The Abuja 2014 bid Committee is expected to play host to the Commonwealth Games Association (CGAs) from the various Commonwealth regions in line with the Commonwealth Games Federation's (CGF) guideline.

Media officer of the committee, John Amangele told City News, that the CGAs from the Americas comprising Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, St Helena, Falkland Island and Canada would be the first group to visit the country.

"The first groups of the CGAs which will be coming from the Americas are scheduled to pay the visitation between Tuesday 19th and Friday 22nd June, 2007," Amangele said.

He said that the visit which is another major aspect in the bidding process is in line the CGF's guidelines that officials from member nations have opportunity to see first-hand the facilities proposed by candidate cities to host the Games.

"This is coming on the heels of the recently concluded evaluation exercise by the CGF and we will take advantage of this visit to further solicit the support and votes of the various member countries for the Abuja bid come November 9, 2007 in Colombo Sri-Lanka," he said.

He said that confirmation has been received from Belize, Bermuda and Barbados (in the Caribbeans) that Mrs. Yolanda Icela Fonseca, Mr. Stanley Douglas and Steve R. Stoute respectively will be representing them on the visits.

Programme for the visit will include courtesy visit to the management of the National Sports Commission (NSC), officials of the FCT, media briefings, inspection of facilities and excursion to tourist sites among others.

City News recalls that presidents of the 17 games to be featured in the Abuja Bid paid on-the-spot assessment visit to Nigeria between 20th and 24th March, 2007 to inspect facilities on ground having approved the proposal of the Bid Committee to stage the sports in the Games.