.......take me to........

More pins from Manchester 2002 CWG..........the official emblem of the games.......three figures with arms aloft..........a multi coloured......a gold....a silver......I never did manage to get a bronze one..........and the Manchester 2002 logo.

My main job was to drive the SVG team wherever they wanted to go.

Choice number 1 was...........Old Trafford......home of Manchester United....one of my favourite places.

Choice number 2 was.......one of my least favourite places.......the Trafford Centre.......what is known as a shopping mall......my idea of hell.

The SVG team hadn't arrived with much gear...........unlike the Aussies who had had a shipping container full of kit delivered to the Village........and they needed a sports shop to buy some shorts. I tried to explain that the sports shops sold mainly replica football kits and "fashion"clothes but they insisted.

Arriving at a shop a long discussion ensued........it transpired that the Chef de mission had a SVG government credit card........with a strict limit......and the discussion was centred on them trying to buy a pair of shorts that the marathon runner could use........and then pass on to the sprinter! I offered to pay for two pairs of shorts.......but the Chef politely declined......and then I had a brainwave.

Wasn't I the Chairman of a hockey club?..........didn't we represent Bury every year at the Greater Manchester Youth Games?.......didn't we get given kit every year?.......wasn't there always kit left over every year? A quick call on my official CWG mobile to Bury Sports Development............problem solved......maybe.

On the way home that evening I called in at the leisure centre........there were polo shirts.......t-shirts......sweat shirts......but no shorts..........and most of it was in the Bury colour of yellow......or the hockey team's black and gold.....and SVG needed blue, green and yellow. I asked who the kit was supplied by........and another quick phone call.......and an explanation of the situation....a discussion on the other end....and before I knew it I was gratefully accepting the offer of running vests, shorts and socks for the entire team!!!!

I took the Bury stuff.....and next morning drove out to Horwich to collect the kit......when I got to the Village the team where delighted.......which is why the SVG athletes that year walked onto the track with Bury shirts on........and stripped off to reveal brand new yellow and green tops and blue shorts!

So the next time you watch the Olympics......or the CWG..........or World Athletic Championships.......or any big sporting events..... spare a thought for the "small" teams...........the big teams have money coming out of their ears........the smaller teams may have athletes who have had to buy their own kit.......or relied on gifts.

Fishing today wasn't bad.....but the water was too warm for them to be eating propely so weights were down from last week..........a nice peaceful beer with D tonight........B is on holiday......last night shift for the Boss...knee still causing grief.

Das vidanya moy padruga.