Sporting stars lend further support to Manchester’s bid for England 2018 World Cup
Greater Manchester sports stars have backed Manchester's bid to be a host city in the England 2018 World Cup by pledging their support.
The England netball team, who won bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and recently took part in the World Netball Series 2009 at the Manchester Evening News Arena, were keen to support the city's bid.
Squad member Jade Clarke from Trafford, said: "Manchester has a lot of special venues for sports fans. I'd like to see the World Cup come to Manchester as it's a good city with a great nightlife. It's a footballing Mecca and there is a lot of passion from the fans. There's a new sports village in my hometown Partington for example, which is really great."
James Hickman, former World Swimming Champion, said; "Nobody does global sporting events better than Manchester and the face of swimming, my own sport, was changed last year with the fantastic world championships in the M.E.N Arena. Sporting events with international interest happen week in, week out in Manchester; football, cricket, cycling, rugby - Manchester just loves sport and no city would be better to hold the World Cup and the teams' fans."
Stockport-raised John Amaechi, a former NBA basketball star said; "Manchester is home to some of Britain's best football teams and the area is renowned for its ability to flawlessly host world class events - not to mention the legions of loyal football and general sports fans. It isn't just a quality candidate city; it has proven its metal season to season and weekend to weekend as the ideal city to host games for the FIFA World Cup in 2018."