The Wiggles have certainly been on our mind lately, with news of the marriage breakdown of band members Emma Watkins and Lachie Gillespie leaving fans uncertain about the future of the group we know and love.
This morning, it’s good news from The Wiggles camp.
Not only will it be business as usual for the happy crew, but they’re also welcoming a temporary new member.
Former military man, Anthony Field is thrilled to be helping with the Invictus Games.
Cobber is a Blue Heeler, the most iconic of Australian canines, and will also serve as the official mascot of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, which are being staged from 20-27 October.
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women, both active duty and veterans. Former military man, Prince Harry launched the Paralympics-style event for wounded servicemen and women back in 2014 and it has since become a global attraction.
In further exciting news the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be making their first official royal tour as husband and wife at that time and will be attending the games.
Hello Harry and Meghan!
We can’t wait to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Australia.
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.”
Cobber will be in training over the coming weeks making special appearances to prepare for Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
Keeping their promise to continue working together on Wiggles commitments, Emma and Lachie joined fellow band members Anthony and Simon 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 former Army Medical Technician and Invictus Games competitor Stewart 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).
Ex partners, Emma and Lachie are committed to meeting their obligations with The Wiggles despite their separation.
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.
An assistance dog is a natural fit for the Games’ mascot
“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,” says Patrick Kidd OBE.
“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.”
