Inspection finds Glasgow Commonwealth games on track

Organisers of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have been urged to remain on track with their preparations after coming through the first inspection ahead of the event.

The Commonwealth Games Federation’s co-ordination commission yesterday concluded a four-day visit to the city, during which an intensive inspection of progress took place.

All aspects of the preparation, including venues, the athletes’ village, transport, security and safety and workplace planning, were assessed.

No “red flags” signalling concern were raised in what was the first of six inspections, with another visit planned for April next year.

Bruce Robertson, vice-president of the CGF and chair of the commission, said at a press conference yesterday: “At this time there are no red flags. I think the ship is on course.

“Time is never a friend in these types of projects so, with a fixed deadline, it’s critical that people continue to stay on track with the project and move forward with the work that needs to be done.”

Concerns had been raised in the build-up to the last Games in Delhi and Robertson was asked if the process is more stringent now. He said: “One thing I will say about Delhi is that there is no doubt in my mind that India had the capacity to deliver a fantastic Commonwealth Games.

“Once some of the issues were resolved, based on our survey of the athletes that competed in Delhi, the athletes had a very positive experience.

“There certainly were some operational challenges but what we have done is added a couple of elements to the co-ordination commission process, which is more detailed technical reviews with specialists in particular areas, like transport or security.

“Those happen before the co-ordination commission actually arrives so that it gives us some detailed information on the status of critical items in the programme. That definitely has been added to the co-ordination commission process. The terms of reference for the co-ordination commission has changed as well.

“Those are the two elements which have changed since the Delhi process.”

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg is confident of delivering a successful Games, with work done on time and on budget. He said: “We are on track and on budget and we’re absolutely delighted to show the co-ordination commission members our progress, as well as discuss the pathway ahead of us.

“We have achieved a great deal to date, we have a great team and we are confident we will deliver an outstanding Games.”