REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Saturday, August 28, 2004

THEY wouldn’t return to be showered in ticker-tape, but Gold Coast Olympians still got a civic reception.

The city’s Olympians were to be honoured at the Gold Coast Turf Club on September 11.

The public was to be offered free access so they cheer champions such as medallists Grant Hackett and Sara Carrigan, Loretta Harrop and Nathan Baggaley as they were driven in a procession down the track straight.

Past Olympians were also expected to attend. The race day was a joint initiative of the council and the Gold Coast Turf Club, coinciding with the council’s annual race day.

Mayor Ron Clarke, a 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico Olympian, said it was important communities celebrated the efforts of their athletes.

“I think it’s nice for the young kids to come and be able to see the Olympians,” Mr Clarke said.

“They’ve done something particularly special.”

The local athletes were also to be treated to a special function at the course.

It was believed that Australian Olympic Committee boss John Coates had received approaches from the Prime Minister and the NSW and Victorian governments wanting to organise some sort of welcome. There were also preliminary plans to have members of the team paraded at the AFL grand final.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie announced the State Government would hold a street parade through the Queen Street Mall to George Street on Friday, September 3.

His announcement came after Mr Coates said no tickertape receptions were planned.