I find some of the comments about parking problems and distances to walk very relevant to my experiences at the Asian Games.
Now instead of people chucking blame at others or passing the buck, wouldn't it be more constructive both for Qatar Officials and for DAGOC games officials, many of whom will move on to work at future major sporting events, to take on board the "Legacy".
What went right, what went wrong and how can we do it better in the future?
The huge plusses I found were the fabulous Opening & Closing Ceremonies - real memories for a lifetime;
The friendly volunteers;
Being there and being part of it all.
The minuses - well obviousy the weather, which no one could legislate for caused major problems in a number of areas - such as even worse traffic problems, mud to wade through, and disruption to games schedules.
Other minuses were under-trained DAGOC officials, who resorted to being jobsworths instead reciting a script, rather than using interactive skills or independent iniative;
the hole in the ground, flooded toilets, lack of parking, lack of public transport - or taxis that actually knew where they were going!; traffic.
But overall it was a wonderful experience, both the games and the Qatar experiences.
Lessons Qatar can learn: build some drainage; build waterproof buildings; more public transport; bus/taxi lanes; road crossing procedures and sort out the toilets!
Lessons DAGOC and future games can learn. Take on board the criticisms and work to iron them out on future games.
Don't take on staff who just say "We did it like this in Australian or Greece; don't take on staff along for a free ride. Train your volunteers; take on sport specific experts.
I find some of the comments about parking problems and distances to walk very relevant to my experiences at the Asian Games.
Now instead of people chucking blame at others or passing the buck, wouldn't it be more constructive both for Qatar Officials and for DAGOC games officials, many of whom will move on to work at future major sporting events, to take on board the "Legacy".
What went right, what went wrong and how can we do it better in the future?
The huge plusses I found were the fabulous Opening & Closing Ceremonies - real memories for a lifetime;
The friendly volunteers;
Being there and being part of it all.
The minuses - well obviousy the weather, which no one could legislate for caused major problems in a number of areas - such as even worse traffic problems, mud to wade through, and disruption to games schedules.
Other minuses were under-trained DAGOC officials, who resorted to being jobsworths instead reciting a script, rather than using interactive skills or independent iniative;
the hole in the ground, flooded toilets, lack of parking, lack of public transport - or taxis that actually knew where they were going!; traffic.
But overall it was a wonderful experience, both the games and the Qatar experiences.
Lessons Qatar can learn: build some drainage; build waterproof buildings; more public transport; bus/taxi lanes; road crossing procedures and sort out the toilets!
Lessons DAGOC and future games can learn. Take on board the criticisms and work to iron them out on future games.
Don't take on staff who just say "We did it like this in Australian or Greece; don't take on staff along for a free ride. Train your volunteers; take on sport specific experts.