Summer 2002 will always be remembered as when 'the Games came'. The XVII Commonwealth Games, called the 'Friendly Games' were staged in Manchester and Horwich played a vital role in their success. And the whole world watched.

They watched as top ahletes from 72 nations strained every muscle to win Gold right here. Horwich hosted 2 of the total 17 events. Around the Crown and Lever Park Avenue delighted crowds thronged to cheer as cyclists flashed by on roads made 'sterile' for the staging of this magnificent spectacle.

Yellow and purple flowers bloomed in profusion and the street columns carried banners welcoming everyone to the Games and to Horwich - a proud town with its civic pride boosted forever by this marvellous event.

The beauty of Rivington is now known everywhere and the profile of the whole of the North West has been raised to its rightful position as a colourful and diverse region with much to interest and delight its growing number of visitors.

The toughness and determination of the mountain bikers as they stuggled with a challenging course over Wilderswood and Rivington on 29 July thrilled the many spectators who watched in beautiful sunshine.

Badminton was staged at Bolton Arena, Middlebrook with its state-of-the-art technology. Every seat was taken for the fastest racquet sport in the world from 26 July, when the heats for the team events started, right through to the finals of the individual events on 4 August.

After a magnificent performance in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, when England topped the medal table in this event, hopes ran high for 2002.

And the England team did not disappoint! After a series of thrilling matches they clinched the team Gold Medal in front of a packed audience at Bolton Arena.

Finally, after all the events were over Horwich returned to normality. But the XVII Commonwealth Games 2002 will leave a lasting memory to treasure for all those who took part and especially the proud people of Horwich.

For more information - visit: Commonwealth 2002