That's the message from Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, after today's event, organised by Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR).
A thousand pupils aged seven to 14 took part in the opening ceremony in front of a packed grandstand at the National Sports Centre (NSC).
Sporting the colours of the regions they represented – North, West, South, Douglas North and Douglas South – they paraded in to the NSC and took part in a mass warm-up led by fitness instructor Laura Brooks.
Minister Crookall declared the event open, saying:
'The games provide children with an opportunity to take up an active and healthy lifestyle from a young age. Regular involvement in physical activity has a significant impact on health and well-being, confidence and self-esteem.'
Pupils then took part in a dozen sports – athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, hockey, girls' football, crown green bowls, netball, table tennis, tag rugby, swimming and disability football – at the NSC and other venues.
For many, it was their first taste of participating in sport with other young people after enjoying in-school training sessions delivered via MSR since January.
The Minister said:
'The benefits to the economy of avoiding health problems that result from inactivity can't be over-emphasised.
'Our Strategy for Sport 2014-2024 underlines the importance of getting people physically active at an early age and encouraging them to stay fit throughout their lives.
'What better way to introduce children to sport than this event, which is run on a non-competitive basis, where the emphasis is on enjoyment and where everyone goes home with a medal.
'We hope that as a result of the games, young people have found a sport they enjoy and will stay involved in, whether at school, club or even competitive level in the future.'
The Minister also praised the many coaches and volunteers from the sports who made the games a success.
HSBC has supported the games since their inception 14 years ago and Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager, HSBC Isle of Man, was a guest of honour today.
The Minister said the bank's contribution 'helps make the event the success it is'.
Mr Cartledge said:
'The event was a fabulous day and all the children who participated were very motivated and certainly had a very enjoyable time. A huge thanks must go to the Manx Sport and Recreation team, together with all the coaches and volunteers who make this event the success it is today.'
