Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Some Oz athletes still feel it's safe to attend Delhi CWG

Some of Australia's Commonwealth Games athletes have said that they still fee it is safe to attend next month's XIXth Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, despite security and terror threats.

Swimmer Geoff Huegill and divers Matthew Mitcham and Alex Croak told the Daily Telegraph that they are still going to the Games despite upgraded travel warnings.

Huegill said everyone, including athletes and spectators "should keep their wits about them" and follow advice from authorities including DFAT and Commonwealth Games officials.

"This is going to be the first time I'll go to Delhi... hopefully it wont be my last. I think everyone should keep their wits about them. Follow DFAT's guides on security and safety. We don't plan on things going sour and if they do that will be the decision of the Comm Games Association," Huegill was quoted, as saying.

Mitcham told readers he felt "100 per cent safe".

"There is always a back up plan... DFAT and Aus Comm Games Assoc. are all over it. I feel 100% safe," he added.

When quizzed by more than 2600 readers, they all said they were not concerned about terror threats.

"It's not on my mind... my focus is on the pool. We have security looking after us, DFAT informing us and I can only trust them on their reports," Huegill said.

When asked what would force them to withdraw, Croak said: "a whole lot".

"I agree with Matt and Geoff. We are there for competition and there is no point focusing on something that is completely out of our control. If we are focusing on it, then there is no point of even going as we will not perform at our best," Croak added.

The concern for the athletes safety has risen after a footbridge near the venue of the Games opening ceremony collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, sparking fears that India will not be able to host of the Games successfully.

Other Commonwealth Games teams from New Zealand, Canada and America have also criticized the athletes facilities after arriving early in Delhi.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd also urged Australians to pay close attention to a travel alert warning of a "high risk of terrorist attack" in New Delhi during next month's event, which runs from October 3 to October 14. (ANI)


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