2010 CWG, 2012 London Olympics to assist each other

NEW DELHI: Organisers of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and 2012 London Olympics on Tuesday agreed to co-operate with each other to ensure that the two mega events are staged successfully.

The two organising committees signed the 'Principles of Mutual Assistance,' according to which both cities will work together to ensure enhanced delivery of the two events.

"The successive staging of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012 provides an opportunity for the two host cities to work together to enhance the delivery of these two major events, based around relevant city and event planning, services, operations and issues," the agreement stated.
   
The exact areas of co-operation are still to be discussed but 2010 Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi said it would be an "ongoing process" and the two committees will do "whatever needed to ensure that the two events go full blast."

Kalmadi signed the MoU on Delhi's behalf with Sebastian Coe, representing the London Games.
   
"Both cities face big challenges and we would like to work together at the highest level to realise our objectives," Coe, a 1500m gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, said.
   
They will seek to add value to the overall planning and delivery of key city services, operations and functional areas by sharing experiences and best practices.

Visits or exchanges would also be scheduled and the two parties may look towards future co-operation in areas such as volunteers, coaching, physical education, infrastructure and culture, the statement added.