Have you ever seen a bear running races around the island and wondering why? Well, the answer is he is Warwick Academy’s school mascot.

This year his challenge is to run 350 kilometres to celebrate 350 years of continuous education at Warwick Academy.

We interviewed The Bear to see why he is up for the challenge of running 350 kilometres: “I am up for the challenge because it will be fun to support Warwick Academy and I am very excited since it is my birthday.”

The bear has been on the Warwick Academy crest since 1931. When the school was making the crest, they took the bear and the rugged staff from the Earl of Warwick’s family crest.

The bear and the ragged staff were first used by the Beauchamp family, who became earls of Warwick in 1268, as a badge or mark of identity in addition to their own coat of arms.

The school then put some Bermuda history with it, so the ship on the crest is the

Sea Venture, taken from the “Arms of Bermuda, and then put the motto Quo non Ascendam which means ‘to what heights may I not ascend’, meaning that we will forever have sense of adventure and achievement.

Did you know that the bear has already run 92 kilometres and he is still going?

“Everyone at Warwick Academy is my friend, and I like to see everyone doing well and having fun running, like I do.

“I will be taking part in all walks and races that are held on the island this year (including the May 24th half marathon).

“This will leave me about 40km short of my target of 350km this year, so I am looking for any other opportunities to run or walk where ever I can,” Bear noted

Here are is what some children have said about The Bear:

“I really like him a lot, and I think he is really cute,” said Tyesha Smith.

“He is good at being a Bear. He is the best mascot, and I like him when he gives people hugs,” stated Daniel Bishop.

“He always makes us happy when we are sad, and he always supports us no matter what we doing,” said McKenzie Tuckett.

“The Bear has a lot of Warwick Academy spirit and he will never give up,” observed Giovanni Hollis. “The Warwick Bear supports all four houses and he is completely neutral and has no affiliation with a house.”

Everyone at Warwick Academy is wishing him well and good luck.