LETTERS

April 11, 2005

Please, get me out of here

Re the tight security and immigration controls to stop Commonwealth Games athletes from disappearing after they arrive in Australia (The Age, 8/4). It is likely that athletes who break out fromthe Games village will not, however, be foreign nationals attempting to defect. They will be athletes desperate to escape the overcrowded, hot and noisy living conditions, plus the nightmare dining arrangements whereby 1800 people will be fed at one sitting in a tent located along the polluted CityLink.

To keep 6000 athletes and officials in the village grounds, as well as would-be terrorists out, organisers plan to erect a detention-centre-style fence, complete with security cameras and lighting.We forecast, however, that there will be an exodus of athletes escaping in search of a caffe latte in Carlton and a good night's sleep in a local hotel. Are these really "the friendly Games"?
Lydia Param, Glenroy