Games secretary happier after visit to N.Z.

Press, 5 March 1987, Page 34

Games secretary happier after visit to N.Z.

By

ROBIN CHARTERIS,

London correspondent The secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mr David Dixon, has returned to London “in much better heart” about Auckland’s ability to stage the 1990 Commonwealth Games, but has some major reservations.

“I am very conscious of time restraints and on the considerable action still needed over finances,” he said.

Admitting that he had been worried about the Auckland organising committee’s preparedness for the Games in the early stages of his 10-day visit, Mr Dixon said he left New Zealand much happier.

“In particular, I am very glad they made two new appointments to the board, which I think are very promising. “Appointng Earl Richardson and John Lister was a key decision taken at the right time, as was making Tom Aldridge the chief executive.

“I had a very useful morning with him (Mr

Aldridge) on my last day and was able to point him in one or two directions. His was a first-class appointment, and that was the most useful thing I was able to learn.” Mr Dixon, asked to comment on reports that he had “grave misgivings” about the Auckland committee’s ability to organise the Games, said, “If you had asked me that without the board appointments, I would certainly have had some concerns about the team. I think that was obvious to anybody.”

He said the loss of Trevor Maxwell and the departure “for good reasons” of Malcolm Beattie and David Mace were unfortunate and considerably weakened the team. “The right steps have been taken to strengthen the team, though, and that is very encouraging.”

Mr Dixon is still concerned I about some physical preparations for the Games.

“Three years is not a long time and the village has yet to be built. I am told that is not an impos-

sible feat in New Zealand terms, but it is still a green-fields site at present.”

Mr Dixon visited Seoul in Korea on his return from New Zealand and noted that building of the village there for the 1998 Olympic Games had not long begun. All other facilities in Seoul had been completed two years in advance. He had also been concerned in Auckkland by the complete lack of progress on the cycling venue and on the badminton hall, although as there were existing facilities for badminton, that was not so serious.

“I do have a concern about fund-raising. There is a great deal still to be found, and it is crucial that it is in place within months.” Mr Dixon would not be drawn into direct criticism of central or local government for not putting more money into Games preparation.

“The Government is doing quite a lot towards permanent facilities. It is a matter of judgment

what central and local government are prepared to do,” he said. “What the organising committee cannot take on itself is the permanent funding of capital structures. The committee must be sure it has the money to run the Games. “That requires a lot of what is called enhancement, improving facilities and putting them in order for the Games.

Mr Dixon said it was going too far to say he had “grave misgivings” about the successful staging of the 1990 Games.

“‘But I am very concerned about the time constraints — time runs out very quickly. With the team now in place and the goals they have set themselves, I do have a confidence, but it must depend in the last resort on finance. That’s where consideraable action is required.

"It demands firm action and strong leadership now. The lesson of Edinburgh is that things do not just happen on their own.”