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Back to 2006 Commonwealth Games
Philip R Guishard, Chef de Mission, XVIII Commonwealth Games
CHEF DE MISSION'S REPORT
The XVIIIth Commonwealth Games were held in Melbourne,
Australia on March 15 – 26, 2006. BERMUDA was one of seventy-one (71)
countries represented there with one of the largest contingents that had
represented the country at these games – a total forty-seven (47) athletes
and officials. The full Bermuda contingent including support members, was as
follows:
Philip R.
Guishard-Chef-de-Mission
Glenn Robinson–Physiotherapist
Richard Johnson–Physiotherapist
Athletics
ASHLEY COUPER
ARANTXA KING
LATROYA DARRELL
MICHAEL DONAWA
ZINDZI SWAN
Judith Simmons-Manager
Gerry Swan-Coach
Cycling
TYLER BUTTERFIELD
GERI MEWETT
JULIA HAWLEY
Christopher Hedges
Gregory Hopkins
Diving
KATURA HORTON-PERINCHIEF
Ellen-Kate Horton-Manager
Terry Faulkenberry-Coach
Gymnastics
KALENA ASTWOOD
KAISEY GRIFFITH
CAISY LOPES
HANNAH KING
CAITLYN MELLO
Melissa Bigsby-Manager
Tina Williams-Head Coach
Michelle Strenk-Coach
Shooting
ROSS ROBERTS
SINCLAIR RAYNER
NELSON SIMONS
WALTER TROTT
Neville Trott-Manager
Norman Pogson-Coach Full Bore
Lloyd Evans-Coach Small Bore
Squash
NICHOLAS KYME
JAMES STOUT
Denise Sommers-Manager/Coach
Swimming
KIERA AITKEN
RONALD COWEN
MICHAEL O’CONNOR
GRAHAM SMITH
Marybeth Aitkin-Manager
David Fry-Coach
Triathlon
FLORA DUFFY
KAREN SMITH
Steven Petty-Manager
Neil de ste Croix-Head Coach
Richard Brady-Coach
The Official
Government Representative from Bermuda
Hon. Dale D. Butler, JP, MP, Minister of Community Affairs & Sport.
Senior Sport
Development Officer
Calvin K. Simons
Bermuda
Olympic Association (BOA)
President Mr. John Hoskins,
( Americas Regional Vice-President of the Commonwealth Games Federation)
Secretary-General Mrs. Judith Siddle-Simons
The Team
Attache
(appointed by Melbourne)
Mr. Geoffe Henke,
(a former Chef-de-Mission for the Australian Team).
Volunteer Physiotherapist
Craig Nicholson
CGA Assistants
Allan Elliott
Angela Lawrence
Cassidy Jackson-Carroll
Fleet Drivers
Barbara Gardiner
George Georgiadis
Specific Drivers
Diane Cass-President
Fay Veitch - Secretary-General
Diane Ball-Chef-de-Mission
MEDIA-The
Royal Gazette
Mr. Adrian Robson
Ms. Jill Faulks
Pre-Travel Organisation
There can be no doubt that the period leading up to team departure
from Bermuda was full of uncertainty, frustrations and acrimony. For the
record, it was in November 2005 that confusion regarding eligibility of
certain of our potential competitors was confirmed. The report on that
aspect of our preparations is not a part of this report. However it is
a part of the report, that once again, at the time of the critical –
normally final – Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) in Melbourne at which
the Chef finally confirms the team, that there continued to be some doubt as
to the make-up of the team.
Prior to my departure from Bermuda, I am pleased to
report that the camaraderie of selected Sport Team Managers was evident as
we met on five (5) occasions to co-ordinate and fine-tune our preparations
for the games. Two (2) of these meetings were devoted partially to
benefiting from presentations made by invited persons. On December 19, 2005,
Mrs. Cathy Belvedere brought managers up to date on the requirements for
athletes’ responsibility to report their whereabouts at all times, which I
do believe some were hearing for the first time. She also stressed the need
for any medical conditions that require the taking of prescription drugs be
covered through the submission of an application for a Therapeutic Use
Exemption for that medication.
On January 9, 2006, Mr. Glenn Robinson presented on his
role and that of his colleague, Mr. Richard Johnson in providing Physio
services during the games. He suggested that the professional needs to be
familiar with the client now so that his services may be maximized during
the games – athletes need to be introduced before they travel to the games.
However, he did make it clear that some athletes may decide to decline his
services as they wish. He also spent time on Nutritional supplements and
hydration considerations during travel and also competition.
The meetings were very useful in providing information
and responding to questions and concerns of organization, and in my opinion,
went some way to providing for an air of what to expect whilst in Melbourne.
I am also happy to report that various members of the BOA Executive at one
time or another attended the meetings and provided a noted interest in the
proceedings. In this regard, Mr. Michael Cherry, who was also responsible
for the travel arrangements, was on hand to respond to queries and to
confirm arrangements that would be in place for the booking of tickets and
their issue. It is also appropriate at this time to acknowledge the Trojan
effort carried out by Mr. Cherry and the team from his firm in getting every
one to and from Melbourne, and sorting out any difficulties in the process.
Secretary-General Mrs. Simons was also a part of the meetings on occasions
regarding Team Uniform matters. Mrs. Simons and her team are also to be
congratulated and thanked on making excellent progress in getting our Team
Uniforms updated – a difficult assignment in the best of circumstances. I
must say that despite some difficulties, the team appeared very smartly
turned out in both their main marching uniform and their Team Welcome
uniform. Mr. Douglas’ presence provided support and an opportunity for the
meeting to receive an additional and valuable point of view on a number of
issues.
Other matters worthy of note that were a part of the
Managers’ meetings, included the provision of a job description for such
persons. This was reviewed with the managers and approved by the BOA
executive. Pertinent information in the Chef’s Manual was also shared, which
included information regarding conditions of climate, etc. in Melbourne
during the period of the games.
Mrs. Patty Petty of the Bermuda Triathlon Association,
was appointed to be an International Technical Delegate at the Games, an
honour which I do not believe has been bestowed on any Bermudian in recent
years. Despite the award and confirmation, she insisted on remaining with
the meetings and carrying out a Recording Secretary’s role. This was a great
help to me as I was then able to concentrate on the meeting without concern
for taking too many notes. Mrs. Petty then prepared the minutes of each
meeting and circulated them. She was very much a part of the Bermuda Team
and I thank her for her valuable service.
Melbourne Arrival
My arrival in Melbourne two days ahead of the DRM provided for me to
rest, secure a rental car to drive to various venues, and to Bendigo, the
location of the Shooters’ Full Bore Village, and generally to get organized
for the arrival of our team. One matter that was at the top of my agenda
related to the opening of a bank account. The Bermuda Olympic Association
(BOA) had already approved this action, but there arose problems in that it
should have been open upon my arrival. This was not the case, and therefore
necessitated “loaning” some of my own funds until such time as the matter
was rectified. This worked out to be a more lengthy affair then at first was
anticipated but finally on March 13th, I was informed by the bank
that funds had been received, but that the amount was over and above that
which was anticipated, and in turn, this precipitated an extended round of
additional problems which, at the time of writing, are still not concluded.
(Under separate cover, the Treasurer will be acquainted of the details of
this matter).
The visit to the Bendigo Village was useful in that it
assured me that the shooting would be comfortable, that they were not far
from the range and that there would be adequate transportation arrangements
(shuttle) between the range and accommodations so as to not hamper their
training and competition. The Quality Resort All Seasons Hotel had not yet
been turned over to M2006 officials, but I was cordially received by hotel
staff, who explained to my understanding, just how the conversions to the
shooting village would be accomplished.
Additionally, visits were made to St. Kilda where
cycling and triathlon were to be staged, and also to the small bore shooting
area to the south of Melbourne. My visit to St. Kilda confirmed that it
probably would be advisable for the Triathlon team to be re-housed
for their competition given the pre-start activity that has to be
accomplished on the day of competition and on the day prior to competition.
Finally, I visited a few hotels so as to be familiar with their location,
cost and amenities as I was always acutely aware that the team was carrying
two (2) more officials than it was allowed, so that there may have
had to be some re-allocations.
Delegation Registration Meeting
On my “official arrival” and transfer to Commonwealth Games Village
on March 1st, I was “collected” by car from the airport and
driven to the DRM location. It was unique that the Chief Executive Officer
of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Mr. Mike Hooper, was sufficiently
interested in our team make-up, that upon my arrival for the DRM, he was
present as an observer. The meeting was, of course cordial, despite our
disagreement that the case of Lynn Patchett’s entry had not, as yet, been
concluded and thus there was an additional inconclusiveness regarding Ricky
Sousa’s inclusion as an official.
Setting up the Accommodations
The event was smooth and it was a pleasure to meet the important
persons with whom I had been communicating by email for almost a year. I had
already met Narda Williams, who was the main contact all of the Caribbean
and Americas countries; Edwina Bannister who was responsible for
accreditation, and Jaclyn Anderson who was responsible for Sport Entries. I
found them to be very efficient, fair and firm but also wonderfully flexible
when problems arose. After the DRM, I found that Bermuda had been allocated
two (2) buildings and a large temporary building, which in all would include
a total of 52 beds.
The next phase represented a rather boring exercise of
signing off on everything that was moveable in all others areas. I had been
allocated three (3) CGA Assistants, two of whom had already reported and
were eager to assist with this part. It was a welcome relief to have them
and Allan Elliott took the lead in organizing the room checks and advising
me that all was in order. He was accompanied by Cassidy Jackson-Carroll. The
third assistant who joined us within a few days was Angela Lawrence.
After I had left the DRM, I was considerably relieved
concerning the fact that Bermuda had been allocated 52 beds. This meant that
provided I could get the extra team members in the village, we would have
beds for them. Whilst all of this was being considered, final news was
received that Lynn Patchett would not be coming and that Ricky Sousa would
not be coming. As the additional officials scenario was being considered, I
had already registered Christopher Hedges as the General Team Manager, a
position which is allowed if a country’s athlete contingent exceeds 15. The
position not only allows for a bed in the village but also provides for an
accompanying person. This latter position – which was allocated to Steven
Petty - is not allocated a bed in the village. Thus under normal
circumstances, I would have still had a problem if it were not for the extra
beds that we received. This all almost came unstuck when Mr. Petty arrived
in the village prior to Mr. Hedges, requiring an adjustment to the
accreditation that saw Mr. Petty allocated as GTM and Mr. Hedges as his
accompanying person. The additional beds also provide for accommodating the
shooters from Bendigo whenever they visited the rest of the team – Opening
Ceremony, Flag Raising.
The allocation of rooms and beds, given the
configuration of the accommodations and the number of beds in each room was
an interesting challenge. One is usually able to house teams together in an
area, which also helps the discipline sometimes required. There were 20 beds
in one house and 27 in the other, but bedrooms were of different sizes
meaning that some were sufficiently large for three (3) beds whilst most
were 2-bedded. After much searching for a solution that had to be made, I
decided that there would have to be a male/female split in the two (2)
houses but even that presented challenges. There were 21 females and 26
males. It became obvious that in order to keep some credibility to the
divide, the females would have to occupy the 20 bedded house – plus one!!!
Ellen Kate Horton agreed to be the one in the male section, which she
accepted in the spirit of the matter.
It also became less cumbersome if the chef occupied the
temporary building, which could also then be converted to the medical
centre. The existing arrangement was for the medical centre (massage, etc.)
to be located as a part of the office quarters a short walk (100m) away from
the accommodations. This building had already been outfitted with massage
tables etc. for this purpose. The temporary building had two (2) bedrooms
with 2+3 beds, one bathroom and a common room. The common room became the
massage room, the chef utilized the 2 bedded room as bedroom-cum-office and
the two physios had one bed removed from the other bedroom and were
accommodated there.
The overall arrangements did result in three (3)
requests from team members for exchanges of rooms – this is always a
difficult decision to respond to positively if one is going to adhere to the
principle that in an ideal situation, everybody would probably want to sleep
with one of his/her own choosing, and therefore acquiescing to one request,
no matter how legitimate it is, could invariably spark further requests for
changes which could result in a chaotic situation. Unfortunately, those
making such a request rarely see the broader implications of what could
happen if their own request is approved. There are, however some lessons
that were learned, and I feel that perhaps each team member could be
asked before travel, if each had just one request regarding accommodation,
what it would be. At least, the chef would then have this to consider when
allocating rooms. The problem here is that each member could never be given
an assurance that their request would be granted, since the total layout and
numbers of beds are not allocated until after the DRM. I am, however
satisfied that there was a very good “mixing’ of all of the team members,
which was one of the objectives in allocating the beds.
The First Arrivals
The Gymnasts were the first full team to take up residence in the
village, and they were a wonderful ‘start’ group – obviously vibrant and
exuberant as they ventured into this great new experience. They arrived on
March 9th and brought an abundance of Bermuda flags, and
immediately set about placing them in every corner of the quarters to
establish that this was to be “home” for the next few weeks. The shooters
had already arrived the previous day, but of course their team had been
“split” into full bore shooters to the Bendigo Village and small bore to the
CGV. Their arrival presented a real challenge in terms of moving the full
bore personnel to Bendigo, after all had completed their accreditation at
the CGV. Organisers had not yet sorted out the logistics of moving guns and
ammunition from the CGV to the Bendigo Village for new arrivals. The ‘can
do” attitude of one of the Transport Managers coupled with the
resourcefulness of our CGA Assistant Angela, was really the impetus for the
solution and they were finally on their way just under an hour after their
scheduled departure time.
Over the next few days the teams would gradually
populate the accommodations and become accustomed to their surroundings.
Within a few days (March 11th), Triathlon and Squash teams had
arrived and then the weekend “explosion” of arrivals meant that by Monday
March 13th, 44 had arrived in time for the Team Flag Raising and
the Opening Ceremony. All were gong about their respective chores and at the
same time becoming familiar with their new surroundings.
Volunteer Staff
All of the CGA Assistants and drivers worked cohesively as a team
attempting to ensure that our needs were met. They were very co-operative in
accommodating our requests and I was grateful for their willingness to
provide for the team. They tended to arrange their own “work” time to ensure
that there was always someone on. In one situation, they solicited a number
of buses that had been allocated to other teams, to transport the whole
Bermuda team to and from a special team luncheon. Their resourcefulness
saved us a considerable amount of money in that we did not have to hire
transportation. The situation was reversed later when we were able to loan
our bus on different occasions to Bahamas and Antigua & Barbuda, both of
whom had readily loaned their buses to us.
Angela Lawrence was quite an organizer if left to her
own devices. She, along with Allan, was intimately involved in scheduling
transport for team sightseeing, shopping trips, solving problems and just
demonstrating their willingness to assist wherever. Perhaps her final
noteworthy self-imposed job was to efficiently oversee the departure of
various of our large contingent on the 27th March, which freed
the Chef up to complete his packing. Allan on the other hand was a sought of
deputy chef in securing situations before they reached me. He was excellent
in overseeing the Guest pass administration and even signed in guests, as
well as assisting with problems of accreditation as much as he could prior
to presenting it to me for approval.
Despite the cohesive nature of our volunteers,
regretfully, I did have to ask for one driver to be removed from our roster
to the general fleet roster, as there was an indication of incompatibility
with the group. To retain this individual could have cost us the close
working relationships that we were enjoying. As an indication, some concern
was expressed to me that certain behaviours were inconsistent with that
which all volunteers were advised was expected of them.
Another volunteer worthy of mention was the Physio who
had been allocated to us under the Team Physiotherapy Programme. Melbourne
had initiated this programme to provide additional physios to supplement
each team’s own Physios. For the Bermuda team, this was a great success in
that Craig Nicholson was a very supportive individual who ended up being an
integral part of the team, and was very valuable in assisting Messrs.
Robinson and Johnson. All three (3) were working very regularly on team
members and indeed, given the diversity of the team in terms of sports and
commitments at various venues and at various times, an additional
professional or two (2) would also have been helpful. Mr. Nicholson also
appeared to have enjoyed his time with the team.
Flag Raising
5:00 pm on Monday March 13, 2006 had been secured as the time that
the Bermuda flag would be raised in the CGV and for the Bermuda Team to be
officially welcomed. In a meeting on the previous day, the Chef had been
advised that there would be present, a small delegation from an area near to
Melbourne known as Mornington Peninsula Shire. Apparently, Bermuda (along
with Falkland Islands and St. Helena), had been paired with Mornington, and
had instituted provisions for their community to study “us” as part of their
preparation for the Games. There were indeed three (3) representatives from
the Mornington Shire Council – Brian Stahl, Adona Martin and Tim Rogers -
who presented us with gifts from the region and invited us to visit.
It was a pleasure to have the Minister of Community
Affairs & Sport present for the Flag Raising together with the President and
Secretary-General of the BOA, and the Team Attaché. The team members were
resplendent in their 2nd uniform of Khaki slacks/Capri pants and
Light Bermuda blue Camp shirts. The stage for this ceremony was shared with
Papua New Guinea and the ceremony consisted of a welcome from the Deputy
Mayor (Peter Haddad) of the CGV, a traditional “rubbing of hands” in the
soil of traditional owners of the land, and an exchange of gifts between Mr.
Haddad and the respective Chefs de Mission, followed by a short speech from
each.
Opening Ceremony
By March 15th, Opening Ceremony day, some 44 members of
the team had arrived in Australia. As we prepared for the evening’s event,
and reviewed ourselves awaiting the signal to move to busses that would
transport us to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the ceremony, we collected
made comments about how great we looked as a team. Our uniform had but
one flaw in it in that the female outfit ensured that the ladies would be
cold later in the evening. We had discussed this at a Managers’ Meeting
earlier in the day and they now (temporarily) wore the tops to their track
suits. Before we could leave for the busses, the gymnasts appeared with
sufficient Bermuda Flags that all could be transformed in to a flag waiving
spectacle upon entry to the ceremony. It really looked great and felt great. Arantxa King had been selected to carry the Bermuda Flag and local (Bermuda)
press as well as Melbourne authorities had been informed on the previous
day. Our approach to entering the stadium was the most exciting and charged
that I had ever experienced and this was fuelled by the excitement of the
younger athletes and those for whom this was a new experience. The team
could hardly contain their pride and excitement – it was just wonderful!!!
Competition
A perusal of the competition schedule will indicate the hectic round
of activities that were in progress during the almost two (2) weeks of
competition. Nevertheless, our competitors were very pleased to note the
attention given their efforts by the presence of Minister at many events,
and often accompanied by his Senior Sport Development Officer. I am also
grateful for the support of the President and Secretary-General both of whom
were forced to juggle such visits with their official appointments that they
had been asked to undertake in the presentation of games medals. Sometimes
the clash of our own events posed problems of which one to support at any
given time. I do believe that at the end of the day, all of our athletes had
support at least once whilst they were competing.
Generally speaking the athletes acquitted themselves
excellently. It was a rather large team in comparison to that
which has been sent recently, although Kuala Lumpur was an exception.
Individual results as indicated in official team reports, indicate a good
future in almost all of the represented sports. Certainly, the “youngsters”
who were competing for the first time at this level, have given the BOA a
great deal of hope for the future, if they continue to be supported in their
development.
It is also appropriate to mention at this time the
tireless efforts of the Royal Gazette team to keep the Bermuda public
informed. Adrian Robson and Jill Faulks were very much in evidence almost
everywhere I went, covering the competitions of the Bermuda contingent. This
included morning, afternoon, and evening events. I have since seen the
information in the Royal Gazette covering the games and it bears out that
much work went into the reporting in order to keep Bermuda informed.
The individual performances will not form a par of this
report, but will be included in the Managers’ Reports which will be appended
upon their receipt.
Team Luncheon
The Minister was the host at the Team Luncheon that was held on
Wednesday March 22, 2006 at the Studley Bay Boathouse in North Melbourne.
Unfortunately, not all team members were able to attend; however, this was
an inevitability given the “busy’ time table of competition. The luncheon
was also to express the team’s appreciation for all of the volunteers who
were assisting the team during their stay in Melbourne, and so all who could
be, were also present and acknowledged. Special mention was made of Narda
Williams who had been working with the team for about a year to ensure that
all plans for the team arrival worked well.
AIP Programme
Melbourne had attempted to provide a, drugs in sport education
programme for all athletes competing in the games. The Athlete Interview
Programme (AIP) was designed to ensure that all athletes in the games
received a consistent drugs education interview, thereby providing for a “no
excuse” and/or “no surprise” scenario if selected for drug testing during
the games. The interview would detect deficiencies in an athlete’s
knowledge, and, if required, rectify such knowledge and thereby at the end
of screening of all athletes, ensure that everyone had been informed
equally about drugs in sport and the procedures for drug testing.
The procedure had been described in communications to
CGAs in November 2005 when each was asked to complete a return indicating if
they wished to conduct the interviews of their athletes themselves, allow
Melbourne to conduct the interviews upon arrival of their athletes, or a
combination of the two approaches. The BOA indicated that a combination of
the two approaches was appropriate in its case, as some athletes were
present in Bermuda and others would be traveling directly to the games. We
therefore asked for interview kits to be sent to Bermuda; the Bermuda
Council for drug Free Sport had indicated that it would be happy to assist
with the interviews in Bermuda.
Unfortunately, the kits did not arrive until late
January which meant that the critical Christmas vacation period during which
most athletes would be available, had been missed. Also, there was no longer
time to conduct these interviews prior to the games, and so Melbourne was
advised they we now wished for all athletes to be interviewed upon arrival
in Melbourne.
There were some assumptions made about how this
programme would work. I was of the opinion that all teams would be
approached and it indicated that a time had been set aside for each member
to attend a set location in the village for such interviews. A considerable
number of athletes could have been handed a flyer at the airport upon
arrival. In the case of the Bermuda team, nothing at all happened until the
Chef made some enquiries about the programme, and was advised that it is
available and that athletes “could’ be sent to a specific venue for the
interview. There appeared to no longer be the zeal to complete the interview
for every athlete, as was demonstrated in the first knowledge that was
distributed in November 2005. I befriended two “lonely” volunteers who were
manning the interview room and who clearly had become somewhat disillusioned
about their task and the lack of push that would have seen them busy almost
all of the time interviewing these athletes. Such was the competition
schedules that not a lot of our athletes were exposed to what could have
been a worthwhile programme.
Guest Pass System
There were some forty-nine (49) visits by Bermuda team relatives and
friends to the CGV during the games. A procedure allowed for there to be
eight (8) visitors per day – this figure being based on the size of the
Bermuda Team. On two (2) occasions, the full complement of visitors was
reached, and on one of the days – March 19th, it was over
subscribed with nine (9) requests which were all allowed into the village.
No Bermuda prospective visitor was denied entry; however one required a
letter from the Chef because of its unusual circumstances. Although quite a
few visitors repeat their presence, no team member had to be denied a visit
as a result of there being no space.
Social Events
There were a number of Official Social Events to which Team Members
were invited. Each invitation specified number of athletes and/or officials
and sometimes were very specific as to who was being invited. A conscious
attempt to spread the opportunities was somewhat successful as is shown by
the following:
Prime Minister’s Lunch w/Queen in attendance – 4
invitations, 2 of which to be athletes
Flora Duffy/Julia Hawley/Glenn Robinson/Ellen-Kate Horton
Queen’s lunch at CGV Dining Room- 2 invitations to
athletes onlySinclair Rayner/Kiera Aitken
Melbourne Mayor’s Welcome – Chef-de-mission and 3
others
Philip Guishard/Ronald Cowen/Latroya Darrell
CGF Reception
Philip Guishard/Ross Roberts
David Dixon Award
The David Dixon Award is one that is presented to the outstanding
athlete of the games, based on their performance, fair play, and their
overall contribution to their team’s participation at the Games. Each Chef
prepares a nomination of a team member and a panel selects the recipient.
Winning a medal is not necessarily a criterion for receiving the award.
In reviewing the performances of all athletes and their
all round participation, Kiera Aitken’s name was put forward citing among
other matters, her arrival from a small country into the finals of an event
that would normally see qualifiers only from the larger “swimming” nations.
The narrative cited her swimming career, national records, 2004 Athlete of
the Year, and her participation in the Athens Olympics.
Closing Ceremony
Arriving at the day of the Closing Ceremony, presented another
opportunity for reflection, as the Flag Bearer at this event is selected. In
an unusual situation, but one that demonstrated the team camaraderie and
spirit as the games drew to a close, Ronald Cowen approached the Chef to
advise that he would be honoured to carry the Bermuda Flag in the Closing
Ceremony. As it turned out, Kiera Aitken had already been the chosen one.
There was some disappointment of the role that Closing Ceremony flag bearers
played in that they were not highlighted as had been the tradition in past
games.
Review of Managers’ Reports
A review of the three (3) Managers’ reports that I have received
thus far, require some comment on some of the issues raised, some of which I
have already referred to above.
Overall, I have no problem with any of the content of
the three reports received thus far, and I commend all three managers for
their timely and excellent submissions. Concerns and matters requiring
attention in those reports included the following:
- Timeliness of per diem
payments
- Mixing up of team
members as opposed to “block bedding” by sport
- Poor fitting clothing
- Lack of concern shown
for other competitors once athletes finished their events (2)
- Athletes drinking in
the village
- Smoking in a
non-smoking village
- Young athletes were out
too late at night
Allocation of Accommodations
I wish to first note that there were no official complaints about
any of these situations except that of the allocation of beds and bedrooms,
which I will address first. There will rarely ever be a situation whence all
team members are happy with their sharing partner, due to the fact that
there is never any prior knowledge of what configuration of bedrooms a team
is going to be allocated. No promises should be given in such
circumstances. However, the chef must consider any specific situations that
could minimize discord with the team. Given a second chance, it is quite
conceivable that a similar situation may arise. I have resolved, however, as
indicated previously, that it may serve some purpose in the right direction
if each team member is asked prior to arrival, to state their most desired
preference regarding accommodations with the understanding that although it
will be considered, it still may not be granted. The permutations that a
chef is faced with in fitting “x” number of persons in a defined area and
configuration must, at the end of the day, be left to the chef on the day.
Per Diem Payments
Per diem payments were paid out on March 14th (funds
arrived on March 13th) and 24th. Perhaps, a problem
was that those team members who arrived on or after March 14th
had to wait until March 24th for monies. The BOA needs to decide
on a policy here so that this can be communicated to all team members.
Although there was only one concern expressed here, it does not, of course,
mean that no one else is aggrieved about the situation.
Poor Fitting Clothing
The Outfitting of clothing is a work in progress; however it must be
pointed out that overall progress is moving in the right direction. The
problem is that team members must respond in a timely manner and accurately
when sizes are requested, and then understand that they will be issued with
what the ordered. The order for clothing was repeatedly held up by tardy
responses for sizes, with the result that the order was late getting out.
The BOA will continue to address this problem and move forward.
Lack of concern shown for other competitors once
athletes finished their events (2)
This concern was expressed in two (2) reports. I have to say that
while I was aware of some concern, I had assumed that it had been resolved
as no official report had been received. I also find it disappointing that
such an issue cannot be settled without reference to the chef, given the
great camaraderie that I have indicated existed between team members.
Athletes drinking in the village
There are a
number of issues here. Such a matter should have been reported to the Chef
on the spot so that all of the facts of the case are immediately available.
There are, after all some villages that serve alcohol (Yes!! – I KNOW what I
am talking about). Was this taking place in the common areas of the living
quarters? Was the consumer under age? Had the consumer already competed? Is
there an existing policy? Etc. The BOA will need to discuss and decide on
this matter.
Smoking in a non-smoking village
The Chef de Mission DID speak to an athlete regarding this and asked that it
cease. No such matter was reported to the Chef for action, and perhaps it
should have been. Again, for BOA discussion and action.
Young athletes were out too late at night
This is obviously a judgment call – what is the age of the athlete?
Was the athlete accompanied by an adult team member or Chaperone? Where were
they? I would expect that each Manager is able to make the proper judgment
regarding young athletes in their charge.
Conclusion
Bermuda’s athletes at the XVIIIth Commonwealth Games acquitted
themselves excellently. Their spirit and attention to what why they were at
the games was great as each went about their business seriously. The
officials were also about their business and very attentive to their
charges. The organization of their respective teams was laudable, thereby
minimizing problems that reached the Chef for resolution. Minor problems
pale in significance when I view the overall attitude, performance and
spirit of the team. The Opening Ceremony photo of BERMUDA entering the
arena, says it all in terms of a great team.
I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to
have led such a team; I thank the whole team and in particular, the Managers
- with whom I had a close working relationship - for being generally very
co-operative and responsive to my role. Finally, I thank the BOA for its
ongoing confidence in appointing me as Chef-de-Mission to the Bermuda team
to the XVIIIth Commonweath Games in Melbourne, Australia in March 2006.
Philip R. Guishard
May 2006
-APPENDIX-
Having now received all Managers’ reports, it is important to further
reflect on their comments and to add some observations and recommendations
so that we may discuss these with a view to further improving the games
experience for all of Bermuda’s athletes and officials in future games.
Generally, in review of all of the Managers’ reports,
it is clear that the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games was a great
experience for their athletes and themselves. Singled out for special
mention, was the village facilities, dining and medical in particular, but
also the overall organization of the games itself, its processes and
procedures for competition as well as ceremonies.
The following points are added to those previously
mentioned on pages 13-14, in terms of considerations for future games:
- Bermuda Olympic
Association Public Relations Officer
- Allocation of
Accommodations (Also see pp 13 for contrasting view)
- Clothing (further
comments)
- Lack of concern shown
for other competitors once athletes finished their event (3)
- Specific Sports Team
Challenges
- Team Travel
Bermuda Olympic Association Public Relations
Officer
Following the unfortunate actions that resulted in the omission of
some of the originally announced team members from attending the games, it
is recommended that the BOA consider the appointment of a Public Relations
Officer.
Allocation of Accommodations (Also see
pp 13 for contrasting view)
“Sport festivals in my opinion are great examples for societies to model.
They take individuals from all walks of life, nationalities, religions, and
race and join them for two weeks. Sport transcends all of these and the
competition is the primary focus. This was quite evident in the Bermuda team
residences, where there was a great team harmony. Living with a coach from
another sport gave me a different perspective and respect and was in my
opinion the way to handle the rooming arrangements.”
A team common room would have been useful for team
bonding.
Clothing (further comments-see pp 13)
Omit the reflective strips on track suits as they have an adverse effect
when being photographed using a flash. The flash catches the strips as a
mirror.
Shorts (for females) would have been a welcome addition
to the kit.
Bermuda flags should always be a part of the Bermuda
kit.
Lack of concern shown for other competitors once
athletes finished their event (3)
Bermuda team supported each other well, but we require work on
ensuring each sports’ awareness that when they have completed their
events, there are still other competitors who need rest and quiet in the
dormitories prior to competing.
Note: This is a significant comment as
three (3) managers have made it. Obviously, it needs addressing.
Specific Sports Team Challenges
There were challenges in securing quiet time for younger (student)
athletes who had assignments to complete whilst attending the games.
Generally, the inclusion of younger athletes presents unique challenges,
which require addressing in advance.
Problems of security regarding the movement and storage
of firearms, is of course , specific to that sport.
Team Travel
The cooperation of airlines and officials during travel was
commendable given the problems that were encountered, except, perhaps with
one airline regarding payment for extra baggage despite being previously
cleared.
Teams should travel as much as possible as the Bermuda
Team – even attempting to get airline seats together, particularly on long
flights.
Philip R. Guishard
June 2006 |
