The story behind Borobi – Mascot for the 2018 Commonwealth Games
There is always an air of apprehension when it comes to the unveiling of a mascot, especially when it’s for your own country. This morning Australia and the world was introduced to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games mascot in true Ozzie style.
‘Borobi’ the blue surfing koala was lowered down from the Westpac helicopter onto the golden sands of Burleigh beach into the arms of some lifeguards. He walked up the beach and was greeted by none other than surfing legend Mark Occhilupo.
The launch of the Commonwealth Games mascot was aired live on Sunrise this morning against the backdrop of a perfect Gold Coast day. And on all accounts the launch went off without a hitch.
‘Borobi’ was the brainchild of Merrilyn Krohn, a teacher from Upper Kedron who’s submission was chosen out of 4,000 entries for the GC2018 Mascot Design Competition.
And this is why the committee – and the public- have fallen in love with Borobi:
- Borobi is Australia’s first surfing koala. His fur is blue because of the blue Gold Coast water he often surfs in.
- Borobi is indigenous for koala.
- As another nod to Australia’s indigenous communities, Borobi has indigenous inspired paw prints.
- Borobi embraces the Queensland culture with his board shorts, surf board and zinc cream.
- Koala is the state fauna symbol for Queensland.
- Borobi is adventurous and fun-loving.
- Borobi the koala is a symbol that can be easily affiliated with Australia
- Borobi is up with the times and even has his own Borobi Facebook account and Borobi twitter account!
- Borobi is a merchandisers dream! From soft toys to surfboards, be prepared for a Borobi epidemic!
The success of the mascot for any event relies on public opinion and support and it’s safe to say that so far, Borobi has got the official ‘thumbs up!’
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