Manchester People -Autumn 2009 Issue 40

Manchester's international sporting credentials were further underlined as the top netball nations met in the World Netball Series at the MEN Arena.

The event, from 9 to 11 October, brought together the top six nations in world netball: England, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Samoa and Malawi.

It was designed as a netball competition with the 'wow factor', featuring a new fast and furious format of games played over four six-minute quarters. The goal of the competition was to raise the profile of the sport, attracting new participants and spectators.

Molly Rhone, President of the sport's governing body IFNA, said: "This is a moment of history for us, as it is the first time the best teams from all around the globe have gathered to compete in a new faster for- mat of netball."

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "Manchester, as the home to the international federation IFNA, is delighted to be hosting this world- class event and to be welcoming the very best netball nations to the city. We are committed to making the World Netball Series a huge success, while ensuring that our residents and communities benefit from the opportunities this event will create."

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA, said: "The World Netball Series will further profile Manchester and the north west as international sports destinations and will make a significant contribution to the regional economy."

To read more about the World Netball Series, www.worldnetballseries.com