22 September 2010

Smaller teams consider withdrawal from Commonwealth Games

A day after the visiting Commonwealth delegates objected to "unliveable conditions in the Games village, some of the smaller teams are now considering withdrawing. David Harry, chef de mission of the 43-strong Guernsey team, said: "The next two days are vital. The monsoon caused real problems and you do have some sympathy, but then again they should not have left themselves in this position. There is a possibility that we will pull out.

Alan Cross, secretary of the Jersey Commonwealth Games Association, said: "We have to make a decision in the next 24 hours whether to take part or not. There is a risk we will not. It seems very likely that the accommodation will not be ready in time. If the first big team pulls out then others may follow. We are very, very unhappy and disappointed. In the future, members will be very reluctant to vote for cities from developing countries again which is a real shame."