OLYMPIANS INSULT
DENIED COAST STREET PARADE
THE Gold Coast City Council has scrapped a special parade for our Olympic medal winners in favour of spruiking its own race day.
The Bulletin can reveal ‘‘free’’ entertainment being offered for the Olympians’ event would have been put on regardless as part of the council-sponsored Gold Coast City Cup race day.
Olympic legend and former Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke last night slammed his successor Tom Tate for shirking his civic duty to host a ‘‘proper homecoming’’ for our sporting heroes.
Mr Clarke – who lit the 1956 Mel- bourne Olympic flame – said Mr Tate should not piggyback the welcome-home party on the council race day to save money.
Council officials had said 14 Olympians would take part but Marymount student and 10m platform silver medallist Brittany Broben will now attend the Hobart parade on Saturday instead of the Gold Coast event. Hobart has 360,000 fewer residents than the Gold Coast.
‘‘Having a dedicated civic parade or ceremony for the athletes is a great opportunity to promote the city and I think they’re missing out on this opportunity,’’ Mr Clarke said.
‘‘To me, delivering a proper welcome-home event for the athletes is much more deserving than adding more staffers in the mayor’s office.’’
Guests inside the members’ $100-a-head soiree will get to rub shoulders with Olympic stars including gold medallists, hurdler Sally Pearson, sailor Mathew Belcher, swimmer Melanie Schlanger and kayak champions Jacob Clear and Tate Smith. But punters on track will only get a glimpse of the sports heroes as they are paraded down the home stretch in donated Minis.
There will be a small ceremony and autograph signing in the parade yard.
Mr Clarke said he made the call to host a special dedicated function for Olympians in 2008.
‘‘They deserve a proper reception. These are kids who have grown up on the Gold Coast who will inspire the next generation,’’ he said.
‘‘Not everybody wants to go to the turf club. People should be able to have access to them through a street parade.’’
Council said Pearson’s management had indicated they did not want any special treatment for her on the day.
Cr Tate’s chief of staff Wayne Moran last night responded with a non-answer to a series of questions about whether Cr Tate had snubbed our Olympians by trying to save money.
‘‘The confidential session is still going on so it looks like we won’t be able to meet your deadline,’’ Mr Moran said.
In a press release, Cr Tate said entry would be free on race day.
‘‘There is something for the whole family, including entertainment, pony rides, jumping castles and loads more,’’ Cr Tate said.
Gates open at 10am. The Olympics ceremony will begin at 11.30am.