Robertson led the sixth and final CGF Coordination Commission visit to Glasgow this week and praised the work of the Organising Committee so far, but warned them against resting on their laurels.

The Canadian, a former swimmer who won silver and bronze medals at Munich 1972, claimed he sensed a healthy feeling of nervousness and excitement within Glasgow 2014 during the three-day visit to Scotland and told them to "keep the butterflies in your stomachs" before predicting that these "will be a remarkable Games".

Robertson was joined on the Coordination Commission by CGF chief executive Mike Hooper, chief executive of Commonwealth Games Wales Chris Jenkins, President of the Zambia Olympic Committee Miriam Moyo and executive director of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) Andrew Ryan.

CGF chief executive, Mike Hooper and vice-president, Bruce Robertson are happy with the work bring done by Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg and his team
©Glasgow 2014



The Commission visited Glasgow last October and Robertson said they have been impressed with the progress that has been made in the intervening period, especially with the Athletes' Village - scheduled to open on July 13 - and Hampden Park, which will host the athletics events.

"The most visual indicators we have seen during this visit demonstrating the progress achieved in the past six months were the Commonwealth Games Village and Hampden Park," said Robertson.

"The Village construction is now complete and the Organising Committee is the manager on site and has commenced bump in of temporary overlay, furniture and fixtures.

"Hampden Park now has a grass infield in place on the raised deck and this iconic stadium is starting to look like an athletics arena already."

Glasgow was awarded the Commonwealth Games in 2007 and to date has secured 33 official partners and suppliers, with a number of high profile sponsorships with the likes of Ford announced in the last few months.

Robertson said the Commission were particularly pleased with the progress of work on Hampden Park ©ITG



Robertson said this was one of the areas the Commission flagged up during its last visit and is "very happy" with the progress made, while he also complemented the success of the ticketing programme for Glasgow 2014 which he said "was the best ever" for a Commonwealth Games.

While some tickets remain available, organisers claim that they have sold well over 90 per cent of the one million available.

Robertson finished by pointing out that the priority moving forward for organisers is to ensure the transport plan for the Games is finalised, along with the completion of venues and the continuation of training for the 15,000 volunteers and the testing of Games-time procedures and processes.

"Overall, things are in a good position and good shape to deliver the best Games ever," he said.

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg understandably welcomed the positive report from the Commission and promised that, with time ticking away fast, they will ensure that the hard work called for will be delivered.

"Our absolute focus is on getting the details right on frontline delivery, effective operational integration and ensuring the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games are - as we have committed to from the start - delivered on time and on budget," he said.

"With the reality of this summer's festival of sport and culture very much alive and building around us and with the Games creating real opportunities for individuals, for businesses and for communities, it is exceptionally gratifying to hear the CGF Coordination Commission talk of us now being positioned not just to deliver a successful Commonwealth Games but to deliver the best ever Commonwealth Games.

"What a statement of confidence in Glasgow 2014 and our Games partners and a real tribute to Glasgow and Scotland.

"As we enter the final straight our focus is that Glasgow and Scotland deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever for the 4500 athletes of the Commonwealth that we will warmly welcome for a world-class celebration of world-class sport." 

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