Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, is feverishly preparing for the Commonwealth Games March 15-26, reports AFP.
A billion dollars has gone into revamping the city. Authorities have been putting the finishing touches to venues, scrubbing graffiti off city walls, and preparing for the biggest security operation in Australian history.
About one third the size of the Summer Olympics, the Commonwealth Games brings together 4,500 athletes from 71 countries, mostly former British colonies.
In contrast to other Commonwealth Games security will be a major feature at this years Games.
More than 1,200 heavily armed troops will be deployed on the ground and warplanes will enforce a 75-kilometre exclusion zone airspace around the city. Police leaves have been cancelled and extra officers have been called into the city.
Authorities have stockpiled vaccines, upgraded hospital quarantine facilities and issued medical staff with extra protective equipment in case there is an outbreak of bird flu during the Games.
About 15,000 volunteers will help ensure the Games run smoothly.
Organizers have created a direct-marketing blitz to sell the 15,000 tickets remaining for the Opening Ceremony. They sent letters to 150,000 Melburnians this week, encouraging them to buy tickets and each personalized invitation carries Melbourne 2006 chairman Ron Walker’s signature and encourages the recipient to “enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience” with Prime Minister John Howard, Premier Steve Bracks, Commonwealth delegates and Australia’s business elite. Envelopes for the exclusive invitations are marked “private and confidential” and arrived this week.
Their next challenge is to sell tickets for all seats to the event.
Games officials are also reportedly facing a challenge from online retailers, including the Trading Post Web site and eBay, which are listing tickets for sale at prices below the retail cost. Tickets have seen selling at reduced rates for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, rugby sevens, table tennis, badminton, boxing, hockey, squash and athletics, on eBay.
Although the State Government said in January that fines would be enforced for scalping with individuals fined up to $6000 and organizations up to $30,000, the items advertised online are below the retail price and it is not considered scalping.
