Mother and son team at the games

The Harveys will work at the triathlon. Mrs Harvey said she was especially keen to be volunteer as her older cousin was one of the joeys who jumped out of Matilda at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane in 1982.

“As the younger cousin I got to wear that red tracksuit with pride for years,” she said. “I was brought up in community volunteer organisations as a child and have carried this through to my adult life and encouraged the same in both my children.    

“It is one of Luke’s ambitions to represent Australia in the future at either the Commonwealth and/or the Olympic Games and I believe he will do it. This gives me the opportunity to give back, in advance, to the sport as a parent and see behind the scenes of what he will hopefully one day experience for himself.

“The hours, days, years and stress of managing my son’s sporting life have paid off with being allocated to be a member of the Sport Information Team – Triathlon.”

Mrs Harvey said she was excited to be one of the lucky few volunteers who will be based primarily in the Athletes Village as a member of the sport information team.

 “Being able to see and experience the village atmosphere and athletes away from the eyes of the public and cameras and have that reassurance and knowledge (as a worried mum) for when Luke is there as an athlete,” she said.

“Luke was keen to volunteer to give back to the sport he loves.

“As an up and coming junior, current 16-19 age group triathlon sprint world champion, this would provide more of an understanding of what goes on at the higher levels and what it takes to run such an event.   

“Luke has been fortunate to be placed as a sport competition team member triathlon.

“One of his roles mentions medal ceremonies which would be exciting as he has raced against and trained beside some of the Australians in the team.”

Read more Commonwealth Games volunteer stories on www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au.