XVIII Commonwealth Games Blog

XVIII Commonwealth Games
Blog: 13th March 2006

XVIII Commonwealth Games Blog: 13th March 2006

THE GOVERNOR'S RECEPTION

Melbourne's 2006 Welcome to the World's Media got off to a scintillating start last evening as 300 reporters and editors were welcomed by the Kusan Ensemble from the Akan tribe in Ghana to Government House.

Governor of Victoria State, John Landy - Ex-World record holder and second man to break the 4 minute mile barrier with his wife Lynne Landy opened their home to the Press and the Commonwealth Games Federation executives in the presence of Royalty, in the form of His Royal Highness The Prince Edward.

Entertainment and expression of thanks from the Commonwealth Federation were the focus of the night. With the Victoria Government forking out A$ 300 million to realise the Games, and the World's Press spreading the latest in Athletics achievement, we were well versed in how to present ourselves - no denims, shorts, thongs, cameras, laptops or other large pieces of equipment were to be brought into Government House!

In spite of the external control on the dress of the Press, conversation became stimulating midst the succulent meat balls, caviar, and shrimp canapés washed down with the best of wines and soft drinks.

A few of us soon found ourselves transported to the small Pacific Island of Norfolk, a territory of Australia, as we chatted to the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation of this tropical island, Dennis Sterling. An Island 12 kms wide by 10 kms long with 1800 population and yet sending 30 athletes to the Games - the highest percentage of any country's population as keen athletes. The strength of these Islanders is likely to be felt in the keenly contested Lawn Bowls. Although Norfolk Island is governed by the larger Island of Australia 1600 kms west of them, this tiny spec in the Pacific Ocean took Bronze in the 1994 ladies single bowls.

At various stages throughout the evening our attention was diverted at one time to two Melbourne teenagers from the Circus school demonstrating their acrobatic skills. Later on it was two static mime artists on make-belief marble columns in the form of angels guarding us and keeping us open-mouthed in amazement.

The relaxing talk in the large manicured garden with a fountain of water presenting a slightly damp atmosphere, was soon interrupted by Lynne Landy, wife of the Governor as she sought to find out where a small group of us were from. Originally from Essex, Mrs Landy didn't take long to talk about the impending storm she hoped would attend a day where temperatures soared to as high as 38 degrees celcius.

As dusk took over, Prince Edward son of Queen Elizabeth the II wandered over to find out who we were reporting for. The Prince now knows, in brief, quite a bit about FEBA Radio and 2K Plus International Sports Media!

The evening went by quickly and soon we were on our way back to our base experiencing a slowed up Melbourne tram service interrupted by a serous road accident that caused us in the end to walk back and arrive after midnight!

This is Norman Brierley reporting for 2K Plus International Sports Media.

Blog entries:
13th Mch 14th Mch 16th Mch 17th Mch 18th Mch 19th Mch 20th Mch 21st Mch 22nd Mch 23rd Mch 24th Mch 25th Mch 26th Mch


If you have any comments on the site please Email our Webmaster	Last Updated: March 18 2006 09:29:01.