Delhi 2010 Games On Track, But Key Issues Must Be Addressed
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
OTTAWA
Following an extensive, three-day site visit, senior officials with Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) are generally encouraged by what they have seen and heard about preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
“Overall, Games organizers are making headway on many of the most important facilities and services,” stated Martha Deacon, Chef de Mission for Team Canada 2010. “There has been progress on the Athletes Village, for example, and construction of most sport venues appears to be on track. We’re also reassured by the fact that the London-based Commonwealth Games Federation is taking such an active interest in preparations for the Games and is providing extensive support on the ground.”
Mrs. Deacon noted that CGC’s own planning for the Delhi Games is well underway and will include additional site visits to help create the conditions that enable Canadian athletes to put in their best performances.
“These visits are also very helpful in building strong working relationships with key personnel on the Delhi Organizing Committee,” she added. “Our hosts were most accommodating and really went out of their way to respond to our questions and provide us with the information we were looking for.”
However, the Canadian contingent did raise a number of operational concerns, particularly in relation to transportation and information technology. With regards to security, Mrs. Deacon commented that Games organizers are taking the issue very seriously. “We're confident they'll be successful in providing a safe and secure environment for athletes and spectators alike,” she said.
CGC’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Jones, emphasized the importance of having other experts as part of the Canadian contingent. “Dr. Jon Kolb, Manager of Sport Science and Sports Medicine at Own the Podium, provided us with tremendous insight into how best to manage some of the unique challenges our athletes will face, such as the heat, humidity and air quality,” he said. “And we were delighted to have VANOC 2010’s Todd Allison to offer his analysis and advice on issues related to transportation and logistics.” Mr. Jones noted that the site visit team also included medical and security experts.
In April, CGC will host a formal briefing session to share its findings with national sport organizations and is planning for its next site visit in October.
For more information, please contact:
Martha Deacon
Chef de Mission, Team Canada 2010
(519) 239-5334
martha_deacon@wrdsb.on.ca
Derek Johnston
CGC Communications
(613) 837-3377
derek@face-value.ca
