World of sport

In 2002, Manchester had the honour of playing host to the XVII Commonwealth Games. Fast forward six years and the city is again bringing the North West plenty of world-class sporting events.

Some of the world’s greatest athletes in track cycling, swimming, paralympics, football, running and squash will be heading to Manchester from March to October to compete for some of the most prestigious prizes.

The activities start in March, with the UCI Track Cycling World Championships, followed in April by the FINA World Swimming Championships which will see the MEN arena being transformed into a water world. A busy May is next with the Paralympic World Cup, UEFA Cup Final and the BUPA Great Manchester Run: attracting the masses to take to the streets, all 31,000 of them. The Manchester run route is acclaimed as one of the three best and fastest in the world.

Coronation Street star, Tupele Dorgu was one of a panel of well known faces at the launch of Manchester World Sport ’08.

She said: “Last year, when I first decided to take part, I thought there would be no way that I would be able to complete the 10k without collapsing. I was absolutely over the moon when I crossed the finish line. I can’t wait for this year’s race.”

October completes an eventful year with The Hi-Tec World Squash Championships. The world number one women’s squash player, Nicola David, said: “It’s an exciting opportunity for Manchester to showcase its sporting qualities on a global scale.”

Whether you like to keep fit or prefer to exercise your eye muscles as a spectator, there is opportunity for both this year.

And you never know, you might even get to see Everton go glorious global at the UEFA Cup final, City stadium. Keep 14 May free.

For more information please visit www.manchesterworldsport08.com