and kids’ winter programming.

“Adirondack Mac is a terrific ambassador for the upcoming FISU World University Games,” ORDA President and CEO Mike Pratt said. in a press release. “Mac embodies the healthy spirit of outdoor recreation for everyone, which is thriving throughout the Adirondacks and at all of ORDA’s venues.”

Adirondack Mac has now embarked on a tour around New York state, raising awareness of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games and the North Country region, showing up at various events and activities.

Upcoming appearances include: Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Schenectady Holiday Parade, 5 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 26 at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center in Wilmington; and Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Gore Mountain Ski Resort in North Creek. Fans can follow Adirondack Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with #adirondackmac.

The FISU World University Games is an international sports and cultural event staged every two years in a different city. The 11-day competition, Jan. 12 to 22, 2023, is expected to draw 2,500 collegiate athletes and coaches for competitions in various disciplines including alpine, freestyle and cross-country skiing, biathlon, speedskating, curling, figure skating, hockey, short track speed skating and snowboarding.

The games will use many area sports facilities throughout the North Country region, including the Olympic venues managed by ORDA.

In March 2018, Lake Placid was selected by the International University Sports Federation to host the 31st Winter Universiade. The FISU World University Games is an international sports and cultural event staged every two years in a different city.

New York is the only state the U.S. to have hosted the FISU World University Games, and 2023 marks the second time Lake Placid has played host. The North Country community previously hosted the Games in 1972, and Buffalo was the site of the summer games in 1993.

New York state has committed nearly $240 million in funding to support the state’s ORDA properties. These investments are improving the infrastructure of ORDA facilities to ensure they can continue to attract and support large-scale, global events, while transforming these areas facilities into year-round attractions. This includes a new 30,000 square foot Mount Van Hoevenberg base lodge, the first-of-its-kind Mount Van Hoevenberg Cliffside Coaster and the Olympic Jumping Complex zip lines and gondola. Additionally, new frost rails with LED lighting have been installed on the HS100 and HS128 ski jumps, ensuring a consistent and reliable jumping surface regardless of changing weather conditions.