CWG chief Peter Beattie apologised for dull closing ceremony
CWG chief Peter Beattie apologised for dull closing ceremony
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On Sunday, Gold Coast Commonwealth Games chief Peter Beattie admits organisers botched closing ceremony, accepting criticism that long-winded speeches had fans rushing for the exits while athletes were largely excluded from the broadcast. Organizing committee chairman Beattie apologized on Monday in the face of a barrage of criticism, saying “we got it wrong”. Closing ceremonies of Olympic and Commonwealth Games are usually much more relaxed than formal openings, focusing on the athletes and celebrating their achievements. But the organizers’ decision to have athletes enter the Carrara Stadium before the ceremony began meant television viewers saw little of the people the closing was meant to celebrate.

In a series of Twitter posts Monday, Beattie said the ceremony had not worked out as organizers planned. “We wanted athletes to be part of and enjoy the Closing Ceremony,” he said.

“However, having them come into the stadium in the pre-show meant the TV audience were not able to see the athletes enter the stadium, alongside flag bearers. We got that wrong. The speeches were too many and too long. I was part of that and I acknowledge it. Again, we got that wrong.” In a later television interview, Beattie said “did we stuff it up? Yes. Should (athletes) have been a part of the actual ceremony that was broadcast? Of course. We got it wrong. I can’t be more honest about it than that".

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