MEMORIES OF SYDNEY OLYMPICS 2000
I have fond memories of attending the Sydney Games in 2000, which was a
true highlight in my life. The sun was shining, it was school holidays and the
ticketing wasn't a problem. The tickets weren't completed online but one filled
out a form and sent it in receiving many of the requested events. I was even
lucky enough to get all the events I wanted such a the Women's Gymnastics
Artistic and Rhythmic, platform diving, men's water polo and all 21 events for
approximately $200 Australian dollars. I didn't apply for tickets to the
Opening and Closing ceremonies but watched them on TV, which was marvelous. The
public transport was second to none with buses picking up people and dropping
people off at various locations, the hero's of our games were in fact the
colourfully outfitted volunteers who had a ticker tape parade and the city was
a buzz with our events, big screens, 24hour a day cleaners, flower beds
everywhere and our International Tourists which I enjoyed assisting and having
chats with. We were lucky enough to have most of our Olympic events on the one
site so for me running between 3 events in a day wasn't a problem but I had
seen and done so much that I ran myself into the ground and was quite ill after
the games. Watching our elite Australian athletes was such a thrill and filled
me with so much pride that I never ever thought I could possibly love, or be
more proud of my country than I already did. The only disappointment was not
being able to fulfill my absolute dream by running with the torch. I had
applied for both the Olympic and Paralympic Torch relays and got neither which
was gutting but it meant there were people far more deserving than myself and it
was a highly sort after activity. I have kept all my tickets and have many
photos of which are in storage but I will never forget the Sydney games of the
new millennium, which filled me with such delight. As an avid sports fan I hope
the Olympic games delight all generations for the many years to come and may we
all embrace the Olympic dream and values.
