90 replies to this topic

[Guardian]

5 years. That's quick.  ::

Anyway, Sydney did an excellent job in hosting the 2000 Olympic Games. I heard that some of the people who was part of making those Games the way it operated is being asked to help out the upcoming Games in their preparations.

However, it will be interesting on how some of those venues will be used for the 2008 World Youth Day and the 2009 World Masters Games.

[Sir Rols]

Okay, as I promised/threatened, here's some of my personal pics from Sydney 2000. Sorry if they're a bit large _ I only have MS Paint on my work PC, so I can't reduce them.
Anyway:


Me with some friends at Bondi for the Beach Volleyball, We decided to become honourary Brazilians for the day _ they had the best supporters!


The Sydney Harbour Bridge decked out in the Five Rings


Me enjoying the Olympic Live site in Martin Place, central Sydney.


Mens gymnastics final at Olympic Park. I'm part of the crowd sitting directly above the action.

[LA84]

5 years - where does time go?  I was still in my 30's when the games went down under  :cry:

By far one of the best organized and most visually beautiful games held over the past 30 years.  That combination is hard to achieve - Sydney and Barcelona have the distinction of being able to do it.

Roltel, I didn't know you were such a cutie!

[Sir Rols]

arwebb, on Nov. 04 2005,02:05, said:

LA84, on Sep. 18 2005,09:08, said:

Roltel, I didn't know you were such a cutie!

Welcome to Gamesbids Dating, ladies and gentlemen.  :laughlong:

Seriously, where on earth has the time gone?

I hadn't noticed that!



Oooh. You're such a flirt, LA84!


  giggles coquettishly
:sweet: blush

[Sir Rols]

Today marks the five years point since the opening of Sydney 2000, one of the great times to be in my home city.

In the tradition of the Atlanta and Athens threads, therefore, I thought I'd open up this one. When I get home, I'll post some of my personal pics from the games.

In the meantime, here's a story on AOC president John Coates, marking of the ocassion:

Quote

SYDNEY, Sept 15 AAP - The financial legacy and the great facilities from the Sydney 2000 Olympics will help propel Australia to another top five finish at the 2008 Beijing Games, according to Olympic chief John Coates.
Speaking on the fifth anniversary of the Opening Ceremony for the Sydney Games, president of the Australian Olympic Committee Coates said ``the best Games ever'' had proved a perfect launching pad for future success.
``After staging the Games, most Olympic host countries experience disappointing results. The AOC was determined to avoid any Olympic hangover,'' he said.
``We wanted desperately to maintain the momentum of Sydney.''

Coates said the financial legacy achieved as a result of the Sydney Games had been key to the nation's subsequent success at the Salt Lake City winter games and the Athens 2004 summer Olympics.
At Athens Australia won 48 medals, including a record 17 gold, again finishing in fourth place on the medal table after winning 16 gold and 58 medals in total in Sydney.
At Salt Lake City in 2002 Australia won its first ever winter Olympic gold medals.
``The financial legacy (from Sydney) has enabled us to maintain funding to our member sports and direct to the athletes,'' Coates said.
``Our teams are better prepared because of that investment.''

Coates said the AOC had budgeted a record $36 million in funding for the 2004-2008 quadrennium and is committed to sending another ``full'' team of about 500 athletes to the Beijing Games.
``We feel extremely fortunate to be in such a strong financial position that we can afford to take so many athletes to the Olympic Games,'' he said.
...
And Coates said the world class sporting facilities built at Sydney Olympic Park were one of the great legacies of the Sydney Games.
``In terms of usage, the major venues are an outstanding success,'' he said.
``It is fantastic that Australians can watch international sport like the Rugby World Cup, Tennis and Hockey as well as domestic football and other events in those venues.
``Sydney Olympic Park also provides training facilities for juniors and some of our lesser profile sports who in the past really struggled for somewhere decent to train.''
AAP

[tominger]

Congratulations Sydney!!! These games were really outstanding and in my opinion they are still "the best games ever").
Excellent venues in a real vibrant city. I wont forget the smashing ceremonies and I think Cathy Freeman lightning the Olympic Cauldron is a moment which will be very difficult to top for all future Host Cities!
The IOC did the right decision on September 23rd 1993 to award the games to Sydney!
Time to rewatch the Opening Ceremony this evening  

[Kenadian]

I can't believe that five years have gone by so fast!  The Sydney Games were a model of excellent organization led by a country known for their passion for sport and a city famous for the beauty of its setting, its landmarks, and its welcoming spirit.

Sydney 2000 was a high point in the Olympic Movement.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy!

Good on ya!

[tominger]

@ Roltel:
Thanks for posting the pics!

[micheal_warren]

i cant believe that sydney was 5 years ago. A wonderful olympic games, congratulations