It was all smiles around for the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee at the end of the four days 7th Coordination Commission (CoCom) meeting in New Delhi this evening.
The CoCom, chairman, CGF Honorary Treasurer, Austin Sealy from Barbados, told a packed press conference yesterday evening, tha the congratulates the Organising Committee Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi and his team on their rapid progress since December (their last visit) and urges an increased acceleration in all areas which pose a substantial time or delivery challenges for the Games.
In a statement released, it was stated that in December 2009, 70 critical issues were identified by CoCom and as of today this has been reduced to 38.
Among the important achievements listed include:
#progress in relation to venue planning
#finalisation of workforce for training arrangements and commencement of delivery
#securing of Games accommodation requirements
#implementation of major Games technology systems
#implementation of a successful Chefs de Mission Seminar
#resolution of all outstanding Travel Grant issues
#the completion of 8 Test Events
#Securing of US$40 in sponsorship to date with a further US$34 million under final negotiations and a healthy residual pipeline
#progress in relation to the ticketing distribution systems
#attraction of additional experienced Games operations staff to support local talent with the OC
#the ongoing delivery of major services infrastructure by Delhi Government including for transport, water, power and other essential Games services
#the attraction of 24,000 volunteers to date
However, key challenges were also listed out by the CoCom which included
# while there remains much to be done to ensure readiness and a cohesive Games delivery from the opening of the Games Village on September 16th, the main concern of the CGF, is the delay in the delivery of the major sports venues by venue owners and in particular the Jawaharlal Nehru National Stadium (Athletics and Ceremonies) and the Talkatora Swimming Complex as well as the Games Village. These delays have a knock on effect and hamper the OC's planning and implementation for final overlay, staff training, rehearsal and simulation. It is imperative that everything be done to accelerate works that the agencies responsible for venue delivery cooperate fully with the OC to ensure the final planning for handover and operations
#integration of all agencies within a cohesive operational and decision making system which has clear lines of communication, decision making authority and responsibilities at Games time is always critical and this remains a challenge by there is a time to address this with the cooperation and commitment of all parties.
#Games Security - the CGF continues to work closely with the OC, Delhi Police and the Governments of India and Delhi to monitor all Games security arrangements and has assigned specialist consultants to work on its behalf as it is standard practice for all Games. All parties, including the CGF, are committed to the conduct of safe and friendly Games which will be enjoyed by all.
When the media questioned Sealy on how he can say he is happy with the meeting and was confident that everything will be in place for the Games, when there are still issues to be addressed, he simply replied:"As compared to our meeting five months ago and our visit, we are very happy with the meetings and the progress.
"Infact, there has been tremendous effort and progress and if they keep up the pace if not accelerate, we are satisfied that everything will be in place.
"We have been assured of that by the OC and the government itself. We have also spoken to consultants here, who have expressed their total satisfaction with the progress in the last five months and are very optimistic that all will be well.
"Of course there are areas to be addressed and we have pointed it out.
"Bedsides, although this is the final CoCom team will be coming here, we will still be monitoring the progress with us coming here as individuals to keep tab.
"I personally will be coming here for the athletics test event in July at the JLN Stadium."
Sealy also that he is very satisfied with the security arrangements and assured that athletes, officials and all visitors will not have to worry about the Games being safe.
"But we will continue to work hard at security and always be monitoring because we cannot afford be satisfied with security. We will always have to be vigilant and continue to work at it.
"I am certainly returning home satisfied with the effort and preparation of the OC. However, they cannot afford to slow down but accelerate the pace at all levels.
"I am confident that the Delhi Games will be as good if not better than the previous Games."
The OC's commitment is to make the Games the greatest ever!
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