Published writer and DHA staff member, Rex D. Dog, said he is honoured to be involved in such an important event and is excited to see old friends and meet new international ones.
‘I’ve visited the children of Defence members in schools all across Australia and read them my books, so I’m looking forward to catching up with some familiar faces and meeting some new friends, as well as catching up with my puppy pal Cobber, who will be hard at work as the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 mascot,’ Rex said.
Rex D. Dog is one of DHA’s most loyal employees, providing education and support for Defence children, who regularly face significant challenges associated with Defence life including postings and deployment.
‘Defence kids are very resilient and everyday I’m blown away by the courage and resilience of those I meet at school visits and Defence events.
‘My Australian Defence Force friends absolutely love my two books Let’s Get Moving and Sticking Together, and I’m sure the messages in the books will resonate with my new international friends and their families too’.
DHA will host a Defence-related kid’s activation point at Invictus Games House, the showground dome of Sydney Olympic Park. The DHA Kids Zone will provide entertainment to cater to a variety of ages, giving parents some time out to enjoy a meal in the dome as well as the chance to meet Rex D. Dog.
The DHA activation point will feature a chill out zone, games zone and craft zone with a number of activities designed to attract children aged up to 14 years. Activities include puzzles, a basketball hoop and giant jenga, connect four and noughts and crosses. Children can also enjoy a variety of arts and crafts, relax on bean bags in the story reading area and pose for a medal ceremony. Rex D. Dog will be handing out show bags and will be treating guests to a reading of his book Sticking Together.
The Invictus Games is the world’s largest international sporting event that celebrates the achievements of wounded, injured and sick service personnel. Held in Sydney, the games will host up to 500 military athletes from 18 nations who will compete in 11 adaptive sports.
‘I love all sports, so I am so excited to watch our Aussie team compete, and to cheer on all the Invictus athletes. I’m looking forward to the wheelchair rugby the most, but for obvious reasons won’t be attending the wheelchair tennis as that bright yellow ball will just be too tempting,’ said Rex.
Rex D. Dog at the DHA Kids Zone.
Founded by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, the games will be held in Sydney from 20-27 October.
To learn more about the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, visit www.invictusgames2018.org
ENDS
Media contact: Rachael Whiteley-Black, 0421 041 004 or rachael.whiteley-black@dha.gov.au