On Saturday 18 May young people representing teams from the North, East, South, and West of the Island paraded onto the athletics track at the NSC for the opening of the 18th Manx Youth Games.
Over 1,000 participants involved in the Games took part in a mass warm-up dance routine before receiving an official welcome from the Minister for Education, Sport and Children, Graham Cregeen MHK.
The Minister praised the dedication of the children for their commitment to training in the lead up to the event and reminded them of the benefits of taking part in sports. He also took the opportunity to thank the volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
The Minister said:
'The National Sports Centre has played host to thousands of Manx Youth Games competitors over the years, helping to inspire our younger generation to get involved in the wide range of sports that we are lucky to be able to provide here on the Isle of Man.
‘Encouraging children to get out and about continues to be hugely important to the Isle of Man Government. Through both our Strategy for Sport and Programme for Government we are encouraging people to be more active more often.
‘The event brings together all the hard work and passion of these children as each area competes with one another across 13 different sports.’
Once again the event was sponsored by HSBC who have supported the event since 2002. Jaime Amoedo, Country Head of Commercial Banking and Senior Manager, HSBC Isle of Man, said:
‘We have worked in partnership with the Manx Sport and Recreation team for the last 18 years, to see the games develop into one of the biggest annual sporting events for youngsters in the Isle of Man. The Games set out a vision for ensuring young people on the island can benefit from taking part in sports, leading to improved physical and mental well-being, themes that are incredibly important to the Bank, our people and the community events we support.
‘The Games bring the whole community together, from young people and their parents to volunteers and coaches, who all work tirelessly to make this event happen and ensure it is a resounding success. With more than 1,000 young islanders taking part in this amazing event each year, the role played by every individual involved is paramount in encouraging and influencing the future sporting stars of the Isle of Man. I would like to congratulate each and every one of our inspirational sporting participants.’
