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2002 Commonwealth Games facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The 2002 Commonwealth Games were a huge sports event held in Manchester, England. They took place from July 25 to August 4, 2002. These Games, the 17th Commonwealth Games, were the biggest multi-sport event ever in England. They were even larger than the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London, with more teams and athletes taking part.

After a difficult time for Manchester in 1996, these Games helped the city grow. They improved Manchester's standing as an important European and global city. The city's economy grew quickly, and rebuilding continued after the Games. This helped Manchester become one of the main cities in the United Kingdom.

Where the Games Happened

Sports events for the 2002 Commonwealth Games were held all over Greater Manchester. The main stadium was the City of Manchester Stadium. This stadium was built just for the Games. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies. It also held the exciting athletics and rugby sevens events.

Special Locations for Some Sports

Most events were in Manchester, but some were a bit further away. The shooting events, for example, took place at the National Shooting Centre. This center is in Bisley, Surrey. That's about 200 miles (322 km) from Manchester. It's quite unusual for a big sports event to have venues so far apart!

Who Competed and What Sports Were Played

Seventy-two nations from across the Commonwealth sent their athletes to compete. They took part in 14 different individual sports. There were also 3 team sports events. Athletes from all over the world came together to show their skills and sportsmanship.

Images for kids

  • Manchester Sky

    Manchester was chosen by the Commonwealth Games Council of England to host the 2002 Games.

  • Manchester-city-fc-stadium

    The City of Manchester Stadium hosted Athletics and Rugby Sevens events.

  • CWG027 Manchester Aquatics Centre

    The Manchester Aquatics Centre was where Diving and Swimming events took place.

  • MEN Arena, Manchester - panoramio

    The Manchester Arena hosted the boxing and netball events.

  • Manchester Velodrome

    The Manchester Velodrome was used for track cycling races.

  • Bilston St.-Garrick St. - geograph.org.uk - 536739

    The Queen's Baton Relay passed through Wolverhampton before the Games in Manchester.

  • CWG007 Opening Ceremony

    The exciting Opening Ceremony of the Games.

  • CWG015 Opening Ceremony Athletes Parade

    Athletes from many nations paraded at the Opening Ceremony.

  • Commonwealth games 2002 countries map

    A map showing the nations that competed at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

  • City of Manchester Stadium 2002

    The City of Manchester Stadium during the Games.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Juegos de la Mancomunidad de 2002 para niños

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