Where there is a will, there is a way. At least, that is what the Isle of Man, a country spreading over only 572 sq km, is determined to prove as it gears up to host the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) from September 7 to 13, 2011.
Everything has been planned meticulously so that the small nation with its limited manpower and resources can handle the demands of a multi-sport event with ease.
“The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) thought the CYG should move to smaller countries, so we will be the first small nation to host the Games,” Geoff Karran, the CYG2011 Organising Committee chairman, told The Hindu on Thursday.
Compact games
The CYG 2011 will have just seven disciplines — athletics, badminton, boxing, gymnastics, cycling, Rugby 7s and swimming – so that host can manage things well.
The CGF is chipping in with some assistance by providing the travel cost of four athletes and two officials from every participating country. “The accommodation and food for 1000 competitors and 250 officials will be provided by us,” said Mr. Karran, adding altogether 67 countries had indicated their participation in the 2011 Games.
Since the operational budget (£1.6 million) is limited, the Games is largely dependent on the spirit of volunteerism. “We are all volunteers, nobody is employed. Even I am a volunteer,” said Mr. Karran, proudly sporting the 2011 Games T-shirt. The country has renovated the existing stadia and has gathered 10 sponsors to make the Games a success. In order to bring in technical perfection, the Isle of Man expects a host of qualified officials and referees from different countries to help them.
