Zorb proves baffling symbol of Russia

A performer is illuminated in this sphere at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Photo / AP

A New Zealand-made inflatable ball will be the official symbol of the next Winter Olympics, but its creator has mixed feelings about its use.

The Russian host city of Sochi will use a Zorb - a 3m rubber sphere designed for rolling downhill - for the 2014 Games, and is describing it as a symbol of a new Russia.

This was both frustrating and amusing for one of the men who invented the Zorb, Tauranga-based Andrew Akers.

The double-skinned spheres, 15 of which featured in the Vancouver games' closing ceremony, were used without his consent, and without knowledge of their New Zealand origin.

Zorb Ltd, which Akers has left to create other Zorb-like products, said the Russian globes were likely to be knock-offs of a poorer quality.

Akers said he never envisioned the product he first tested on his family farm in Kawerau would become a symbol for post-Communist Russia.

"It's kind of bizarre and flattering in a lot of ways. On one hand it is frustrating seeing your own product being used and you're not getting any recognition. But on the other hand, it's totally cool. It was only ever meant to be a bit of fun, not even a commercial product. So to see it taken up for the Olympics is mind-blowing."

Zorb has sought trademarks to stop others from using the terms "Zorb" or "Zorbing".

Spokesman Andy Havill said the company did not sell the inflatable balls, also known as globes, but leased them for promotion or events. Toyota, Disney and Coca-Cola have all used them in advertising campaigns.

The president and chief executive of the Sochi 2014 organising committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko, said the Zorb had been chosen to represent a new Russia.

"The transparency of Zorbs also reflect the open, accessible and inclusive society that Sochi 2014 Games is helping to build," he said.

But the press was confused. "The burning question the chief of Sochi's 2014 Winter Olympic effort faced wasn't about whether the balmy Russian resort risks a Vancouver-like weather embarrassment, or if protesters who show up will face heavy-handed Russian security," reported the Canadian Press.

"No, people wanted to know: What the heck is a Zorb?"

When New York Times writer Katie Thomas asked where the word Zorb came from, Mr Chernyshenko replied, "I've got no idea ... It should be an international word ... I don't know how to translate it. If somebody knows, please advise me."

Akers could tell him: "It's not anything beyond a big round ball that people jump down hills in."