Global children’s entertainers, The Wiggles, have welcomed the newest member of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 team, introducing Cobber as the official mascot of the Games.
Cobber is a Blue Heeler, the most iconic of Australian canines, whose name appropriately means friend or mate.
Cobber will welcome spectators and support the 500 competitors and their families and friends during the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover, which are being staged from 20-27 October.
Blue Wiggle, Anthony Field, who served in the Australian Army from 1982 to 1985, says the group is proud to be able to lend their support to the Invictus Games.
“I served both here in Australia and overseas, but I was lucky not to be involved in any armed conflict during my service,” said Field. “There are others who are not as fortunate and who find themselves having to deal with the repercussions of their service for the rest of their lives.
“The Invictus Games provide an avenue for these wounded warriors to reconnect with their family, friends and their community,” he said. “The Wiggles are pleased to play a role by supporting Cobber on his first day on the job.”
Anthony, Simon, Emma and Lachy Wiggle invited former Army Medical Technician and Invictus Games competitor Stewart Sherman and his sons Callum, 6 and Lachlan, 2, to help Cobber make his debut.
“Cobber’s very important role at the Games in Sydney is to be everyone’s friend so it was great for him to get some training and tips from The Wiggles and Wags the Dog,” said Sherman. “Dogs offer great companionship and encourage physical activity, which is good for the mind and body.
“Cobber will be a great mascot for the Games,” said Sherman who uses the healing power of sport to help manage his Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).
“The Wiggles are pleased to play a role by supporting Cobber on his first day on the job.”
Anthony Field
Invictus Games Sydney 2018 CEO, Patrick Kidd OBE, says an assistance dog is a natural fit for the Games’ mascot.
“Our canine friends provide such important support to people in all walks of life, including veterans, active defence serving personnel, the emergency services and people with different abilities,” said Kidd. “They are a source of fun, provide friendship to their owners and are often considered part of the family.
“Dogs serve as companions to people of all walks of life, including veterans and active defence serving personnel. They are a source of fun, provide friendship to their owners and are often considered part of the family.
“Cobber honours all those animals who have served and is a tribute to all those dogs who provide comfort and comradery to so many people across the world,” said Kidd. “I can’t wait to see how Cobber will live up to his name.”
Kidd said it was important for Cobber to resonate with the people at the heart of the Invictus Games.
“In developing Cobber we sought the advice of competitors and their families and friends because we wanted to give them a mascot that meant something to them,” said Kidd.
“They told us our mascot needed to be a loyal companion and Australian at heart.
“Cobber is in part a creation of our competitors and their loved ones. We hope all of Australia and the Invictus Games family will embrace our lovable larrikin.”
Cobber’s key physical features include the classic blue heeler mottled coat, tan markings and eye patch, as well as a distinctive white nose stripe. As an Assistance Dog, Cobber helps his veteran owner navigate daily life and he especially enjoys and endorses her love of sport. Read Cobber’s story here.
Cobber will be in training over the coming weeks making special appearances to prepare for Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
“Cobber honours all those animals who have served…”
Patrick Kidd OBE