WHILE the Games don't officially open until today, the highlight for the throng of journalists and photographers who have invaded Sydney -- 22,000 in all -- may have already come and gone.

At a special Press welcoming party on the Rosehill Race Course on the outskirts of the city yesterday, who should turn up as special guest but Muhammad Ali -- and the result was pandemonium.

Frail, shaking uncontrollably, and showing all the obvious signs of a man debilitated by Parkinsons disease, the heavyweight icon who was voted Athlete of the Century, in the eyes of most sports writers -- this scribe included -- remains head and shoulders above all of today's so-called superstars.

Wherever he's travelled on his current tour of Australia, the response has been the same. The adulation he received as a world beater has never waned.

Sadly though, any appearance by `The Champ' these days -- yesterday included -- can be likened to a circus act. Barely able to speak, he's paraded around by minders almost as an object of curiosity.

When I first had the privilege of meeting Ali at a luncheon in the Hamilton Princess back in 1974 as he prepared to take on Joe Frazier, there was something magical, almost mystical about the man.

And even today, he shows glimpses of that magnetic personality which endeared him to so many.

As photographers and reporters literally climbed over each other in an attempt to get a closer look, sending beer bottles and wine glasses flying through the air, it took a few words from Ali himself to restore order.

Flashing that familiar impish grin, he stuttered: "You guys stay cool, 'cos you ain't no fools.'' *** BERMUDA Olympic chief Austin Woods must have thought Christmas had come early when he checked into his plush Sydney city hotel earlier this week.

Entering the room for the first time, he discovered an array of gifts scattered over the king-size bed, flowers on the dressing table and offers of assistance whenever required.

But alas, while Woods has been known to rub shoulders with the high and mighty, this outpouring of hospitality wasn't intended for him.

Through a strange twist of circumstance, the BOA president found himself in the room prepared for world football boss Sepp Blatter.

The head of FIFA's arrival had been delayed and as Woods' own room wasn't ready, hotel staff made a quick switch. As for those gifts, Woods left them well alone.

Despite the honourable Mr. Samaranch's insistence that the Olympic bribery scandal is now dead and buried, he wasn't taking any chances! *** THE Island's athletes will no doubt paint a picture of sartorial elegance when they step out for today's opening ceremony, decked in traditional red Bermuda shorts or skirts, navy blazer, white shirt and newly-designed official tie -- all courtesy of Smith's.

But fashion comes at a price.

Almost every day this week as soon as the sun has gone down, a cold wind has swept in from the Pacific Ocean.

With the athletes required to stand in line for almost four hours while the procession unfolds, serious consideration is being given to Bermuda's competitors taking with them a selection of warmer clothing, and making a swift change just prior to entering the arena.

Flying the flame: Bermuda-based tennis star Pat Rafter holds aloft the Olympic flame with singer Olivia Newton-John in Sydney.