CGF Assembly 2007 opens today

Bernard Perera

The Commonwealth Games Federation will hold its General Assembly 2007 in Sri Lanka with the opening ceremony scheduled for today at the BMICH. The chief guest on the occasion will be the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee Chairman Hemasiri Fernando is the man behind, who worked tirelessly to host the assembly here which is a big achievement for the NOC and also to the country at large.

His efforts have received the support from all quarters in the country specially from the President, Ministry of Sports and other Governmental organisations. The Assembly has attracted well over 500 delegates from 71 countries affiliated to the Commonwealth Games Federation.

The biggest delegation to arrive are from Scotland and Nigeria the countries bidding for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Abuja, Nigeria.

According to Lean Mcphea the Scottish delegate who was in the island to attend the first meeting said that her contingent is over 100. Lean said that these delegates will present their worthiness to win the bid for the 2014 Games, which is to be discussed and finalised at this Assembly. She said that their chances depend on how the Assembly scrutinize.

Meanwhile Nigerian delegate who has arrived for the second time to the island to canvas for their bid was of the same view as the Scottish lady Mcphea. According to Emmanuel Ibinosa of Nigeria his delegation is led by the Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck E. Johnathan which comprise of thirty personnel. Emmanuel said they are expected to arrive in the island late last night.

The Assembly in addition to deciding of the 2014 host city are scheduled to elect the officials for the forthcoming period.

According to reliable sources Sri Lanka’s NOC Chief Hemasiri Fernando is tipped to be elected as Vice President uncontested.

Hemasiri Fernando speaking said that this is a great achievement for the country which has got the opportunity to bring in all chiefs of governing bodies of the Commonwealth countries. Sri Lankans should be proud of this occasion. It, not only serves sporting fraternity but also the country at large.

The delegates arrival here will show the world the true picture of Sri Lanka. It will be also an opportunity to promote tourism and the people involved in this trade should gather the maximum from this chance, said Fernando.

He further added that all these were possible with the fullest co-operation from the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge and the Minister of Sports Bandula Basnayake and all other officials of the relevant ministries.

He paid a special tribute to all officials who are engaged with the local work involved with the Assembly.