Moree’s Lisa Reed is on her way home after an “incredible” two weeks on the Gold Coast as one of 15,000 Commonwealth Games volunteers.
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The Raine and Horne Moree personal assistant took annual leave to spend two weeks volunteering at the Gold Coast, an experience she said was everything she imagined and more.
“It was just out of this world, an amazing experience,” she said.
“It was just incredible. It makes me proud to be Australian.
“Everyone - the athletes, the spectators, the volunteers - were all amazing.”
Lisa was part of the spectator services team, based in the Carrara Stadium precinct where she was rotated through various roles including welcoming and directing people.
She worked a total of 10 shifts throughout the two weeks and had a wonderful time high-fiving the crowd and mingling with all types of people from all over Australia and the world.
While there were “so many highlights”, Lisa said the one that stands out the most was when she was working in the northern stand of Carrara Stadium during the women’s 10,000 metre final.
When everyone else had finished the race, three Australian athletes stayed on the track waiting for Lineo Chaka, who was representing the southern African nation of Lesotho, to finish her last few laps.
“I was there that night and to watch the African lady be lapped twice and for everyone else to have finished the race ... the three Australian girls were there to congratulate her,” Lisa said, holding back tears as she recounted the emotional moment.
“I cried, so many people cried, it was so good. That is the essence and spirit of the Games.
“Everyone else had ran past her twice and she was left with two laps to run by herself. Everyone got behind her.
“The crowd just cheered anyone and everyone. They were behind [the athletes] all the way.”
Lisa was one of two Moree volunteers, with Julia Mitchell also giving up her time to volunteer.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games wrapped up with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday night.