Commonwealth Games all set for the big sell

A set of commercials will be aired in the North-west as part of a nationwide marketing campaign coinciding with the event's ticket application launch.

More than £2 million has been spent on plugging the event -- the biggest multi-sport competition to be held in Britain.

The TV advert centres around a Commonwealth athlete making his way to Manchester to take part in the Games.

During the journey he meets a variety of people -- both famous and unknown.

Athlete Denise Lewis appears at the end of the ad.

The adverts show the area's sporting heritage, it's party culture and it's people.

Mike Hales, director of Communications at Manchester 2002, said: "The advertisements show Manchester as the focus for the global community.

"The focus of one quarter of the world's population will be on Manchester and the ads reinforce the city's profile as a world class venue for such a huge event.

"The Games are not just about sport but a celebration of human endeavour."

Bolton Arena will host badminton during the 10-day event from July 25 to August 4, 2002.

Cycling will be held in Rivington where thousands of people are expected to enjoy one of the Games' few free events.

Tickets are available on-line at www.commonwealthgames.com or by picking up an application form from an Asda store. Deadline for applications is November 15.

MORE than 400 public and private sector delegates from the region were met for the first time to learn about how their communities could benefit in the long term from next year's Commonwealth Games.

The 2002 NW Economic and Social SRB Programme consists of a range of projects including the Commonwealth Curriculum Pack, Pre Volunteer Programme, Let's Celebrate, Passport, Healthier Communities, Prosperity

North West and Games Xchange.

The programme offers people opportunities, knowledge and skills to feel part of the hosting of the Games and to

feel some longer lasting benefit.