Commonwealth Games Canada "encouraged" by Delhi 2010 Actions
New Delhi, India – October 15, 2009 … An expert review panel and commitments of additional government funding are “positive developments” that will go a long way to ensuring that Delhi, India is successful in hosting next year’s Commonwealth Games.
That assessment comes from senior officials with the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada (CGC) who have just returned from Delhi where they participated in the Commonwealth Games Federation’s (CGF) General Assembly.
Delhi will host the 19th Commonwealth Games from October 3 – 14, 2010.
“It’s no secret that Games organizers are facing enormous challenges in a wide range of areas – from venue construction to transportation, accreditation and security,” stated CGC President, Dr. Andrew Pipe. “But we’re encouraged by the Indian Government’s commitment to provide whatever resources are necessary to ensure the Games are successful.”
“We also applaud the Federation’s decision to create an independent Technical Review Panel,” added Scott Stevenson, CGC’s Director of Sport. “This group will be responsible for recommending immediate corrective measures and for ensuring there’s no slippage going forward. This is absolutely critical if we hope to create the best possible conditions for our athletes to excel against world-class competition.”
Stevenson added that the Delhi Games next year represent the most significant preparation for Canadian summer sport athletes in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.Canada finished third overall at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, with a total of 87 medals.
The Canadian contingent at the General Assembly also included Thomas Jones, CGC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Jon Kolb, Team Leader – Coaching and Applied Sport Science for Team Canada at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and Manager of Sport Science and Sports Medicine at Own the Podium. Later this month in Ottawa, CGC will provide a formal briefing for national sport organizations preparing for the Delhi Games.
“As CGF President Michael Fennell has stated, there is no doubting the sincerity of our Delhihosts to produce an outstanding international sporting event next year,” concluded Dr. Pipe. “We’re excited about that, and I’ve made it clear that Canada will do its part to contribute whatever advice and expertise we can to help make that happen.”
Canada hosted the first Commonwealth Games, known then as the British Empire Games, inHamilton in 1930. Other Canadian host cities have included Vancouver (1954), Edmonton(1978), and Victoria (1994).
About Commonwealth Games Canada
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. Led by its volunteer Board and supported by professional staff, CGC is committed to strengthening sport in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth.
For more information:
Martha Deacon Scott Stevenson
Chef de Mission Director of Sport
Team Canada 2010 Commonwealth Games Association of Canada
Work: (519) 748-1341 (613) 244-6868
Mobile: (519) 239-5334 scott@commonwealthgames.ca
