Fennell praises Commonwealth Games organisers

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Delhi, India:

Delhi and indeed India went to bed last night on a pillow of satisfaction and pride, after witnessing - along with the rest of the world - what is already being dubbed as one of the best opening ceremonies at a Commonwealth Games.

Seven years of preparation, millions of dollars of unbudgeted expenses and myriad pre-meet problems were all forgotten, if only for one night, as the Indian capital celebrated the start of the biggest Commonwealth Games in history at the JN Stadium.

Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Fennell, who also heads the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), was full of praise for the local organisers, who almost impossibly saved the Games that seemed destined for failure.

"The organisers have worked tirelessly for many years and we commend them for their efforts," said Fennell, during his address in front of the 60,000 spectators, who had made their way to the venue.

"To the people of Delhi, you have welcomed us to your country and city with your traditional warmth and we thank you. This shows that through sports and friendship, many things can be achieved, even in the face of adversity,' Fennell said.

"It is also our hope that the athletes will exemplify the qualities of fair play and respect for one and all on and off the field of play in these friendly Games," he added.

Sportsmanship values

The Jamaican paid homage to the athletes who had journeyed to the city and went on to implore them to embrace the values of sportsmanship. Fennell also encouraged all to focus on the Games and the athletes involved in the next coming days and made special mention of the over 15,000 volunteers from all over the world who are serving in Delhi.

"Over the next few days we will witness the brightest athletes in the Commonwealth competing for glory, in the true spirit of sportsmanship. The preparations for these Games have faced many challenges, but we will now focus our attention on the competition and athletes in their quest for glory. I must also recognise the 15,000 volunteers who have assisted these Games wholeheartedly," said Fennell.

In truth, prior to yesterday's ceremony, many members of the international community here were somewhat uncertain of what to expect, given the much-maligned lead-up to the Games.

An eerie calm blanketed the Indian capital early yesterday morning, as everyone seemed to hold their collective breath in anxiety. The streets were empty, shutters were drawn and there were more security personnel than people an the street; India had become an entrapped nation waiting to burst at the seams in palpable excitement.

Lingering memories

For organisers, it was hoped that yesterday's three hour-long spectacle would erase the lingering memories of the millions that were dished out to stage these Games and would remove the stain brought upon the nation after the event was, at one point, thrown into uncertainty amidst delays and health concerns.

"India is ready," exclaimed organising committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi. It was just about the only thing he said that was not met with boos and jeers from the crowd, which was apparently not ready to forgive the Indian politician and senior sports administrator for the negative lead-up to the event.

"There have been delays and many challenges, but we have been able to rise above them all," Kalmadi resolved.

Tradition, elegantry, colour and rhythm all seamlessly crafted in a rich depiction of Indian heritage, formed the identity of the ceremony, which drafted the melodic harmony of conch shells, Nagada drums and Dung Chen trumpets in a homage to over 5,000 years of Indian history.

It's now becoming more apparent that India is ready to welcome the world and if the opening ceremony is to be used as a measuring stick, then Delhi 2010 will be remembered for years to come for all the right reasons.

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