Sport

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Despite the myriad of negative press that has been generated around the Athletes' Village at the Common-wealth Games in Delhi, India, Jamaica's sportsmen and sportswoman in the Indian capital are finding this rather comfortable, days after their arrival for the much-maligned Games.

Additionally, netball captain Simone Forbes has been selected to carry the flag at Sunday's opening ceremony for the multi-discipline event that will see Jamaica represented in 10 of the 17 sports being contested.

Speaking from Delhi, Forbes, who will be leading Jamaica's push for a medal on the netball court, was full of praise for the accommodations inside the facility, which just over a week ago was described as inhabitable and filthy.

"It's (Athletes' Village) is fabulous," Forbes said. "It's actually awesome, that's why one can't always listen to everything that you hear.

"Trust me when I tell you, this will be the best Commonwealth Games ever," Forbes continued.

She went on to share that the vibe within the camp is extremely lively and that everyone was looking forward to the start of their challenge on Monday.

"The girls are doing great, everyone is in high spirits. We are gelling well and we definitely can't wait for Monday," Forbes continued.

Her teammate Kasey Evering was also happy with the conditions inside the Village and was focused.

No snakes

"So far I haven't seen any snakes," Evering joked, in reference to recent reports that snakes had ventured into the Village after a monsoon. "With a little more work the Village will be fabulous. We are here on business and we are coming home with a medal."

High jumper Sheree Francis told The Gleaner that she was amazed by the amount of work that was done on the facility, based on the state it was in, according to media reports coming out of India.

"The developments here are pretty amazing compared to the media's view, and I am happy that I made the choice to be here," Francis said.

"Since I got here and have seen things for myself, I am not as much concerned as I was before I got here. I am here to compete and will stay until it is over," she added.

Francis, who shared that she is determined to come back with a medal in her event, also took time to pay tribute to her teammates."My thoughts on the athletes here along with myself, I have to say that I compliment them for making themselves available to represent the country," said Francis. "I am here with them, and I can see the hunger in their eyes in wanting to be one of those who leave here with a title."