Speeches from the Closing of the Commonwealth Games 2002.
 

Her Majesty The Queen's Speech

"In the name of the Commonwealth Games Federation I proclaim the XVII Commonwealth Games Manchester 2002 closed, and in accordance with tradition 1 call upon the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Commonwealth to assemble in four years' time in Melbourne, Australia to celebrate the XVIII Games.

May they continue to display friendship and concord so that the spirit of our family of nations may be carried on with enthusiasm, courage and honour for the good of humanity and the peace of the world."

Speech by Michael Fennell

"We have now come to the end of 11 days of world class competition in 17 sports and what a feast of excellence we have been privileged to be a part of. It has been a truly outstanding spectacle of the best of Commonwealth Sport which has been enhanced by the full participation by athletes with disabilities.

Several world and Commonwealth records were broken and many athletes achieved their personal best but we must recognise every single athlete who has been part of this wonderful spectacle of sport. We salute all you great athletes and wish you continued success in your sporting endeavours.

The games have been superbly organised and to everyone involved our congratulations and thanks for a job well done. Special mention must be made to the volunteers who contributed so much to the success that it has been

Your Majesty, at the Opening Ceremony we dedicated these games to you and we trust that they will forever remain a jewel in your crown as you continue to celebrate your own remarkable achievements in your Golden Jubilee year.

To the people of Manchester - You now have a legacy of excellent sports facilities and the experience of hosting a premier international sports event. However the legacy that will remain in all our hearts is the warmth of your hospitality and the lasting friendships we have made. Thank you Manchester.

Now we turn our eyes to 2006 and Melbourne, Australia where the XVII I Games will be celebrated. Shortly the flag of the Commonwealth Games Federation will be lowered and handed over to them. We have high expectations and every confidence that our athletes can be assured of another great celebration of Commonwealth sport in 2006.

And as we bring the curtain down on this memorable event let us once again thank the athletes, the organisers, the sponsors, the UK government, the Manchester City Council, the volunteers, the technical officials, the media and in particular you the spectators. You have been absolutely fantastic and provided the inspiration to all the competitors.

These XVII Games have been undoubtedly a great success and raised the bar of excellence for all the future games.

May I close by wishing the people of Manchester God's richest blessings and our gratitude.   Manchester - You are the best."

Charles Allen Speech

"During the last 11 days we have witnessed an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Commonwealth Games and of this, the City of Manchester.

I can't tell you how proud I am of my team, who have created the biggest and most successful multi sport event ever held in Britain.

It has been very much a team effort and I would like to thank all those involved.

Firstly, the President of the Commonwealth Games HRH The Earl of Wessex, for his leadership and support; the Federation Officials - and specifically the men and women who have spent years training to provide us all with this world class spectacle of sport.

Ladies and Gentleman - the athletes of the XVII Commonwealth Games.

These Games would not have been possible without the support of our commercial sponsors, partners and Broadcasters; our Funders - Sport England, Manchester City Council, and Her Majesty's Government, in particular our Prime Minister, Tony Blair, whose personal commitment to these Games has been significant.

My personal thanks go to the 32,000 people who have been involved in delivering these Games.

The staff, the performers, the City Council workforce and the Games contractors, but especially those people who freely gave up their time, added their creativity, good humour and enthusiasm - the incredible Team, the 2002 Volunteers.

Your Majesty, it has been even more special that the Games have been held in this, your Jubilee year, and on behalf of everyone who has been involved with the Games, I would like to add our congratulations on 50 years of dedication and commitment to the Commonwealth.

And finally, I believe passionately, that the most important part of the Games is its legacy: The Sports facilities The Inner City regeneration The transformation of this City.

Manchester is a fantastic City, a City with pride, humour, enthusiasm and sincerity.

A City that has been proud to host the 17th Commonwealth Games in its own distinctive Mancunian way.

In a few short hours the Games will be but a memory.

But I believe, for everyone touched by the spirit of these Games, it is a memory that will be a valuable part of the rest of our lives.

I would like to end by thanking the people of Manchester for creating this wonderful memory.    Thank You."