Commonwealth Eve

After months of family members asking me if I was going to come to Delhi to watch the Commonwealth Games, I must say, I was starting to really consider making the trip to take part in the vibe, celebrate the victories and feel the energy flowing through my blood.

However, in recent weeks there has been growing concern about India's capability to host the games. Why? Because logistically, the structures to house the events were constructed quickly and arguably questionable with regards to safety.

Of course, the Commonwealth committee, and the BBC for that matter, have known this fact for some time now; using the reasoning that Indians just do things differently and work at a different pace... Which is true. But which begs the question, at what point in the delegation process do the head honchos step in? When is it their duty to insist upon work hours, work plans and standards. Is this not part of the approval process when a company proposes a plan to host the event?

Logistically, Delhi has the resources and know how to do this task. We were all rooting for it. I guess the security that is required for safety and terrorist threats should be matched in construction crews. How disappointing.

I still do believe that Delhi will pull through. I have faith. I also believe that the athletes that are pulling out of the games are missing out on an incredible experience in an incredible country... A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Indian culture and hospitality. I would still have LOVED the opportunity to be there for the opening ceremonies taking place on Oct 3. Can't wait to YouTube it.

For me, I can identify with this challenge of delegation and follow-up, as I believe it is something that the perfectionist in me struggles with every time I hand a task to the hands of someone I have not worked with before ... It's like leaving your child at a new babysitter for the first time. Will the babysitter treat the child as its own? Or will it neglect it, forget to feed it, and you will receive your child with crayon and chocolate in equal proportions on their face?

Funny enough, the Commonwealth committee has stated that for the next games in Glasgow, they will work closely with the local planning committee to ensure a timely set-up of logistics so that this issue is averted. I guess there is a fine balance between delegation in micro-managing versus macro-managing.

Please pull through Delhi! Read the BBC article here...

(image taken from www.bbc.co.uk homepage)