The sports champion Prince who now heads the global Commonwealth Games movement believes Glasgow 2014 will be an outstanding festival of world-class sport after his first official visit to the city this week.
HRH Prince Imran from Malaysia, who was elected as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) last November, met with Glasgow 2014's Organising Committee to hear how preparations for the Games are moving forward and to see the planning process which will ensure the successful delivery of the Games.
The Prince, a former Malaysian squash champion and national team member, has been heavily involved in sport including being current President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and a member of the International Olympic Committee.
This week's Glasgow visit gave Prince Imran an opportunity to speak directly to senior members of the Organising Committee to gather information on a number of key delivery areas such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, venues infrastructure and the volunteering programme. He was also provided with an update on the legacy of the Games.
HRH Prince Imran commented on the progress being made in advance of Glasgow 2014: "It was heartening to see the pace of progress towards the Games on my first visit to the city and the Organising Committee. I believe what Glasgow and Scotland have done so far is excellent, and I know the city and nation will be great hosts leaving a warm, lasting impression on athletes, officials and spectators alike.
"I am encouraged by what I have seen and heard and, with the Games on track, I am confident that we will see an amazing 11days of world-class sport in 2014.
He added: "While there is still much to be achieved between now and the Games, I believe the Organising Committee has robust plans in place to, not only ensure a fantastic multi-sport event, but to deliver a tangible legacy for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth Games movement in general."
Lord Smith, Chair of the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, who welcomed the new CGF President to the city, said: "We were delighted to have the opportunity to update Prince Imran on the progress being made towards the Games so soon after his election. Since winning the right to host the Games in 2007, we have made tremendous progress towards staging an outstanding, athlete centered sport focused Games. We are accelerating the pace of progress all the time. We have 916 days until the Opening Ceremony and are confident in our plans to deliver the Games and a long lasting legacy after they have closed."
The visit of Prince Imran follows a recent inspection by the Commonwealth Games Federation's Coordination Commission in October 2011. The Commission reported it was satisfied with the strong partnership approach taken by the Organising Committee and Games Partners which is delivering across all elements of the Games. The Commission also believed there was a "clear focus on generating value and legacy for the people of Glasgow and Scotland".
For more information, contact: john.macneil@glasgow2014.com
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