Sydney, looking back on 20 years

My love of the Olympic Games was cemented in 1992 when I was completely captivated by the Barcelona games.

I videotaped nearly every event, had every magazine that featured the games and even took the day off school to attend the athletes parade. I knew then that my dream job would be to one day be part of the action.

​Fast forward to February 2000 and I was living in London, working at Granada Television, when I got a call about a job at SOCOG (I had already applied to be a volunteer). It was a sliding doors moment – do I stay in London and pursue a career in television or cut my stay short and head home for my dream job. The answer was easy.

Being part of the SOCOG team was surreal. There was plenty of anti-Olympics sentiment in the lead up and stories about how it would disrupt the city. We had all seen and heard the stories from Atlanta….

But on the 15 September 2000, it was like a switch was flicked and everything fell into place. The weather was perfect, the city came alive, all the angst in the lead up melted away and the games came to be known as the ‘best games ever’.

It was an absolute privilege to be part of the team and the dream, and most importantly, work with and form life long friendships with amazing people. Memories I will never forget. #mysydney2000

Author

Georgie Stayches is Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Fetching Events & Communications, a boutique agency specialising in event management, communications and volunteer management. Fetching Events & Communications specialises in working with NGOs, NFPs, peak bodies, associations and community groups.