Rovers very own Donny Dog took part in the Mascot Olympics, in Milton Keynes, on the weekend joining mascots from various other club's in the fun and games and also to raise money.
On Saturday 22 June at Theatre District - Milton Keynes, I joined other mascots to have fun and raise money in the Mascot Olympics.
We were all very well looked after with food and drinks (Captain Blade was very mischievous hiding all the food!).
I was so excited to be among so many entertaining friends, Peter Burrows (Peterborough Utd), Bartley Blue & Zoe Loo (Cardiff City), Roary the Tiger (Hull City), H’Angus the Monkey (Hartlepool Utd), City Gent (Bradford City), Captain Blade (Sheffield Utd), Stokie the Dragon (Basingstoke Town) and non-footballing mascots Cookie Conker Monster, Geoffery the Giraffe (Toys r Us), Hero Bear (Help for Heroes), Samantha the Panther (MKFM), Trax (London Midland), Jockey Bear (Newmarket), Carni Croc (Newport Pagnell Carnival), Cow Pat (Comedy Cow), Beaky (Beacon Bingo), Gully Mouse (Gullivers Land), Twizzle & Twirl (360 Play), and Percy the Penguin (SnoZone).
Our first activity was the parade so everyone could see what mascots were taking part. It was then judged for the ‘best turned out’ mascot, I was impressed myself when the first award went to Hero Bear.
We were lined up to meet our young helpers; my helper was called Hollie.
We took part in the warm up and the song was only my favourite, Gangnam Style. Yes a few of us were doing the dance moves!
The young helpers left us so we could do the first Olympic event ‘egg and spoon hurdles’. Not a bad start for me, but I did not make the final.
Between events we were interacting with the kids and the adults, having photos, high fives and making everyone smile.
I tried the ‘red hot bungee run’ next; being tied on the end of a rope is hard work. Ran so far and was pulled back, so much more fun not being on a lead, the Club allow me to run free!!! It’s safe to say that wasn’t my best event either.
Next came my turn in the ‘welly wanging’, four wellies and four paws (I should have put them on). First two and I hit the jackpot by getting them in the buckets. I was rather excited at this point, jumping up and down. I am doubting myself as to whether I got the third welly in or not. I know on the last welly I went for a long distance throw and only just missed it!
in the welly wanging and got a second rosette for being the most entertaining in it. Must have been my enthusiasm and accuracy!!!st
YES my first rosette, I came 1
We all took a well deserved rest and had lunch to keep our strength up for the remaining events. The weather kept fine and dry so we were all set for the next set of presentations.
Three children all had a shot on goal and my goalkeeping coaching paid off, it would have been a different story if it was a full size net!
Next was the ‘penalty goal save’, Captain Blade let all the balls in the back of the net!
The SnoZone unbalancer was not as easy, we had 3 attempts and I only managed 10 seconds. Bartley Blue and Zoe Loo from Cardiff City were brilliant at it and were just seconds apart.
The final event was the obstacle course, I observed this very closely. We ran across or carefully walked across a raised balancing beam, made 5 jumps, ran through tyres, had 3 attempts at scoring hoops in basketball (funny when you see a dog, monkey, rabbit and giraffe doing this), then dribbled a large ball between 3 cones making sure we did not knock the tennis balls off the top and then we had to score goals.
The big ball went straight at the keeper, but my next shot with the average size ball went in, my second didn’t and my third went in off the post – I am happy with that.
Then we stepped on 3 logs, through the barriers and made 2 jumps at the end. My last jump though was made higher by H’Angus the cheeky mischievous monkey. Luckily Stokie came to my rescue and lowered it. I enjoyed the obstacle course and I am thinking of joining Crufts next!
in the obstacle course; I am very proud and happy with my achievements.
th in the penalty goal save; don’t think I will be signed up just yet though. I also came 4ndThe final presentation of the day and I came 2
The overall winner was Twizzle 360 and reserve champ was Bartley Blue from promoted Cardiff City. H’Angus was awarded most entertaining overall and the naughtiest was Captain Blade. Kid’s favourite mascot was Roary the Tiger from Hull City.
I am hoping the event runs again next year and Rovers fans can come and support me!
I look forward to seeing you all when we take on Blackpool on Saturday 3 August.
Come on you reds!
Donny Dog