An informal homecoming reception will be held this evening (Thursday, 26 April) at the National Sports Centre to congratulate Manxman Tim Kneale on his recent silver medal win at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
A Double Trap shooter, Tim became the first Isle of Man competitor to win medals in two different Commonwealth Games when he finished a close second to Scotland’s David McNath earlier this month.
Tim has been supported by Isle of Man Sport Aid, a sub-committee of Isle of Man Sport, which since 2003 has had responsibility for supporting high performing Manx sportspeople.
Sport Aid has been able to provide financial support, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning training, lifestyle and mentoring support, and assistance to buy a new gun.
Since 2010 Tim has won two medals at the Commonwealth Games, a silver at the ISSF 2015 World Championships, finished fourth in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and set a world record at the ISSF World Cup in 2014. He was also Isle of Man Sportsman of the Year in 2015.
Isle of Man Sport’s Executive Chairman, Gary Corkhill, said:
'Tim has been directly supported through our Sport Aid programme for around 15 years and we have been pleased to help him through the good and not so good times. His willingness to learn and continually seek to improve himself has stood out during that time and we are thrilled to see him reap the rewards that he so thoroughly deserves.'
Tim commented:
'Winning a medal for my Island was both a proud and emotional moment for me. I am grateful to Isle of Man Sport Aid along with my other personal sponsors for all their help, support and encouragement over the years. It always helps to know that you have people who believe in your ability to achieve at the highest level.'
Sports Performance Co-ordinator, Chris Quine, said:
'I remember the first time that I met Tim back in 2004, he stood out to me as someone with enormous potential. It has been great to work with him and see him develop. I know I speak for all those support staff on Island who have helped Tim when I say that we were overjoyed at his success in Gold Coast. We know just how hard he has worked over the past few years. Shooting has been his life.'
