2010 World Lacrosse Championships ...

The one-year countdown was celebrated at Manchester Town Hall on Tuesday 21 July when the Federation of International Lacrosse handed over the host city’s flag from Prague (where this year’s Women’s World Championships took place) to Manchester for 2010.

High profile officials from the sport, Eamonn O’Rourke, Head of Manchester City Council Leisure Services and David Gordon who owns Belle Vue Speedway will attend the launch. Some of the England team will also don their kit for a slightly less physical outing than usual.

“If people don’t see how big a deal the World Lacrosse Championships are to Manchester, I’m sure this will change with the stream of visitors in 2010!” said Ravi K Sitlani, England’s manager. “We also hope the interest in the championships will prompt more people to start playing and starting new clubs – it’s a truly exciting and internationally growing sport.” 

This time next year, Manchester will be welcoming up to 40,000 visitors to the city when the biggest event since the Commonwealth Games gets underway.

The Men’s Lacrosse World Championships will see 30 countries competing in this prestigious, international game and according to Sportsworks UK, the event could generate about £7m in tourism income for the region. Hotels, bars and restaurants are set to gain from this event.

England’s team is in the world’s top five and 2009’s European Champions. Current world champions Canada will defend their position against other top countries such as America and the only Native American sports team sanctioned to play international games, the Iroquois Nationals – who created lacrosse, possibly as far back as the 12th century.

“It is an honour for England to host these games,” said Head Coach, Dave Ellwood. “As well as the excitement factor for British lacrosse fans and the England squad, the positive benefits extend to the city [Manchester] as a whole given the high number of visitors we expect.”

David Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of the English Lacrosse Association, which is organising the games added: “We are especially delighted that England’s lacrosse will provide an economic boost to Manchester; I am certain the regional tourism industry will benefit. “The championships also provide excellent sponsorship opportunities for companies or organisations wanting national and global exposure.

The 10-day event will be broadcast by Europsport and takes place at Manchester University’s grounds in Fallowfield, which previously accommodated Commonwealth Games athletes in 2002. It will be one of the biggest events in 2010’s UK sporting calendar and the biggest in Manchester for eight years.

The England squad [30 players] will be announced at the end of August after internal tournaments earlier in July.

Source : English Lacrosse Association

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