Friday, April 13, 2018

Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast

Something odd gripped the Gold Coast this year. We have known for a few years that the Games were coming, but as the time arrived, there was something approaching panic which spread through the community. Lots of people made plans to be out of town, to miss the traffic, the terrorists or some other chaos.

We decided to stick it out, and reduce our work hours to a minimum. Then as the time arrived (April 4 - 15th), the energy shifted, and a sense of excitement started to spread. The world was coming to a party and we were the hosts! Better join in, enjoy it, and contribute to putting on a good show.

Here are some photos.


Off to the Opening Ceremony


Metricon Stadium at Carrara



15,000 volunteers to show people the way






Short sharp showers







The Queen's baton arrives


The home team arrive


Gymnastics







Happy and proud



Archie Roach


Broadbeach park 


Aboriginal dancers




Underwater 'art'




Roundabout stage in Broadbeach

Athletics


Long jump



Steeplechase


Emily Nanziri of Uganda competes in the rain during the women's 400-meter semi-finals during day six of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Carrara Stadium on April 10, 2018. 
Photo by Ryan Pierse / Getty


Triumphant medallist



Cameron van der Burgh of South Africa celebrates victory in the men's 50-meter breaststroke final on day five of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Optus Aquatic Center on April 9, 2018.
Photo by Hannah Peters / Getty



Compere


Troy Cassar-Daley





 Table Tennis



Squash






Aussies are trying to be humble, and failing badly! Queensland got 89 medals; 36 gold.


Our local university, Griffith University, came away with 40 medals!