With ten weeks to go until the tenth HSBC Manx Youth Games, organisers have announced that, for the first time in the history of the event, disability football will be included into this year’s programme. Hon David Cretney, MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented, “The HSBC Manx Youth Games provides children from all over the Island with the opportunity to get involved in sport and learn key fundamental skills such as team work and sportsmanship. This year in particular, can help to develop and enhance the inclusiveness of children with disabilities to take part in this fantastic sporting event.” Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager HSBC announced, “Working in partnership with the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, we have seen the HSBC Manx Youth Games develop into one of the biggest sporting events in the Isle of Man calendar. We are extremely excited to include Disability Football into this year’s Games. Making this sporting event more accessible to children is extremely important towards the development and success of the Games.” The Games, which will take place on Saturday 21st May at the National Sports Centre, is the Island’s biggest multi-sport event and will attract over 1200 young people, aged between 8 – 15 years, competing in one of 12 sports on the day. Over the past nine years, the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure (DCCL), Sports Development Unit has been extremely committed to ensuring that all children can take part in the Games regardless of their ability. As a result of this progress, the DCCL are now broadening the access to sport. This year will be the first time a specific disability sport will be included in the Games, to cater for a wide range of abilities. Participants can attend weekly football training sessions in all four regions of the Island in preparation for the big day. Training Sessions will start week beginning 14th March and will take place for a total of six weeks. These sessions will be facilitated by highly qualified coaches who will teach the children new skills and techniques in a fun and inclusive environment. Zoe Carney, the Disability Sports Development Officer will be visiting all schools on the Island. Children will receive a Disability Football training booklet containing details of all training sessions and further information about the day itself. For further information about this initiative please contact Zoe Carney, Disability Sports Development Officer on 688575, or email Zoe.Carney@gov.im -Ends-