By Tom Degun in Glasgow

mike hooper_bruce_robertson_and_david_grevemberg_06-10-11October 6 - Glasgow 2014 have received a major vote of confidence after Canadian Bruce Robertson, the chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission, claimed preparations for the event are well on track with no "red flags" in sight at this stage.


The four-day inspection of Glasgow from the Commission was the first of six that will take place in the lead-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

There is particular focus on Glasgow 2014 given that the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games last year were dominated by major delays and security fears in the build-up to the event but Robertson, who is also the vice president of the CGF, revealed that the five-man Commission are happy with what they have seen following their visit.

"The project is on course and there are no 'red flags' in sight at this stage," said Robertson at a press conference here in central Glasgow that marked the conclusion of the four-day inspection," he said.

"We are satisfied with progress.

"The Commonwealth Games are a catalyst for positive change and real economic impact and as an example of that, 78 per cent of contracts awarded have gone to Scottish companies.

"The Games will create hundreds of jobs and will achieve sustainable benefits for Glasgow enhancing skills, regeneration of strategically important parts of the city, and developing improved amenity and opportunities for sport and healthy lifestyles."

Robertson also praised the partnerships between the key organisations involved in delivering the event.

"The Games governance structures are in good order," he said.

"The partnership across the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and the Organising Committee is impressive; as good as we have seen of any recent Games.

"We reviewed a number of areas, such as infrastructure, security, transport, workforce ramp up, finance, management and planning; none of the outcomes of the reviews were a surprise to us or the Organising Committee at this stage of the planning process.

"The level of activity typically accelerates at this stage of a Games project and we all need to shift into the next gear to keep pace.

"The next Coordination Commission visit is set for April 2012 and at that time we will be looking for the Organising Committee to have recruited more staff.

"We'll also be undertaking a further review of Glasgow's plans for transforming venues into Games-ready facilities, reviewing the sports programme, finalising the routes for the road courses and reviewing the Organising Committee's ticketing programme."

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg admitted that he was delighted with the feedback he had received from the Commission which had reaffirmed his confidence that the Scottish city will host a great event.

"We are particularly pleased with the Commission's observations and confidence in Glasgow City Council's ability to deliver the capital works projects on time and on budget," Grevemberg told insidethegames.

"They have recognised both the tremendous value these facilities will play in the Games experience - particularly for athletes - and the benefit they will bring to the local communities before and well after the Games.

"We are on track and on budget and we're absolutely delighted to show the Commission members our progress, as well as discuss the pathway ahead of us."

Michael Cavanagh, the Commonwealth Games Scotland chairman, added: "Commonwealth Games Scotland welcomes the comments from the first visit of the CGF Coordination Commission.

"Delivering a Games that reflects and meets the needs of athletes and the Commonwealth Games Associations has always been our prime objective.

"The useful interaction and advice from the Coordination Commission will help ensure we remain well on track to do so whilst also delivering a great Games and legacy for Glasgow and Scotland."

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