Australian Youth Olympic Festival Day 1

Have just finished my first shift at the 2005 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

Today we welcomed the first of athletes from the Oceania team which is made up of 10 nations from the south pacific region.

Most of the work we performed today was checking accomodation at the village. We checked everything from light globes, to bedding and general cleanliness, in preparation for the 400 athletes which will stay at St Jospeh's College in Hunters Hill. There are four other villages. After a great lunch we distributed programs and information leaflets to each bed.

In total there are 1400 athletes from 25 nations taking part from as far away as France, Germany and the USA.

The world class event is being held in Sydney at the olympic venues which became famous during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Athletes will continue to arrive tomorrow ahead of a glittering Opening Ceremony on Wednesday night. Competition runs on Wednesday 19th and continues through Sunday 23rd January.

More information can be found at www.olympics.com.au