Delhi is left with rich legacy, says Fennell (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI - Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell Thursday complimented the organisers for hosting a “outstanding” and “exceptional” Games and said “Delhi is left with rich legacy”.

“Today we bring and end to the 19th Commonwealth Games which was celebrated amidst outstanding performances. This all happened in the wonderful and exciting city of Delhi,” said Fennell, who has been a vocal-critic of the Suresh Kalmadi-led organising committee in the run-up to the Games.

“It is a privilege to be a part of this ceremony, where we saw unification of diverse personalities and countries. It is truly a memorable closing of Commonwealth Games where 71 countries competed for 876 medals. Many records have been broken here, all in the spirit of friendship. We salute all the athletes, specially the Indian,” he said.

Fennell congratulated Kalmadi and his team for “successfully conducting this truly outstanding event”. He lauded the work of the volunteers and the workforce.

“We congratulate and are thankful to the dedication and commitment of 22,000 volunteers. Large number of people and organisations contributed the success of the Games. We also thank the government of India and the Delhi government,” said Fennell

“Delhi is left with a rich legacy, specially the development of human potential for conducting such international event in future. At the same time we thank people of Delhi and spectators who were simply great, and came out in large number.”

Fennell said the security, medical and transport, arrangements were great.

“Now its time to set our sights on the 2014 Glasgow Games. Delhi delivered a truly exceptional Games, and above all a wonderful experience, thank you Delhi,” Fennell concluded amid deafening roar from the stands.