Sydney/New Delhi, Sept 23 (IANS): Finally there is some appreciation for the beleaguered Commonwealth Games organisers from visiting teams. After reaffirming his country's committment to the Commonwealth Games, Australia Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) chief Perry Crosswhite today said he is satisfied with the security situation for the Oct 3-14 Games.
Crosswhite, who is in New Delhi as part of the advance teams from member countries, wrote a letter to the 400-strong Australian team from Delhi reassuring that the security at the Village and the other venues is acceptable.
"Overall, the impression gained by myself and our team headquarters members is that Games security is extensive and well organised at the Games village," Crosswhite was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. "From all reports this is the same situation at the Games venues and the airport and along the transport routes ... Our position regarding Games security remains unchanged and we believe the security risk position for our team is at an acceptable level."
Crosswhite said that view was supported by the security advisors to his association, the federal government and the Games federation.
On the issue of cleanliness at the Games' Village, Crosswhite wrote he is confident the athletes' accommodation will be acceptable by the time athletes start arriving on Monday.
England, Wales set deadlines
LONDON � Commonwealth Games plunged into deep trouble yesterday after England admitted their participation is �on a knife-edge�, while Scotland athletes delayed their departure to Delhi and Wales set a deadline of Wednesday evening for the organisers to certify all venues and Games Village are safe.
A footbridge collapsed near the main venue of the Games yesterday, which injured more than a dozen people, and the desperate state of the Athletes� Village � described by Commonwealth officials of some countries as �unfit for human habitation� � has cast major doubts over foreign athletes turning up in India.
And now the collapse of a small portion of a false ceiling at the weightlifting arena added to the gloom surrounding the event.
Commonwealth Games England chairman Sir Andrew Foster admitted that they will have to make a quick decision � within 24 to 48 hours � on whether to take part in the Games.
Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman Michael Cavanagh said that the first party of 41 athletes and staff in boxing, rugby and wrestling will now not be travelling tomorrow as planned.
Wales are also considering their options after giving the Games organising committee a deadline of Wednesday evening to confirm if all venues and the Village are fit for purpose.
