Staff and volunteers from Manchester’s Commonwealth Games are being invited to a special event at the end of the month.
The Tenth Anniversary planning event is taking place at Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium on Friday 28 October 2011,and aims to gather material for a proposed Tenth Anniversary Commonwealth Games exhibition at MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry).
The Spirit Lives On, Manchester’s Commonwealth Games Legacy, though still subject to funding, is hoped to run from April until August next year
MOSI’s curators want to create an exhibition that focuses on the legacy of the Games, particularly the part played by volunteers, who were seen as a major contributor to its success. The stories told by those attending the event at the stadium will be recorded by museum staff on the night and will help shape the exhibition.
Frances Done, former Commonwealth Games chief executive said: “We couldn’t let this important milestone pass without marking it in some way. We need to start planning the anniversary now, ready for next year. We had a huge workforce including 10, 000 volunteers and we want to invite them back to the stadium to share their memories with us. We’ve already had nearly 150 people sign up which is fantastic. We’re very grateful to the Football Club for hosting the event in the place which become an important symbol of the Games’ legacy .”
Tony Hill, MOSI’s Director and Chief Executive, and former Commonwealth Games Head of Marketing added: “The Commonwealth Games raised Manchester’s profile tremendously and was a catalyst for regeneration. It’s important to celebrate its success, tell the story and allow people to remember this incredible event. With the right funding we can create something really amazing. The exhibition would also serve as an opportunity for those too young to remember, to learn about one of the most important events in the city’s history. We want to encourage as many people as possible to come along on the 28th, so we can listen to personal experiences, gather material and make our vision for a Games anniversary exhibition become a reality.”
Other plans to celebrate the anniversary will include Games volunteers parading in the Manchester Day Parade and a reunion event.
To register for the event or to request a questionnaire email 2002gamesreunion@gmail.com.