The Department of Health’s ‘Manx Skipping Challenge’ initiative has received a welcome boost thanks to sponsorship from local savings bank Britannia International. The Manx Skipping Challenge began in 2006 to promote exercise and healthy lifestyle amongst the Island’s school children through skipping. It has proved extremely popular with schools and children with the standard of skipping on the Isle of Man improving to a high level as a result. Britannia International’s sponsorship has enabled the Department of Health to expand and grow the Manx Skipping Challenge program. It has helped create a logo and identity for the initiative, which has been used in educational posters for all primary schools. The funding has also supported the purchase of new equipment and demonstration packs for schools taking part in the 2011 Celebration of Skipping event being held on 17th June. Britannia International’s managing director, Mark Beresford, commented, “Health and the well-being of children is a major global concern and something we are always keen to support as part of our community plan. We have always taken our corporate social responsibility seriously at Britannia International and initiatives like the Manx Skipping Challenge fit perfectly with our commitment to the community. We look forward to helping the Department of Health grow the skipping program and becoming involved beyond our initial sponsorship.” Michelle Poyzer, senior health improvement officer for the Department of Health added, “Skipping has many health benefits for the children who also get so much enjoyment from the activity. Britannia International’s sponsorship will help us to reach more children and provide them with the equipment they need to get involved.” For more information on the Manx Skipping Challenge visit the Department of Health’s website at www.skipping.gov.im. ENDS