GG Visits Bolton To Cement Games Lin

April 10th, 2002

N.Z. Governor General Visits Bolton To Cement Games Link

Bolton is poised to greet a VIP visitor to cement its 'adoption' of New Zealand for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

British towns and cities are hosting countries taking part and Bolton successfully bid to forge closer links with New Zealand from now through to the Games. Some of New Zealand's team officials and a representative from their High Commission in London have already made visits to the borough.

And next Monday (April 15) Dame Silvia Cartwright, Governor General of New Zealand will be visiting the town and touring Bolton Arena at Middlebrook where the badminton events will be staged. Bolton will also be hosting three cycling events during the Games which run from July 25 - August 4.

Dame Silvia, who will be accompanied by her husband, Peter, is the Queen's representative in New Zealand. She will be greeted at Bolton Town Hall by the Mayor, Councillor Kevan Helsby and Mayoress, Mrs Alice Kilcoyne before a formal welcome lunch in the Mayor's Parlour. Later she will be presented with a gift from the town by Council Leader, Councillor Bob Howarth and will attend a balloon launch in Victoria Square with around 50 children from Highfield Primary School, Farnworth, marking the formal adoption. Afterwards she will tour the state-of-the-art Bolton Arena.

The visit to Bolton is at the request of Dame Silvia who said she wanted to see the town while on a visit to this country.

Councillor Howarth said he was delighted that Bolton had been able to forge a Games link with New Zealand.

"We could not have a higher profile launch than having Dame Silvia, the Governor General as a guest in Bolton and we are delighted to welcome her to the town. Part of the Games is its proud reputation as the friendly games and towns and cities in host countries are asked to adopt competitor countries. It's co-incidence but both Wigan and Bolton have adopted countries from 'down under' with Wigan teaming up with Australia. Other towns throughout Greater Manchester and the North West have forged similar links with Commonwealth countries. It's a great chance to exchange ideas and learn about other people's cultures and customs and to promote Bolton in New Zealand at the very highest level," he said.

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