Above, beyond and best of all time

THE Gold Coast’s Commonwealth Games volunteers have been hailed as the friendliest in the sporting event’s long, proud history.

Finder.com.au Money Expert Bessie Hassan said the Games Shapers happily donated their time for free to help make a difference and share the opportunity to be part of history.

“We really are indebted to them and in true Aussie fashion they don’t mind that they’re only in it for a pat on the back,” she said.

For Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, the volunteers were a revelation.

“It was not so much a surprise, but something which I found heartwarming was the volunteers,” he said.

“They went well beyond the expectations. I said in my speeches that it wasn’t just about the infrastructure but what you feel and the volunteers added that generosity and heart.

“I know we had it in us (to host the Games). They took it to the next level.”

Another 3000 volunteers were also involved in the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies.

Closing Ceremony associate choreographer Anthony Ikin said he was blown away by the commitment the 1500strong cast of volunteer performers showed from the time rehearsals began in October last year.

“We also had roughly 10 schools provide us with students who made up our Youth Choir, who performed a combination of singing and dancing through the show,” he said. “We all had the most amazing time in rehearsals.

“It is not often that I create on shows made up of mainly volunteers — and that made the vibe just so beautiful. There was so much gratitude and excitement going around, it was infectious.

“Every night I would come home with the biggest smile on my face because to so many of these performers, this opportunity gave them so much joy.

“After rehearsals I would always get messages from many volunteers saying they are having the best time and thanking all of us for providing them with an opportunity like this.”