Melbourne, Sept 11 (ANI): The fear of the dengue epidemic and 'safety concerns', including terrorist threats, have reportedly put Australian athletes in a dilemma as to whether or not to participate in the 2010 Common Wealth Games, scheduled to start from October 3 in New Delhi.
Perry Crosswhite, head of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, said that safety was the primary concern.
"My No. 1 priority is the safety of our athletes," The Daily Telegraph quoted him, as saying.
Australia's Commonwealth Games chef de mission, Steve Moneghetti, said the team was taking constant advice from the Government in this regard.
"If they tell us we don't go, we don't go. We take their advice very seriously, but at this point in time we are all systems go," he added.
The have also expressed their uncertainty hinting, if required, they would not hesitate to change their decision of participating in the event.
Runner Tamsyn Lewis said she might change her decision if situation demands.
"As an athlete heading into the Games I'm definitely monitoring the situation. Your life is more important. At this stage I'm going, but if the threat becomes more real and genuine then I will reconsider," Lewis added.
Scott Martin, the 2006 Games shot putt gold medallist, said the terror threat was a concern for all the athletes, and added: "You have got to be concerned about some of those things."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued an alert last week for the athletes to exercise a "high degree of caution" and added concerns over dengue fever. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
