Scottish Athletes confirm there will be no 2010 boycott
By Adam Bergin
Glasgow Commonwealth Games officials have confirmed that preparations are on track for 2014 in light of the difficulties surrounding this year’s event in Delhi.
Around 70% of the venues for 2014 are already in place, but a Glasgow Commonwealth spokesperson has defended the progress in Delhi.
They said: “It’s not uncommon for major Games to have teething problems in the run-up to the opening ceremony.
“Each Games is different, they take place in different countries with different cultures and different ways of working”
Scottish athletes have today confirmed that they will travel after being convinced that issues with the athletes’ village were being addressed.
The news follows a series of high profile withdrawals of British Cyclists including Wales’ Geraint Thomas and England’s Ian Stannard and Ben Swift, although continued reassurances from the Delhi organisers have receded the threat of a mass boycott.
The Delhi organisers have come under intense scrutiny in the last few days with concerns surrounding security and hygiene for the event, which is to begin in nine days time.
2014 delegates will play an observational role at the 2010 Games prior to the official handover ceremony and insist that they plan to proceed as scheduled.
“At Glasgow 2014, we are happy with our progress to date,” the spokesperson added.
“We’re a little under four years out from our opening ceremony and have a lot to do, but we believe we are on track to achieve our ambition – which is to deliver an outstanding, athlete-centred and sport-focused Games that will be celebrated across the Commonwealth, generate enormous pride in Glasgow and Scotland, and leave a lasting legacy.”
