Daniel Dale, 18, of Elmham Walk, Miles Platting, was desperate to take part in the Games as a volunteer.
But the tragic youngster was shot down in Keele Close, Collyhurst on July 25 last year.
The day was also marked by the sentencing of the last of a series of offenders convicted of being involved in the incident which led to Daniel's death.
Today, Daniel's mum, former discus thrower Lynn, said: "Daniel and I were both really into sport and would have gone to the Games together. Daniel was very excited when we first found out Manchester was going to host the Games and he was planning to volunteer.
"But I like to think Daniel is up there watching with me. I have written him a little note telling him he'll have the best seat in the house and I had flowers arranged in the shape of the Commonwealth Games emblem for his grave side."
Daniel was shot following a bust-up at a court hearing. Yesterday Arron Cunningham, 20, from Harpurhey was the fourth person to be sentenced in connection with an incident leading to Daniel's death. He was given 18 months for assisting offenders and gun possession. Tweet