The Isle of Man will be aiming to add to its haul of Commonwealth Games medals this summer when the 2014 event takes place in Glasgow.
The Island is preparing to send another strong squad to Scotland to compete alongside 70 other nations and more than 6,000 athletes from around the world.
As the countdown continues towards the 20th Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK today (Tuesday 1 April) had an opportunity to visit one of the venues that will host the action this July.
Speaking at the Glasgow velodrome, Mr Bell said:
‘The Commonwealth Games is a tremendous celebration of sport and I know that Glasgow will put on great show for all the participants and spectators. The Isle of Man has a proud record at the Games and I look forward to seeing the Manx flag flying at some of these impressive venues. Now that direct flights have been restored between the Isle of Man and Glasgow, I’m sure many people will travel from the Island to support the Manx team.’
The Commonwealth Games is the biggest international multi-sport event in which the Isle of Man competes as an independent nation. Our athletes represent Great Britain at the Olympics, as cyclist Peter Kennaugh did with such distinction at London 2012.
The Island has been taking part in the Commonwealth Games since 1958, when it was known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Cyclist Stuart Slack became the Isle of Man’s first medallist when he claimed bronze in the men’s 120-mile road race in Cardiff in 1958.
Overall, the Island has won a total of 10 Commonwealth Games medals – three gold, one silver and six bronze. The three gold medallists are Peter Buckley (cycling 1966), Nigel Kelly (shooting 1986) and Mark Cavendish (cycling 2006).
The Island’s participation is co-ordinated by the Commonwealth Games Association of the Isle of Man, an organisation run by volunteers that is responsible for fundraising, travel and support for Team Isle of Man.
The Chief Minister said:
‘Our Commonwealth Games success shows that athletes from a small country such as the Isle of Man can shine on the world stage if they have the ability, determination and support of their local communities. As a nation, the Isle of Man works hard to create an environment that fosters talent and encourages our young people to flourish. I hope our athletes will once again rise to the big occasion in Glasgow this summer.’
