Organizers of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games are reportedly disappointed that International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge cancelled plans to attend the Games, said the Melbourne Age newspaper Tuesday.
The official reason was another commitment, but the newspaper reported it was a snub to Melbourne 2006 chairman Ron Walker who denied accreditation to Australian IOC member Phil Coles. According to the Age animosity has existed between Walker and Coles since 1990 when Coles refused to attend the Melbourne Games. The Age said Walker blamed Coles for sabotaging the bid, which Coles has denied.
Walker said, “I respect Dr. Rogge but for him to boycott the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in support of Mr. Coles is inexcusable”.
Commonwealth Games Federation chairman Michel Fennell said the events surrounding Rogge’s non-attendance were unfortunate, and he was very disappointed. “We have worked hard to forge very strong links with the IOC and Jacques Rogge in particular. Having him there would add a lot of prestige to our Games”.
