We enjoyed every moment

Ian and Ann Ferguson
WE WERE spectator services volunteers at the Telstra Dome and the MCG for the 18th Commonwealth Games which started in Melbourne with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, 15 March.
Opening ceremony: A game of backyard cricket on this famous ground entertained the crowd before the main event began, with Max Walker and Simon O’Donnell playing conspicuous roles.
For Ian the most memorable features of the night were the ‘flying’ tram, the aboriginal theme, the parade of nations, and the fireworks which accompanied Delta Goodrem’s song.
Ann was impressed by the wholehearted singing of the National Anthem by the spectators and the starry night spectacle when everybody turned on the lights supplied when they came into the ‘G.
It was an outstanding start to the Games.
The Rugby Sevens at Telstra Dome: On Thursday and Friday evening we were on duty, mostly assisting spectators to have a smooth access into the stadium via the security checks.
People were cooperative and friendly and a carnival atmosphere prevailed with the sometimes bizarre outfits that many supporters wore.
New Zealand visitors were prominent and there were also colourful clothes worn by many from England, Wales, Scotland, Fiji, the Cook Islands and Kenya.
They were a noisy and appreciative crowd and the roar from the supporters, when Australia first scored against the Kiwis, was almost deafening.
We only saw glimpses of various games but the Rugby Sevens is action packed and very fast.
The players’ ready acceptance of referee decisions was a good example to many of our tennis players, Test cricketers and AFL players.
At the ‘G: It was enjoyable to interact with the general public, who one security guard described as being far easier to deal with than most football and cricket crowds he had encountered.
Our main role again was to provide the public with appropriate information before they proceeded through the security checks into the stadium.
We also had the opportunity to see some of the Games’ highlights.
Ann saw the end of the women’s and men’s marathon.
The roar that greeted Kerrie McCann when she surged to the front made your hair stand on end.
The crowd clapped every runner as they crossed the line.
In the Men’s marathon the crowd clapped and cheered just as much for the winner as for the last runner who came in an hour later.
Ian saw Jana Pittman win gold in the 400 metres women’s hurdles.
We also saw stages of the women’s high jump and pole vault events and a few medal award presentations.
Ann worked at the closing ceremony at the security tents but had the opportunity to go and sit down and watch most of the celebrations.
A section of the stands near the athletes had been reserved for those working on the night and this was much appreciated.
The roar that greeted the mayor John So that night was a bit of fun cooked up by the volunteers who continued with it at the Monday parade.
The parade that day was great fun.
Never having had the opportunity to walk down the middle of Swanston and Collins Street and be clapped and cheered all the way, we enjoyed every moment.
It seemed strange to be thanked by these spectators when what we had done didn’t seem so hard and was in fact positively enjoyable.
We’d do it again but maybe not too soon. We need to catch up on some sleep!