NSW:Cathy to reignite flame 10 years on

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2010
NSW:Cathy to reignite flame 10 years on

By Doug Conway, Senior Correspondent

SYDNEY, Aug 31 AAP - When Cathy Freeman reignites the Olympic flame next month to celebrate
the 10th anniversary of Sydney's Games, there will be no repeat of the technical glitch
that stalled the real thing.

There will be no mechanical stairway to heaven to malfunction.

Freeman won't be wearing the white, flame-proof body suit she wore as billions watched
her on September 15, 2000; its disappearance later that night remains a mystery.

She won't be alone, either; this time she will be joined by Paralympic champion Louise Sauvage.

And the cauldron won't be where it was atop the Olympic grandstand; its new home is
150 metres away in a park skirting Olympic Boulevarde.

But organisers are confident at least one thing will be replicated exactly - the buzz
and excitement of the locals that helped make Sydney's Games the "best ever".

They are throwing a reunion party to remember that golden occasion, and want as many
as possible of the 47,000 volunteers to attend.

There will be a free barbecue and concert featuring Marcia Hines and John Paul Young,
plaque dedications, the torch re-enactment and an official dinner hosted by Australian
Olympic Committee president John Coates.

"Our volunteers were the heart and soul of the Games," said AOC secretary-general Craig Phillips.

"Many people said it was their spirit that made it so special.

"They are all invited to come and reminisce, and we want to see as many of them as possible."

"The volunteers were a gold medal team," said Rosemary Mula, a member of the volunteer
army still proudly wearing her Games uniform.

"It was a magical time; we forgot about the hours we worked and ran on adrenaline.

"It's going to be one big party, and Sydney once again will feel the magic."

"Nothing will stop me getting there on September 15," said volunteer Vera Rothwell.

Beach volleyball gold medallist Kerri Pottharst remembered Sydney 2000 as a "once in
a lifetime experience never to be matched or forgotten".

"That buzz will always be remembered and treasured," she said.

Paralympic champion Louise Sauvage said: "It was the most amazing time in my life."

* Volunteers wishing to attend are asked to register online at www.sydney2000reunion.com

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KEYWORD: OLY10 FLAME

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