Statement by Michael Fennell, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation
CGF statement, September 21, 2010
2010 Commonwealth Games Village
Final preparations for the Commonwealth Games Village have been of concern to the CGF since viewing the residential zone along with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) advance parties on September 15th. Many issues remain unresolved and as such last night I wrote to the Indian Cabinet Secretary, expressing my great concern with the preparedness of the Athletes Village to welcome the teams of the Commonwealth for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The Village is the cornerstone of any Games and the athletes deserve the best possible environment to prepare for their competition.
Many nations that have already sent their advanced parties to set up within the Village have made it abundantly clear that, as of the afternoon of September 20th, the Commonwealth Games Village is seriously compromised.
Since the nations have been arriving at the Village they have been all commented favorably on the appearance of the International Zone and the main dining area.
However, the condition of the residential zone has shocked the majority of CGAs that are in Delhi and, despite their attempts to work with the Organising Committee in a constructive manner since arriving on September 15th, significant operational matters remain unaddressed.
The problems are arising because deadlines for the completion of the Village have been consistently pushed out. Now, the high security around the site, while vital, is slowing progress and complicating solutions.
Security remains of the utmost importance to the CGF and our advisors continue to monitor the situation. Currently, this matter remains on track.
However, with the Village to be officially opened on September 23rd, timely acceptable solutions to prepare for the arrival of athletes are of paramount importance.
The CGF has asked the Cabinet Secretary to immediately deploy the necessary resources to fix all the outstanding issues to an acceptable level.
CGF CEO, Mike Hooper, and his staff are already in Delhi and are keeping me constantly informed of the situation and developments.
I will arrive in Delhi at the earliest opportunity so as to assess the situation first hand and provide our member countries and territories with a frank assessment of the situation.
The CGF remains committed to open and transparent communication with our members and their athletes.
Michael Fennell
President
21 September 2010