THE successful Manchester Commonwealth Games in the summer has left Bolton with an important sporting legacy.

The town now has an official Badminton Activator -- to develop this sport in the town, and to capitalise on the fresh interest and potential.

Thousands of visitors came to Bolton to see the Games' cycling events around Rivington. And to enjoy10 days of international badminton competition at the Bolton Arena.

The positive reaction took most people by surprise, and brought a rush of inquiries about playing badminton locally, especially from youngsters.

The Bolton Badminton Development Group -- a partnership between Bolton Metro and local clubs -- had already been working for over 18 months beforehand to raise the sport's profile.

Immediately before the Games, a successful junior tournament was held at the Arena. This showed that badminton -- which like squash and some other sports had been in the doldrums -- could revitalise itself, with a little help.

And since those exciting competitive days of the summer, when England took its fair share of the medals, the Group and newly-appointed Activator Jeff Johnson have been busy spreading the word.

Jeff -- who lives in Bryn, Wigan -- was recruited because he is not only an experienced badminton coach including for special needs youngsters, but because he is a natural enthusiast.

"It has been fantastic so far, and I'm really enjoying it," said Jeff.

He has come into a town already well-known for its badminton achievements.

Local lad Chris Hunt has just retired from the international badminton scene after a glittering playing career which saw him appear countless times for his country. His wealth of personal achievements included international titles and a clutch of Commonwealth Games' medals.

The town still has a vibrant Badminton League at a time when many other neighbouring towns and cities -- including Manchester -- have dramatically cut their competitive leagues for lack of support.

And Bolton and Bury's veteran players still form a solid core of the veteran county sides which have taken several national championship titles.

Of course, it is to the youngsters that those involved in the future of badminton now look. And here, Jeff is already scoring heavily.

Since last September, Jeff has visited 10 local primary schools and met over 300 youngsters who were eager to play badminton.

There are now beginners' sessions on Monday nights at St Joseph's Sports College in Horwich, and Tuesday nights at Springfield juniors at George Tomlinson's School at Kearsley.

The well-established junior section at Forrest badminton club has expanded to Wednesday nights at St Joseph's as well, and the Bolton le Moors Junior League sessions have been re-established at Harper Green on Thursdays.

Add to that Saturday morning sessions at Bolton Institute and afternoon sessions at the David Lloyd centre, and there is already much more comprehensive help available to local youngsters.

A very successful junior tournament was held at the Excel Centre last weekend and there are plans for more local tournaments in the next six months. The Lancashire County under-14s committee have also invited the borough to organise its North-west Regional Tournament in May.

Longer term plans include a partnership locally with St Joseph's Sports Colllege, and nationally with the Badminton Association of England. There are also moves already to develop badminton specifically at Withins, Deane and Sharples, and especially to encourage girls to play.

'Bolton Metro have given everyone in the town the opportunity to play this great family game," added Jeff.

Non-playing adults can also support these moves as the junior league and coaching sessions also need more adult volunteers to help out.

"Badminton really is a great sport -- as many people who visited Bolton this summer or saw the Games' coverage on TV realised," said Jeff.

"It's the most popular racquet sport in this country. Now, we just want to help more people to play it here."

Jeff Johnson can be contacted at Bolton Metro Leisure Development at The Wellsprings in Bolton town centre on 01204-334092, or on 0775-3673647.