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Post by dmac on Apr 9, 2010 2:17:38 GMT 10
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Post by shimmery on Apr 9, 2010 3:26:44 GMT 10
It's so wonderful to see the tally still climbing steadily!  Have finally had a chance to prepare the pics from our Sydney run tonight and just in time for when the Melbourne girls also add theirs! - will add the pics with us in them as soon as I get the ok from Braffy and Morgs.  We had the most fantastic time, despite the rain and eventful time actually getting to the start line! After a very hectic morning (& some unexpected appointments!) P & I drove in and while he parked at the Quay I went up to the Opera House. Luckily I was able to call the run coordinator earlier and he had let me know we could register up to the start of the race so we knew we should make it ok. He also said that anyone there first could register for the group. Braffy was fortunately already there and was able to complete the registration process for Morgs and me and had our t-shirts and bags ready for us - thanks Braffy! P & I went on to the 100m line as the others started or went on the shuttle bus. Was fascinating to be at the SCG and quite atmospheric in the rain and with no other crowds.    The mounted police lined up to escort the runners into the gates!  I was waiting just inside there to join the run the final leg around the SCG and then onto the grounds  Here come the runners and torch bearer! Before long I spotted Morgs (and Braffy and Mini-Morgs cheerteam) all coming through the gates and I jumped in and joined them for a picture Then Braffy and P went into the grandstands and Morgs, Mini-cheerteam and I went with the runners around the SCG into the big opening in the grandstands where we could run onto the ground - wow it was pretty exciting!  We all milled in that area as the athletes prepared to make their entrance, they went first followed by the police and then the other runners including us. I was thrilled that it was quite a broad definition of running - the sort of running I did at school in similar events, basically strolling and talking  Morgs took her littlies over to chat with the mounted police and see the horses while we were waiting and I got my camera out to take some pics   The athletes come into the SCG!   The Police Band played the National Anthem (sung by a young singer with a beautiful voice, I'll see if I can find her name, on the day I couldn't hear exactly) and everyone moved into the Members Stand for the lighting of the Cauldron and the ceremonies. The NSW Governor, a representative of the Police and Peter Overton spoke, along with Gabrielle, one of the athletes from the SO. We've met Gabrielle before at past SO events, she is an amazing public speaker and has travelled internationally as have many of the athletes to international games and events. She spoke very passionately about just what it means to the athletes to have this organisation and opportunity to not only play sport but have something that means so much to them and gives so much to their lives. It was very moving and so wonderful to see just how much it means to all the athletes - everyone who is supporting this cause is supporting something that truly affects and enhances the lives of the athletes and also those close to them, it's a very empowering experience for the athletes    At the very end the Police Band played a medley of tunes as everyone made their way out of the SCG and onto the BBQ! We had a wonderful lunch and watched on as the athletes had their photos taken with Craig Wing and in front of the flags and signs. Monica introduced us to some of the SO executives and told them how Team DLO had done so amazingly, they were all very thankful to everyone here for all the support everyone is giving this event! Monica also said how much she loved our Team Logo and thought it was fantastic to see Braffy wearing her "D"  t-shirt After the BBQ we dropped Braffy off and headed back to work and Morgs took her littlies back. They were fabulous and so well behaved, I hope they enjoyed their day out! I hope all the Melbourne Damienites (and honorary Damienites) running in the morning have a fantastic time! Cannot wait to hear all about your experiences!!  GO TEAM DLO!!! |
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Post by shimmery on Apr 9, 2010 3:30:23 GMT 10
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Post by morgaine on Apr 9, 2010 8:53:39 GMT 10
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Post by erinbella on Apr 9, 2010 9:23:53 GMT 10
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Post by Nuffy on Apr 9, 2010 9:27:26 GMT 10
Good luck and have fun on the run girls!!!
GO DLO!  
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Post by astrokath on Apr 9, 2010 12:19:44 GMT 10
Good luck to the Melburnian runners!
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Post by princess1 on Apr 9, 2010 14:09:15 GMT 10
 Hi I'm back, I've just come in with a brief report as I have to head out again. It was a lovely day for a run, Melbourne put on a magnificient day forus weatherwise, slightly overcast, coolish breeze perfect . We all found each other at the registration tent, rushed of to put on our T-shirts and then headed to our groups, Trilly and me, didn't end up doing the last 100m, instead we decided to join up with Glawz and do the half leg, My 2 DD's and a friend did the whole run, it was so lovely running with the athletes from the SO and the police who participated and organized us were fantastic, everyone had a great time and we were all treated to a trip into the MCG sports museum for a look around, the run actually finished inside on the MCG where the torch was lit by Simon Overlander and one of the Olympians, we heard the National Anthem, the speeches and then we all went back out into the park for a sausage in a roll and some fruit and water. It was a very enjoyable way to spend the morning. I'll post some pics up a bit later, once I've had a look at them.
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Post by Nuffy on Apr 9, 2010 14:49:16 GMT 10
Sounds like a fabulous day out Princess. Well done on the half leg too I may have to check for the pics tomorrow as I have get going. But I'm looking forward to them. |
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Post by Glawz on Apr 9, 2010 14:50:06 GMT 10
What can I say, Princey said it all. Yes it was a wonderful morning, weatherwise, company wise and we all had fun. I was happy for Trills and Princey to join me in the half leg but I had been worrying about nothing... it was pretty cruisy. It made me feel very humble seeing the joy these kids got out of the day and am so pleased to have participated in such a wonderful event.
The goings on at the MCG were very emotional for me... I'm just an emotional person and it was such a happy occasion I was seeping (not weeping) tears of joy. Unfortunately my hanky was in Mr G's back pack so just had to use my finger... gawd I'm a sook! Trying to get the pics downloaded before I have to go out again, otherwise later in the day.
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Post by Glawz on Apr 9, 2010 15:03:41 GMT 10
Sue, Trills and Glawz with the torch before the run. I'm impaired, don't know how to flip the picture.... it was flipped before I photo-bucketed it!  Jess and Cass, Sue's DD's (sorry girls I can't remember which is which, you are so alike), Glawx, Trills, Sue, Bernie  |
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Post by Nuffy on Apr 9, 2010 15:10:07 GMT 10
What a day and what a fantastic turnout! Love the photos Glawzy... a fine bunch of runners in Team DLO. Thanks for sharing them |
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Post by Trilly on Apr 9, 2010 15:16:28 GMT 10
Oow, look at us! ;D Like the others said, it was so fantastic and what a complete joy to be with such happy, funloving folk who made the most of every second of our run/walk/shuffle. ;D Yep, Princey and I surprised ourselves by doing the half leg..and it made me realise just how unfit I am! EEP! The policemen and women were fabulous, so friendly and encouraging, the athletes and other participants were lovely and in such great spirits! As glawz said, it was an inspiring and quite emotional experience.  I hadn't realised we would end up on the Hallowed Turf of the mighty MCG for the cauldron lighting ceremony! What a moment!..as well as seeing some of my Melbourne football team boys! Wouldn't have missed it for quids..even though I was running late, as usual!  LOL! and GO TEAM DLO! |
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Post by Roxy on Apr 9, 2010 15:19:46 GMT 10
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Post by astrokath on Apr 9, 2010 15:32:55 GMT 10
Well done ladies! Great photos Glawz! You all look so smart. Glad to hear it all went well - would have liked to join in the tour of the MCG museum, that would be very interesting.
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I was waiting just inside there to join the run the final leg around the SCG and then onto the grounds
LOL!
