Sport and Recreation

MSR - Message bulletin

Any legal requirements for social distancing and all restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings have now been removed. This has been possible due to the commitment of the Manx public and whilst the situation on the Isle of Man is positive, it is important that we all continue to 'Stay Responsible'.

Sport and recreation is a really important way of helping to look after our mental wellbeing and keeping in touch with friends and family. When meeting people from outside your household, that is, people you don't currently live with, you no longer have to keep a 2 metre distance; however it is advised to still practise basic hygiene measures, including regularly washing your hands and coughing or sneezing into your elbow.

If you do not have symptoms:

  • There are no prohibitions on movement for a person who is asymptomatic.

If you do have symptoms or live with someone who does:

  • It is important that you follow these guidelines to self-isolate

Manx Sport & Recreation (MSR)

MSR is part of the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Education, Sport and Culture and is responsible for operating a range of sporting facilities and for Sports Development throughout the Island. Click MSR Background for a brief history of Manx Sport & Recreation.

Manx Sport and Recreation are committed to good environmental practice throughout the operation of all leisure facilities. Click MSR Environmental Policy for details including energy Management, Waste Management and Recycling.

National Sports Centre (NSC)

In September, 1991 Phase 1 of the development, the Athletics Stadium was opened by Steve Ovett, the former British and Olympic Champion. In 1998 the first two elements of Phase 2, Pools, main Sports Hall and Health & Fitness Suite were opened. The final segment, an Indoor Bowls Hall, a secondary Sports Hall and six Squash Courts completed the development in late 2000.

This £20 million multi-purpose facility aims to provide a focal point for sport and active recreation and its development through the provision of Sports and Recreation services. For more details on the National sports Centre's Operational Philosophy see NSC Customer Charter

Regional Sports Facilities

Building on the success of the NSC, synthetic pitches have been provided at the high schools in Castletown, Peel and Ramsey. These facilities are operated in partnership with the Department of Education on a dual-use basis to ensure that the pitches are used by the local communities outside school hours.

Sports Development Unit (SDU)

The Unit, based at the NSC, works closely with the Island’s Governing Bodies of Sport and schools to develop participation in a wide range of sports, with an emphasis on young people.

The SDU is responsible for co-ordinating the Manx Youth Games each year, which culminate in a major event, involving over 1000 children, held at the NSC in May.

Isle of Man Sport

The Sports Council is a semi-autonomous body, which is charged by the Department of Education with the key roles of:

  • supporting the funding and development of the voluntary sports sector including the Governing Bodies of Sport
  • promoting excellence in sport

In November 2014, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture launched the Isle of Man Strategy for Sport 2014 – 2024. The new strategy outlines 10 key objectives that Manx Sport & Recreation will aim to deliver in partnership with other Government Departments, with the ultimate aim of achieving 'more people, more active, more often'

By working towards these 10 objectives, the Department of Education and Children will aim to deliver against the Agenda for Change and the three IOM Government priorities of 'Grow the Economy, Balance the Budget and Protect the Vulnerable'