The Co-ordination Commission (CoCom) of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) concluded its second inspection visit to Glasgow, the host city of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The four member panel, chaired by Bruce Robertson, CGF Vice-President, spent two days meeting with the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee and representatives from a range of Games partners. Mr Robertson praised the progress made by the games organisers and partners since the first CoCom visit in October 2011. Mr. Robertson pointed out that various aspects made great progress. Such as, the opening of two refurbished venues: Royal Commonwealth Pool and Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls, and the good progress being made on construction of all other venues and in particular the Commonwealth Arena. As well as the Organising Committees responsible approach to managing public funding; they have been able to create a culture of strong budget control and are on target to deliver the Games within the approved 524 million budget. Furthermore, the Organising Committee was able to welcome an additional 60 staff since the CoComs last visit. Lastly, the commencement of detailed work on the Model Venue Exercise, this is the template which will guide the planning of all the venues to be used during the games. This will define the temporary designs of the venues and overlay requirements. Mr Robertson also spoke about the progress made by all Games partners, in particular Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, as they ensure the Games deliver a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland. However, no project on the scale of the Commonwealth Games comes without any challenges, and the CoCom also highlighted areas where the organisers must maintain focus in order to ensure a successful event. Some of the things he mentioned were the installation of the athletics track as this is a unique and innovative project that needs constant monitoring. The security budget will need to be managed carefully by the Scottish Government and the responsible public safety and security agencies. The Athletes Village is always a challenge for any event organiser. It is a large multi-party undertaking. It must achieve a high standard of amenity and functionality to support the athletes and to ensure Scotland and Glasgow is a great host. Mr Robertson further said: While there is no time to waste, we are delighted with the progress the Organising Committee, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland have made. The partnership we have struck with these organisations is a truly collaborative one and importantly one of mutual respect which is geared towards great outcomes for Glasgow, Scotland and great Games for the Commonwealth. What we are seeing in Glasgow and in Scotland is a growing competency which will deliver not only great games in 2014 but will continue to support the event hosting platform Scotland has been building for some time.
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