Competition, it seems, is not the only thing on the athletes’ mind at the Commonwealth Games. Most of them, after all, have admitted they are here to
have some fun too.
According to sources, around 5,000 packets of contraceptives have been lifted from the free condom-vending machines in the Village in the last one week.
More than 8,000 athletes from 71 countries are staying in the Village, which has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
What’s making news is not the usage of condoms alone. It is rumoured that the used condoms have clogged the drains of a few towers as they are being flushed down the toilets.
Much to his relief, CWG OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi was not blamed for this glitch and quite interestingly, CWG Federation chief Mike Fennell said this is the most positive story he has heard about the village.
“That means our athletes know the importance of protection,” Fennell said, while addressing the media. “Using contraceptives is very important and I am glad to hear that our competitors are not only enjoying their stay at the Village but they are being safe too.”
While most of the athletes seen roaming inside the Village are from same countries, there have been days when athletes from one country were seen moving with participants from another country. Athletes from England, Canada, South Africa and a few islands are seen together a lot of times. They seem to be gelling well.
Australia chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said his team has not used any of the free condoms and they have a supply of their own. “We have a supply of condoms in the medical door as you come in. There are no such (clogging) issues in our towers. We are happy with the maintenance,” Moneghetti said.
Meanwhile, Village mayor Dalbir Singh told DNA there was no clogging at any of the towers and that the reports were false. “But I don’t go to the athletes room, so I cannot comment on what they do there,” he said.
