Positive signals from Canada, New Zealand

The Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is looking forward to the Games in Delhi and has sent positive signals to that effect even as encouraging reports came from New Zealand which, after studying the situation at the Games Village and the safety measures for the athletes, gave its approval.

The first athletes from Canada are scheduled to arrive on Monday starting with boxing and lawn bowls squads. The boxing team will have seven athletes, two coaches and one team leader while the lawn bowls will comprise 11 players, one coach and one leader. Some mission staff will be moving into the athlete's village on Sunday. The Canadian authorities are satisfied with the “emergency and evacuation procedures” put in place at the Games Village that has remained the focal point in the past few days.

The fact that the internet availability had improved at the Village and four new mission staffers, including two sport science experts, doing preliminary assessments and reporting that the “venues look good” has only boosted the spirits of the athletes looking forward to the event.

Meanwhile, 37 athletes and team officials from 11 nations and territories arrived here.

The largest contingent to arrive on Saturday was a 23-member delegation from Trinidad and Tobago.