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Blog: 19th March 2006
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XVIII Commonwealth Games Blog: 19th March 2006


They’re calling today "Super Sunday" here in Melbourne, because it’s the biggest day of competition - and because more people will be out and around town, and packing venues, including a reported sell-out crowd of over 100,000 in the MCG for tonight’s athletics competition.

But the crowds and the events will strain Melbourne to the breaking point, I suspect, mostly because in a city dependent on trams to get around - and they’ve been unbelievably busy this weekend - what do you do when you have to stage a marathon or two? You disrupt the trams. Which won’t make getting around very easy today.

Although with all the sunshine today, contrasting with yesterday’s chilly greyness, there aren’t likely to be many grumpy faces in town this afternoon. Walking around the city centre is an almost overwhelming experience, especially along theYarra riverfront, which is decked out with band shells, art installations, big-screen viewing sites and even a full sandy beach to go along with the usual cafes and shops. The city is heaving this weekend - and the locals seem to be surprised that so many people are out and about.

The lead up to the Commonwealth Games seems to have been carried out with a shrug. Everyone thought no one would notice they were even taking place. Then the organisers covered every available surface in banners dotted massive fish sculptures down the river and nearly blew the city to smithereens on opening night with one of the biggest fireworks extravaganzas ever seen. Suddenly Games fever has taken over Melbourne - and it’s an electric atmosphere to be in.

Intriguingly, it’s much more casual than the Olympics - there isn’t that self-important sense of entitlement the IOC insists on applying to everything. The Commonwealth Games is more about friendly competition - and let’s face it, you have to be invited to participate here, it’s not open to everyone. So its more like a club event - or maybe a family reunion. Whatever, it’s clear that this weekend Melburnians aren’t shrugging anymore - they’re out there thoroughly enjoying a good party.

For 2K Plus International Sports Media this is Rich Cline.


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Last Updated: March 19 2006 16:59:03.