Games a fantastic experience
A well-known face not only in the Lowveld community but among cyclists as well, Brett Coates was privileged enough to be the code manager for team South Africa at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The director of mountain biking for Cycling South Africa, said the games itself were run expertly with all facets being covered, from athlete logistics, venues and care to the warmth and hospitality of the people of the city. “Running the Commonwealth Games is a huge undertaking for both the host country as well as the individual competing nations and having experienced it first-hand, I can say that both Glasgow and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee did fantastic jobs. They made us all feel proud to be part of team South Africa.”
Coates continued by saying it really was a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience and in terms of the arrangements for travel and the level of accommodation, they could not complain at all. “It’s only when you see the shear size of the logistics involved in transporting 260 athletes, management, equipment and medical staff that you can appreciate the amount of planning required.”
In Glasgow they enjoyed comfortable accommodation, a varied and readily available assortment of food as well as excellent medical care by virtue of their own doctors and physiotherapists as well as the comprehensive hospital service available at the on-site Poly Clinic. “To spend three weeks with 7 000 of the worlds best athletes from 77 different nations is an absolute privilege. Their different cultures, training and preparation leave you feeling part of the world nation of sports people. The bronze medal that Ashleigh Moolman won, was the icing on the cake. To see her on the podium in her South African kit in front of thousands of spectators made the whole trip worthwhile.”
