Commonwealth Games 2018: Where the hell was Borobi at opening ceremony
HE’S the normally-inescapable blue surfer koala that’s covered the Coast for close to two years — his pawprints are in trams, on footpaths and on the spongy waving hands of Games volunteers. But was Borobi punted from the opening ceremony?
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PRINCE Charles was there, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Peter Beattie, Tom Tate, Delta Goodrem and every lifeguard, nipper and lifesaver in the city — but there was one usually-ubiquitous Games character left out of the celebration.
Where was Borobi?
The normally-inescapable blue surfer koala has covered the Coast for close to two years — his pawprints are in trams, on footpaths and on the spongy waving hands of Games volunteers.
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His statues line the coastline, he’s on banners urging visitors to swim between the flags and his image is on hats, pins, shirts, toys and stickers by their millions.
But the red-nosed mascot was nowhere to be seen on the blockbuster opening ceremony stage.
Was he snubbed by the ceremony creators? Had he stayed up too late the night before? Had the poor little guy come to grief on the highway at Coomera, like so many of his furry mates?
Luckily, none of the above had happened to Borobi, who was given a behind-the-scenes role at the ceremony.
Gold Coast choreographer Anthony Ikin, whose work will be showcased at the closing ceremony, was on stage for the opener, ushering athletes to their seats.
He said Borobi was not relegated backstage like a talentless kid in a school play but had the important job of keeping the athletes entertained as they waited for their chance to march for their countries.
“Borobi was there, the whole Borobi team, they worked solely with the athletes,” he said.
Mr Ikin could not say whether the psychedelic koala would get a speaking or other part at the closing ceremony.
“All I can say is that it’s a really huge celebration, it’s got a really fun vibe that everyone’s going to love.”
Borobi was unavailable for interview yesterday, but Games organisers sent a statement saying he was “well received by athletes and officials”.
“Borobi and the Mascoteers hyped up all the teams before they entered stadium for the parade of nations, joined in plenty of selfies, high-fives and thumbs-ups,” the statement said.
“Borobi will be a constant figure across Games venues and the Festival sites. Last night was a story-based Opening Ceremony production, so Borobi was hanging out with the teams, doing what he does best, getting the athletes and team officials excited and pumped up for the parade of nations at the GC2018 Opening Ceremony.
“To keep the Closing Ceremony a secret for those attending and watching at home, all creative elements and talent involved is kept a surprise.”
Originally published as Commonwealth Games 2018: Where the hell was Borobi at opening ceremony
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