When world’s eyes are on us, let’s shine the brightest

WHEN the Commonwealth Games were held in Brisbane, the atmosphere was one of excitement and enthusiasm.

The same could be said of Expo ’88. Where has this positive attitude gone for these Games?

Are the Gold Coast residents so entrenched in their laid-back lifestyle that they are unwilling to give some leeway for an international event which, unlike the car races, is a one-off opportunity to showcase what these people enjoy year round?

Admittedly, some of the organisation has been slack and the lack of signage until now has been abysmal.

“The Games?” “What Games? When are they on?” have been questions I have been asked frequently. Even the major venues have lacked signage until the last few days. Brisbane had banners from light poles and across the streets long before their events.

As a volunteer driver, I have been acquainting myself every week with the networks to be used in transporting athletes and officials from Brisbane airports in the north to the Gold Coast Airport in the south and all venues in between. There has been nothing to indicate that such an international event was on the horizon.

On February 28, I saw the signs on the Carrara venues and they are magnificent. Come on those in charge, get a move on and show people what and where the action will be!

Most of the publicity has been negative, with every possible inconvenience and hiccup highlighted and often exaggerated.

Melbourne and Sydney had the same outspoken sceptics and we were the envy of the world when their games were so outstandingly successful.

If all the residents of the Gold Coast were to talk up the Games, I am sure their success would be guaranteed. It’s this willingness to make it happen that ensures an event’s success.

Whingers are common and two a penny, but very few are constructive.

How many of them have put themselves forward to help to bring about the Games’ success; an event that will be talked about for decades, just as Brisbane’s events are even now, 30 years on.

Finally, let me assure all that there are people, young and old, who are working long hours for little or no reward other than trying to make these Games work.

Your support would surely give their spirits a lift and they deserve that at least. So, show that you care for their efforts, by giving any positive feedback, by word of mouth or by doing what I felt was needed, and write an email or letter to a paper.

Let’s howl down the whingers and sceptics, because we are hosting a huge international event and showcasing the beauty of the Gold Coast to thousands of visitors and millions of viewers in all parts of the globe.

DONALD ROBERTSON