Commonwealth Games

A few years ago I went to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester with a few friends. I must admit I didn't help much in the planning of the trip, but enjoyed it immensely, I was impressed with the friendly atmosphere and excitement of the events.

When I saw the Commonwealth Games was coming to Australia I was determined to take a trip with the kids. 

Getting tickets to events was tricky - there was a ballot system and many of them got snapped up really quickly by locals. I managed to get a few off Gumtree and then the organisers organised a second release of tickets.

In all we managed to secure tickets for six events (athletics, gymnastics, beach volleyball, swimming and hockey). Ticket prices were really cheap and it was remarkable that we were able to watch top class sport at such reasonable cost (we watched Australia v South Africa and Pakistan vs India in Hockey for $20 each for example)

The kids loved the atmosphere. All of the stadiums were packed and getting to and from the venues was also pretty easy - the wonderful light-rail that travels along much of the Gold Coast was both modern and fun to use.

The occasional conversations you had with people was also a really great feature. At one point we met an Irish cyclist and stopped for a chat, at another we ran into some South African swimmers boarding the same carriage as we were and talked about the conditions for swimming with them.

Some of the stadiums were spectacular as well. The swimming took place in an open-air pool which was built by the sea, and as we waited to go in we saw dolphins splashing in the surf not far from the swimming pool. 

The kids adored the beach volleyball. The atmosphere was so upbeat - there was music and dancing and the sport itself was fast and exciting.

We stayed in a kid-friendly resort too (which happened to be really close to a light rail stop) so it was a thoroughly enjoyable trip. The Games are in Birmingham in four years time - it'll be a difficult act to follow!

The excitement of the athletics

The gymnastics was our first event

Trying our hands on the hoops!

Enjoying the beach volleyball on Coolangatta Beach

Hockey at night time - great seats!