Sydney Olympic boss gives thumbs-up to 2010 Commonwealth preparatio

New Delhi, July 30 (UNI) Delhi University's backtracking, from the commitment of hosting aquatic and rugby events, may have left the organisers red in the face but the mastermind behind the Sydney Olympic Games, Sandy Hollway, gave a thumbs-up for the Capital's preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Hollway, the former CEO of the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG), was part of the five-member Australian delegation which met with the officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Sports Ministry, Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) this week to share their experience of hosting high-profile events Down Under.

Talking to UNI, Mr Hollway said most importantly, Delhi has got its strategy right and that augurs well for the 2010 Games.

''What impressed me most is that Delhi has got its strategy right. Take the venues for instance. They are clear about their infrastructure -- how many of those should be permanent, how much should be permanent and where only facelifts would do. Delhi definitely has got a good understanding of the tricks,'' he opined.

''I can say that Delhi has definitely made a good start and people here are keen. There is no reason you shouldn't do well,'' he added.

Mr Hollway reiterated the commercial aspect of the Games and said the Games provided a golden opportunity to brand Delhi.

''This is a golden opportunity to create Brand Delhi, the way we created brand Sydney or Melbourne. India is already talk of the time, in everyone's mind and this is the perfect time,'' he said.

Mr Hollway was not here just to share his experience with the 2010 Games organisers but also on a commercial mission, championing the causes of the Australian companies seeking a role in the entire project.

UNI