Intercity games a hit

By Jim Mynard
THE second Edwin Flack Games held in the city of Casey have been hailed an outstanding success.
The games are a reciprocal sporting exchange between the City of Casey and its sister city in the United States, Springfield, Ohio, and alternates with the Connolly Games in Springfield on a twoyearly basis.
Young sports people travel to their sister cities for a twoweek stay and compete in a series of sports.
This year, nearly 30 local families opened their homes to play host to the USA contingent and more than 150 young people from the City of Casey participated in the games.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said the 2006 Edwin Flack Games was an outstanding success.
“Everybody will take with them a lifetime of memories and new friendships,” Cr Bradford said.
“I congratulate the 2006 Edwin Flack Games organising committee and the generosity of the 38 local businesses in sponsoring the event, as well as all the families involved who together helped make the games such a special event,” he said.
Cr Bradford said feedback from the visiting athletes was extremely positive.
Many were overwhelmed by the new experiences and amazing welcome they received from the Casey community.
In addition to the sports, which included basketball, athletics, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball and golf, the international visitors participated in cultural outings around Casey and Victoria, including a trip to Healesville Sanctuary, Phillip Island, and an AFL football match at the MCG.