Students starting secondary school in the north and south of the Island have been encouraged to take up sport following a day of taster sessions.
The sessions, offering a 45 minute taster of six sports, were held at Castle Rushen High School and Ramsey Grammar School. They were specifically targeted at year 7 pupils (ages 11 and 12) who started secondary school earlier this month.
It’s hoped the taster sessions will encourage more young people to take up sport in the community – leading to lifelong hobbies and friendships.
The ‘Southern Six’ event, staged for a third year, saw Castle Rushen students try their hand at hockey, rugby, netball, badminton, golf, and boxing.
At Ramsey, a new ‘Northern Six’ event featured table tennis, rugby, netball, badminton, golf, and table tennis.
Gianni Epifani, Senior Sports Development Officer with Manx Sport and Recreation, said:
'At both schools, year 7 pupils tried sports they might not have taken part in before, in rotation, under the instruction of volunteer coaches from community clubs.
'The clubs that took part are all keen to attract new members and it’s hoped pupils will sign up as a result of the day.
'Students went home with booklets detailing information on training times and contacts for the clubs involved.
'Taking part in community sport has great social, as well as physical and mental health, benefits and encouraging people to take up sport as a pastime is part of our 10-year strategy to get more people, more active, more often.
'Many of those who join community clubs when young find they have a fulfilling hobby for life, forge friendships and go on to coach and encourage others.'
For information on joining sports clubs, contact Gianni on +44 1624 688556 or email gianni.epifani@gov.im.
