TYPICAL Manchester weather meant the closing ceremony continued the new tradition of this Commonwealth Games - nothing false, when you come here you get what you see writes Chris Sudlow

It rained throughout, but obviously apart from the chief guest, nobody else sheltered when making their speeches. They were genuine, just like the Games has been.

During the memorable 10 days, I managed to watch a very low key athletics day (almost a full house), women's hockey semi-finals (desperately wet, but a full house), weightlifting (strangers, from the South Seas winning medals and filling the small International Conference Centre at the G-Mex with their smiles).

And you know what? I've never seen so many happy people in my life. Manchester, and all the satellite towns involved, including memorably Bolton, has been buzzing with life and vitality - and friendship.

They call it the Friendly Games, but that is normally attributed to the sportsmanship of the competitors.

This last 10 days has seen a side of the English sporting world I have rarely seen in decades watching sport in England, and that is the friendship of the spectators.

Perhaps it is because of the sports selected for the Games.

I doubt if the next time I discuss Manchester United, City or Bolton Wanderers' prospects with the majority of fans of either side if that sporting spirit will live on.

What a shame.