Commonwealth Games volunteer reveals chaos behind the scenes

A VOLUNTEER has lifted the lid on behind-the-scenes chaos at the Commonwealth Games, including dangerous driving, athletes left stranded and given a “dinner” of muesli bar, banana and chips at the shambolic closing ceremony.

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A VOLUNTEER has lifted the lid on behind-the-scenes chaos at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, with claims of athletes being driven dangerously, left stranded and given a “dinner” of muesli bar, banana and chips at the shambolic closing ceremony.

The Brisbane man, who worked as a driver during the Games, slammed the treatment of athletes as ‘un-Australian’.

He said there was disorganisation from the start, with some volunteers, himself included, appointed a week before the Games and given no training.

The man said navigation apps for volunteer drivers were poorly designed, with flaws including instructions to make a U-turn on the M1.

“The (Games transport) depot I worked at reported having on average three accidents a day in the vehicles,” said the volunteer, who did not want to be named.

“None of the volunteers were screened as to their driving abilities and athletes reported being in cars with drivers swerving, not indicating or speeding.

“They were concerned for their safety.”

Two non-English speaking wheelchair athletes were left stranded after a booking bungle, the man said.

He said volunteers who tried to buy tickets to the closing ceremony were told it was sold out, only to be told hours later they could attend for free to help fill thousands of empty seats.

Athletes were told they would receive dinner at the stadium before the ceremony only to be given a packet of chips, a banana and muesli bar.

“Some of them had just competed that day and were hungry and exhausted,” he said.

“A lot of them were just standing there not knowing what they were supposed to be doing.

Australian athletes at Carrara Stadium for the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty

“They had no idea they weren’t even part of the broadcast and ended up leaving. They were upset and disappointed and it put a dampener on their whole Games experience.

“It was the most un-Australian event I’ve witnessed. The organisers had years to get this right.”

A GOLDOC spokeswoman said the feedback from “Games shapers” (volunteers) had been “overwhelmingly positive” and they were looking forward to celebrating at a thank you party this weekend.

“Individual volunteers with any specific feedback are invited to contact us so that we can respond to their feedback directly,” she said.

The spokeswoman said athletes were advised to eat in the Games village dining hall before the closing ceremony, where they also had access to snacks.