‘Hambantota’s bid is largely virtual’

22 June 2011 02:49 am

Chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Mike Hooper says the Sri Lankan's Hambantota's bid for the next Commonwealth Games is largely virtual

“We will be in Colombo for the briefings and the sort of sessions that we are doing right now,” he said. "Certainly in relation to an onsite visit, we have a full day travelling across to Hambantota.”

"We will be flying across I think helicopter across 40 minutes and spending the full day there going through and getting proximity and understanding of their proposals."

Mr. Hooper and six other members of the Federation's evaluation commission are on the Gold Coast to assess plans and facilities for the event.

He says security is one of 15 key themes that the Gold Coast and its rival candidate city, Hambantota, have to address.

The Evaluation Commission will travel to Sri Lanka from the Gold Coast.

The Evaluation Commission will publish its report in October and the host city will be announced in November.

(ABC News)