The first completed new sporting facility which will be used as a Commonwealth Games venue in 2002 was unveiled today with exactly two years to go to the Opening Ceremony.
The £32.2 million Manchester Aquatics Centre, the only swimming complex in the country with two 50 metre pools, will host the diving, swimming and synchronised swimming events for The XVII Commonwealth Games in 2002.
Built by Laing Limited, it was funded with £22.5 million lottery money from Sport England, with a further £9.7 million from a unique partnership between Manchester City Council, Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.
Sixteen young people from Manchester Aquatics Swimming Club were first in to test the water followed by Olympic and Commonwealth medallists Adrian Moorhouse, David Wilkie and Nick Gillingham.
The Olympic and Commonwealth swimmers took part in a charity race, each donating to a charity of their choice a portion of a £1000 prize given by Games Sponsor Atlantic Telecom Group plc, the communications provider for the Games.
A display of synchronised diving followed, with international divers Stephen Hill, Peter Waterfield and James Teal wearing full body suits in red, green and blue. Their diving display ended in the dramatic formation of the Games Spirit of Friendship logo.
Sharron Davies, Commonwealth gold, silver and bronze medallist addressed the guests which included The Rt Hon Ian McCartney, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office. She spoke of the excitement all the UK swimmers will feel competing on home ground in 2002.
The Rt Hon Ian McCartney, MP, Minister for State at the Cabinet Office and Chair of the Government Task Force working on behalf of the Games said:
‘I am delighted to be here today to see local children making a splash in these world-class facilities.
‘These children are our future gold medallists. This is the real benefit of the Aquatics Centre; it’s I not just here for the two weeks of the Games, but will be here for people to use for years to come.
‘The Government’s sport strategy actively encourages sport in the community. I hope that the 2002 Commonwealth Games will be a real inspiration for people to get involved in sport. The Aquatics Centre and other new venues such as the City of Manchester Stadium will give our young people – the gold medallists of the future – a real sporting chance of success.’
Rodger Pannone, Regional Chairman of Manchester 2002 Ltd, the Games organisers said:
‘The Games in 2002 will be a huge success, not just for Manchester and the North West but for the whole country. The Manchester Aquatics Centre is a magnificent swimming complex which will be seen by millions across the world as they watch the events on television. Once the Games are finished, the pool complex will be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities from Manchester and the surrounding region.’
Leader of Manchester City Council, Councillor Richard Leese, speaking on behalf of the City and three universities praised the high standard of the pool complex and said:
‘This is a fantastic swimming facility for the community and elite swimmers. Everyone involved in its building has put in a one hundred percent effort. This has meant that Laing was able to hand the complex to the new operators ten weeks ahead of schedule.
‘Sport England has played a crucial role in ensuring that a sports facility of this quality could be built. The lottery funding body recognises that staging major events can do a great deal to attract attention to a host city as well as providing world class sporting facilities for the local community.
‘And it is this partnership between the City Council, Sport England and Laing that will bring the region the new City of Manchester Stadium in East Manchester.’
Source: Manchester 2002