Members of the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Team bound for Delhi next month got an early taste of the Orient coupled with some Bollywood glamour at an Indian-style ‘good luck’ evening hosted by sponsors Britannia International. “We are very proud of our young athletes and delighted to recognise and celebrate their success in being selected for the Commonwealth Games and wish them, and the rest of the Isle of Man team, all the very best for Delhi,” said Mark Beresford, managing director of Britannia International on the Isle of Man. He added: “This is a sponsorship which links in with one of our corporate goals of inspiring young people.” The Britannia International Delhi Squad members selected for the Games are Sarah Rigby, archery, who has just achieved the official classification of ‘Grand Master Bowman’, the first Manx archer ever to have reached this level; Tim Kennaugh and Mark Christian, cycling, who are both members of the Great Britain Olympic Academy Programme; and Grant Halsall, swimming. While Sarah, Tim and Mark were present for the ‘celebration’ held at the Courthouse where they each received a special Britannia International Delhi rucksack, swimming sensation Grant was absent, having broken his arm recently which means, although selected, is unable to take part in the Games. “He is sure to do well in future and we wish him the all the very best in recovering,” said Mr Beresford, who added that Britannia International’s association with the Commonwealth Games goes back to 2002. It then went on to support the development of four more young people from the Island, including Mark Cavendish, who all achieved selection to the 2006 Melbourne Games. “That squad also included Tim Kneale, a fantastic shooter, who is again representing the Island in Delhi,” said Mr Beresford. Britannia International is also a partner of the Commonwealth Youth Games, which will be taking place on the Island next September. ENDS