Athletes deserve better Government in talks for ticker-tape parade to honour Games stars
GOVERNMENT officials will consider a ticker-tape parade for Australian athletes snubbed at the closing ceremony and then left to cook in the sun at an official team reception.
The Australian Commonwealth Games Association says it will investigate the option of parades across Australia.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was also willing to discuss the plan with Mayor Tom Tate to properly recognise the efforts of the Australian team.
Mayor Tate endorsed the move: “I will leave it to the State Government, but we Athletes look on during the closing ceremony. will support whatever the decision may be.”
The suggestion is a welcome offering after the shock closing ceremony exclusion and a sweltering Surfers Paradise meet and greet yesterday where athletes were forced to seek shade under makeshift shelters as officials spoke in the shade.
A female competitor who did not want to be named said she found the lack of athlete inclusion to be “shocking”.
“I didn’t know the walk in the closing ceremony wasn’t even broadcast until (yesterday) morning,” she said.
Athlete Michael Hosking had no words to describe the closing ceremony experience and instead said the athletes passed the time “having a bit of fun with the crowd to create a bit of atmosphere”.
Despite the heat yesterday morning, athletes lapped up meeting fans. “It’s great to have the opportunity to meet supporters,” Hosking said.
Gold medallist Madison de Rozario added: “This is amazing. I don’t think we have ever done anything like this before.
“We had people cheering as the bus pulled up; it was very cool.”
For swimmer Mitch Larkin, yesterday morning’s celebration went some way to making up for the ceremony which he said left athletes confused and disappointed.
“They tried something different and unfortunately it didn’t pay off,” he said.