London 2012 hygiene under spotlight following Commonwealth Games troubles
October 1st 2010

Amid concerns that poor hygiene may have put the health of the competing athletes at Delhi’s Commonwealth Games at risk,the British Cleaning Council (BCC) has asked LOCOG to demonstrate its regard for adequate hygiene in the preparations during the 2012 London Olympic Games.The move comes following reports that up to 15 swimmers suffered from a stomach virus,potentially caused by water in Delhi's pools at the Games aquatics centre.

Around 20 per cent of England's swimmers had an upset stomach, according to team doctors.Commonwealth Games Federation officials said they would investigate the matter urgently and conduct tests on the main pool and the warm-up pool at the main aquatic complex.

The BCC has made a formal request to the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG), calling that they demonstrate that the preparations and planning for the cleanliness and hygiene of the Games is sufficient, and that there is no chance that Britain’s reputation as a clean, safe,worldclass destination will be risked.

Mark Woodhead, chairman of the BCC, commented:“The adverse publicity surrounding the Commonwealth Games in Delhi has demonstrated that without adequate preparation, the health of both the spectators and competitors is at risk.Hygiene is very important, and a perceived lack of it caused great concern in the run up to the Games and has marred the competition.We want to see an extensive and detailed plan from LOCOG to reassure both ourselves and the public that there is no chance of these events being repeated in two years time.”

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