Manchester's bid to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games gathers steam today when delegates from the northern England city arrive in Bermuda for this week's General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Delegates from 65 of 69 Commonwealth nations are expected to attend the meetings which begin tomorrow at Elbow Beach Hotel and switch to the Southampton Princess Hotel on Friday. The only countries unable to send representatives to the assembly are Turks & Caicos, Tuvalu and St. Helena.

The primary focus of the General Assembly will be Manchester's selection on Friday to host the 2002 Games. Since other potential bids from London, Sheffield and Adelaide never really materialised, the Bermuda meetings will be without the suspense normally associated with the selection of a city to host the Games.

But, according to Commonwealth Games Association spokesperson Patsy Robertson, that won't mean there will be any less hoopla surrounding Manchester's approval on Friday.

Delegates will get down to work tomorrow with meetings involving the finance and sports committees. On Thursday Malaysian officials will update delegates on their plans to host the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur.

The Malaysians will reveal all financial aspects related to the '98 Games and will include information on venues for various sports.

"Knowing them they'll bring videos and pictures,'' said Robertson. "It'll be quite a presentation and they'll also give a report on how the financial aspects are going because with any Games these days finances are very, very important.'' Bermuda Olympic Association president Austin Woods will not only play a large behind-the-scenes role as host, but he will also serve as the Island's delegate during the finance and sports committee sessions.

Besides the Malaysian presentation, Thursday's agenda will also include an executive board meeting, dealing with legal, constitutional and sporting issues. On Friday -- the actual day of the general assembly -- a report will be presented by the executive.

"The executive board meeting is where all of the committee meetings go forward for approval to the board,'' said Woods. "On Friday all documentation will go forward to the delegates at the assembly.

"The major things basically will be which team sports will be going into the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Rugby, cricket, netball, handball and possibly 10-pin bowling are potential sports.'' Added Woods: "It's going to be a hectic week.'' While there are expected to be no surprises, delegates will be keen to watch Manchester's presentation, especially those nations hoping to present bids in the future.

More than 240 delegates will take part in the Assembly.