Volunteer programme
With money from government, M2002 is working with partners across the North West to develop and deliver training to residents of disadvantaged areas in the region so that opportunities to participate in the Commonwealth Games are shared amongst communities, irrespective of age, formal education, ethnic group, economic circumstance and level of physical mobility.

Job creation & employment opportunities
Through the regeneration agencies in East Manchester, the site for Sportcity, employment charters are attempting to ensure that local young people have the opportunity to link training and work experience with long-term career prospects.

Access
In Manchester in 2002, elite athletes with a disability will compete in an inclusive sports programme for the first time in the history of a major international multi-sport event. More than 200 competitors will take part in eight events in aquatics, athletics, lawn bowls, table tennis and weightlifting - and the 10 days of sport will be embraced by the same Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Uniquely, every single medal won will be counted in the medal-winner’s country’s total.

In line with the aims of Manchester City Council’s Access 2000 Strategy and its own corporate commitments, M2002 will deliver an accessible XVII Commonwealth Games. This means access for disabled people to the whole Games experience. This includes provision for:

• accessible venues



• leaflets and information in alternative formats e.g. braille and tape



• the positive encouragement of disabled people to join both its full-time workforce and its Games' time volunteers



• disability awareness training for staff



• an accessible fleet of vehicles for the Games family