ONE - Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival 2008
(23 Sep 2008)
Platinum One is still basking in the warm glow of the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival that was held in Edinburgh from 1-8 September. The event attracted just short of 3000 players in 127 teams from 18 countries across the world, bringing an estimated £4 million economic impact to the Scottish economy. Platinum One delivered the rugby operations side of the festival that included 3 days of rugby and the management of the festival village and ‘world’s biggest clubhouse’ that was set up in the Murrayfield stadium, the home of Scottish Rugby.
The Scottish weather obliged and the festival was played in the spirit of the Golden Oldies motto of ‘fun, friendship and fraternity’. Rugby Operations Director, Scott Hastings commented that, ‘It was both a privilege and an honour to be involved in the festival.’
Scott managed to even find time to pop on his kit and played for an International XV v Chiba Ken and the Swiss Gnomes reveling in the fact that he was able to show a clean pair of heels to his opposite number, who just happened to be 75 years of age! The oldest competitor was 85 year old, Easton Roy of the Baggy Pipers who was still going strong after 3 days of rugby action! Scott’s brother, Gavin was the Festival Ambassador and there is no truth in the rumour that the gallon of whisky that was taken around the fields on the second day of play affected pre and post match celebrations. Indeed Mark Ella the Festival Ambassador for the next Golden Oldies Festival in Sydney 2010 was heard to say, “I don’t know if Bundaberg supply gallon bottles rum but I’d better make sure they do!”
Keith Robinson the CEO and Events Manager of Air New Zealand Holidays sent the following email to Platinum One on his return to New Zealand;
‘Personally I just wanted to "thank you" for making the 2008 Air NZ Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival the success it was. Have already had great feedback from individuals and teams on the Festival - and comments like the best GO Rugby Festival yet so just great to have that sort of feedback - makes everyone's efforts worthwhile!
Paul Bush, CEO of EventScotland had this to say;
'Just a short note to thank you most sincerely for your commitment and efforts over the last 18 months in the successful delivery of the Golden Oldies last week.
Feedback from participants has been outstanding and demonstrates the strength of Scotland as a world class events destination. It is a great example of successful partnership across the public sector in bringing this event to fruition from bid stage to delivery.
The event attracted around 3000 players in 120 teams from 18 countries across the world, bringing an estimated £4 million economic impact to the Scottish economy.'
To view a slideshow of the above event, please click on the image gallery link.