Hovell shrugs off Commonwealth Games controversy
NORTH West lawyer Mark Hovell is beginning his trip to Delhi to advise at the Commonwealth Games today.
Despite the storm of controversy about the quality of facilitiies for the athletes, and more recently leaked plans about a possible terrorist attack, Mr Hovell says he is “excited” about his trip to the Sub-Continent.
The managing partner of Manchester-based George Davies Solicitors and a well regarded sports lawyer, has been invited to Delhi as a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s six strong legal panel.
He will spend 17 days in Delhi, and will be on hand to settle any disputes that may arise during the Games. He is the only British representative – the other arbitrators are from Canada, South Africa, Australia and India.
He told TheBusinessDesk.com:”I am looking forward to the trip, in spite of the negativity surrounding the event I am confident the Games will be a success. I love sport and I think there is going to be some fantastic events.
“The publicity about the facilities has tainted the event which is a shame, but I think as with the Olympics in Athens things do happen at the last minute and it will go well.”
Among the issues Mr Hovell and his colleagues may have to oversee are doping cases and selection issues where two athletes are competing for one space in a team.
If his workload allows he is looking foward to seeing the Rugby Sevens, cycling and swimming competitions.
“There are a number of top athletes still attending and I’m sure we’ll see some wonderful sport. This is the first trip of this nature – and I’m excited about it.”
