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Friday, 10th March 2006

Finding different ways to relax is always difficult for sportspeople caught up in the pressure cauldron of a major sporting event. Not for Jersey's bowlers. In fact, team managers Peter Le Long and Sheila McGinnigle are actively encouraging their members to relax as much as they can.

Despite training hard at the State Lawn Bowls Centre, the younger members of the team still found time for a friendly game of football opposite the café in the Athletes' Village.

Yours truly joined John Lowry and Lee Nixon, along with athletes Lauren Therin (who showed some silky skills with a ball at her feet) and Simon Phelan (who tried!). We even had a guest appearance from Guernsey's decathlete Dale Garland. But with our shooting, I predict a riot when the village gardeners find out what we were up to!

The swimmers, who have been regimented in their training so far, have earned a few hours off tomorrow. Together with team masseur, Nick Hooper, they'll be going on a tour to see Australia's famous ‘bush'.

Meanwhile, Melbourne has finally woken up to the Games. The number of visitors in the city is beginning to swell and should ensure the 15,000 volunteer helpers are finally kept busy!

Tonight, 50,000 spectators are expected in the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the for the first full dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony. All broadcast media have been banned from showing images from inside the MCG and even along the banks of the Yarra River, which is expected to be a focus of the celebrations.