Russia began a search for a mascot for the 2014 Winter Olympic games, to be held in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

"Every citizen of our country can submit their work," organizing committee head Dmitry Chernyshenko told the sports forum Russia Is A Sport Power.

He added that a jury would choose the best entries, which will then be worked on by professional artists.

"An online vote will be held on February 7, 2011 - exactly three years before the start of the Olympics," he said.

He also wondered if the mascot's appeal would mirror that of Mishka the Bear's - the mascot of the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow.

License agreements on using the mascot will bring the Committee up to $50 million, Chernyshenko said.

MOSCOW, July 30 (RIA Novosti)