Contrary to the perception created by negative publicity the Commonwealth Games preparations have been receiving, many foreign participants on Monday found the Games Village much better than what they had imagined.
Stating that he has not come across anything bad, Michael Oluochi Omondi, the Paralympics coach for the Kenya, said: “The quality of food being served is good. The Village staff and the volunteers are very friendly.” Mr. Omondi, who also attended the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, said there is a “slight difference” between the infrastructure and facilities extended here. “Except for the bathrooms, everything is perfect.”Impressed with the arrangements and the warm welcome, Scottish Tennis Coach Euan Mcginn, who arrived along with a part of the contingent on Monday, said the facilities were second to none.
Gordon Shepherd, the Scottish Head Coach of the women's hockey team, also expressed satisfaction over the standard of accommodation. “Volunteers have been fantastic,” he said.
However, Samoa chef de mission Shelley Burich said the tower in which the team had to stay was not completely ready. “We have been assured that it would be ready by Monday evening,” she said, adding that the Village staff members were helpful in swiftly fixing the problems. The Samoan contingent is expected to arrive on Tuesday.
Lesotho chef de mission Tilali Rampooana said had the work been finished it would have been much better and beautiful than the arrangements at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
“Things look good,” said Martyn White, a member of the English contingent. Drawing a comparison with the Melbourne Games, he said the catering is almost identical, but the accommodation facilities were different. “It is fantastic and lot better than what I had imagined,” said Australian medical personnel Narelle.
While the Caribbean regional Vice-President of CWG Federation, Fortuna Belrose, said India had done a lot of work for the athletes to have a pleasurable time, a member of the Trinidad and Tobago contingent said, “Everything may not be perfect. But we are here and ready for the competition. Indian food is great. Almost 48 per cent of my country's population is of Indian origin. For me it is just like home away from home.”
