THE Jersey Commonwealth Youth Games squad has arrived in India – but they have to deal with violent thunderstorms, torrential rain, a flooded Games Village and an unfinished hotel building before the event starts on Sunday.
General team manager Paul Huddlestone (pictured) says the Indian Organising Committee has been overwhelmed by problems and is frantically trying to put things right before the Games begin. And their efforts have been made more difficult by the unusually hot, wet and humid weather, which has turned the Games Village into a ‘mud bath’.
Mr Huddlestone said, however, that progress is being made – and that local volunteers have been extremely accommodating. He said: ‘The local volunteers have been extremely friendly and helpful, even though they cannot always solve the problems. The Organising Committee has been overwhelmed by many issues that have been raised by the team managers, and it has been inadequately prepared for the enormity of the task.
‘However, federation officials have now arrived and they are focusing attention on the critical matters that need to be urgently addressed in order of priority. Each day has seen significant progress and it is expected that the essential elements will be completed by Sunday.’
The 12-strong Jersey team are competing in athletics, swimming and tennis.
