Melbourne Olympics

Accounts and reminiscence of the residents and staff of The Grace Garden Aged Care Facility about the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956, recorded in March 2006 as Melbourne prepared for the Commonwealth Games.

When I discussed this project with the residents they were not certain if they were able to recall any Olympic Events in 1956. We had already had some fun with a quick quiz about the Commonwealth Games and they were able to get 5 out of the 10 questions correct (which was more than I managed)

Here are the memories of 10 of our residents with ages from late 70’s to early 90 years of age:

1 Elsie
2 Gem
3 Len
4 Hazel
5 Frank
6 Mary
7 Barb
8 Zara
9 Lettie
10 Olive
11 Reading
12 Links

[edit] Elsie

I was travelling at the time and saw lots of athletes, they came from all parts of the world, but I really like the football and cricket best.

[edit] Gem

I really can’t remember the Olympic Games, I may have seen them on television.

[edit] Len

I watched them on TV. They were good!

[edit] Hazel

I went to the basketball, I can’t remember who was playing. We weren’t going to anything but we were in the city and someone said you could buy tickets at Myers. So Mum, I and our two neighbors came as well. I enjoyed the game.

[edit] Frank

I was working, but lived near the Olympic Village. Thought it was a waste of money and still do. The money could go to helping the Aged People.

[edit] Mary

Dad said lets go to the Olympics, so we went to the swimming! I was too young to appreciate the athletes.

[edit] Barb

I didn’t go to any events, but friends went to the swimming and said it was wonderful. I did go to the Olympic Village and remember the shops and the flags of the different countries.

[edit] Zara

I watched it on TV and had friends who worked at the shops and in the village cleaning. They had lots of stories to tell.

[edit] Lettie

I watched it on TV and went to the gymnastics.

[edit] Olive

I enjoyed the swimming best of all.

I went to the Olympic Village Primary School and have vivid memories of the coloured rings, flags, lots of souvenir shops and very tall African runners who signed my autograph book

Ann Wood (lifestyle coordinator)