To celebrate 500 days to go and Commonwealth Day (March12th), a revamped Games website will capture a network of worldwide web users with the launch of a new look Manchester 2002 site on www.commonwealthgames.com
Atlantic, the Official Communications sponsor of the 2002 Commonwealth Games has worked in partnership with M2002 to develop the site. As well as its technical and communications expertise, atlantic has provided financial support and is funding full-time members of staff to work on the site.
Gerry Pennell, Manchester 2002, Director of Technology said:
‘This is the first step in a phased development plan for the M2002 website. The improvements provide a platform for growth towards Games-time requirements, where the website will be critical in the delivery of results and will have anticipated 140 million hits per day.
‘The new content management system which has been put in place also allows the site to be regularly updated, making the site more dynamic and informative.’
More information will be available on the site with the development of the relationships with the 17 sporting governing bodies, which will enable the site to have more content on each sport being held in the Games.
The website holds a wealth of information about the Games, everything from details of the sport and countries involved, to webcams of the various venues being built. Eventually the site will also feature, a merchandising store and on-line ticketing and, during the Games, will show live results, and delayed on-screen coverage of some events.
News of the website will spread on 12 March – 500 days to go – as a mass market email goes out to more than 100,000 people through Manchester 2002’s sponsor partners and through its extensive network of contacts. These contacts will in turn pass the e-mail on, and over the following days, millions of people will have instant access to the Commonwealth Games site giving them the opportunity to count themselves in to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mr Jackie Doyle, atlantic’s Commercial Director, commented:
‘The website is one of the most effective ways of getting people from around the world involved in the Games. We are working in partnership with M2002 to make sure that the site reflects the energy, dynamisms and excitement of the Games, both before and during the event itself.
‘Our relationship with M2002 shows that great things can be achieved by working in partnership and we are currently developing some exciting plans for the future development of the website – watch this space.’
For further information, please contact:
Jacqueline Meenan
M2002 Press Officer
Tel: +44 (0)161 240 2056
Mobile: +44 (0)7980 792002