Youths pray for success of Commonwealth Games

A group of Christian youths on Thursday prayed for the success of Commonwealth Games that is beginning tomorrow, October 3, amid criticism of the organisers' lethargic preparation.

The prayer at Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi was organised by the Delhi Youth Christian Forum (DYSF) which brought together church leaders and senior politicians.

The participants lit candles laid out in a shape of the Indian map with 'CWG 2010′ written inside.

"It is a call for unity amid so much negative publicity about the Games going on," Rakesh Singh, National Coordinator of the Youth Activ8 Foundation, told UCAN News.

Preparations for the multi-sport event received widespread criticism due to delays in construction projects and allegations of corruption.

"At this point one of the meaningful services we as youth can offer for the success of CWG 2010 is our prayer support," DYSF stated in a note. "Let's together bring our supplications before God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe."

The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be India's first big international sports event since the 1982 Asian Games.

The games will be staged in India for the first time and in Asia for only the second time.

Members of DCYF expressed hope to see the October 3-14 Games conclude as a "successful event". Their initiative to pray was commended by Parliament Member Oscar Fernandes.