Manchester is synonymous with sport. Ranked 5th in the world in the 2012 Ultimate Sport City index, its no wonder that three Premiership football clubs are based here. Manchester United, Manchester City and Wigan Athletic have loyal following both locally and globally.

Rugby is a sport revered throughout the city region with seven top teams here. The city-region will play host to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, while Trafford is home to Lancashire County Cricket Club.

World class athletes and national teams in many disciplines like athletics, cycling and swimming train at state-of-the art sporting facilities here, while you can watch many international sporting events throughout the year including.

• 2012 Olympic Football at Old Trafford, 25th July – 11th August
• NBA Basketball: Team GB vs USA, 18th – 19th July
• Ironman UK Triathlon, Bolton, 22nd July

If you fancy participating, there are lots of annual active events like the BUPA Great Manchester Run, the British Gas Great Salford Swim or urban family cycling event Skyride.

Adventurous sport enthusiasts can take advantage of the longest indoor real snow ski slope at Chill Factore , indoor skydiving at Airkix, perform adrenalin pumping jumps at the indoor BMX Centre or climb to dizzy heights in Manchester Climbing Centre.

Manchester’s countryside offers outdoor lovers rural walks, stately gardens, horse riding and sailing in over 500 acres of stunning countryside, in addition to four national parks within an hours drive.

Find out more at www.visitmanchester.com