Sixteen teenagers who completed a Badminton Young Officials Course have volunteered to assist as line judges in the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in the Isle of Man 7-13 September. The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure’s Sports Development Unit in partnership with the Isle of Man Badminton Association and IOM Sport organised two Badminton Young Officials Award Courses last month. Badminton Development Officer Kerry Penswick said: ‘With the assistance received from the Isle of Man Badminton Association and IOM Sport it was a great opportunity for young people from the Island to get involved in.’ The courses took place at the National Sports Centre and were offered free of charge to young people aged 14-19 who wanted to assist with Badminton in the Commonwealth Youth Games in September. The course focused on line judging, scoring, umpiring and match control amongst other aspects of officiating. The course was delivered by a Badminton England tutor and 16 young officials from around the Island attended and completed the course and have now signed up to volunteer at the Games, all of whom will be a welcome addition to the 60 line judges needed for the Games. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said: ‘The courses on offer were a fantastic opportunity for young people to achieve a qualification as well as gaining some valuable experience, and it’s great those 16 teenagers want to use their new skills to assist at the Commonwealth Youth Games.’ · Tickets for the Commonwealth Youth Games are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and the Villa Marina Reception or via the Ticketing Hotline on 01624 600555. Ticket prices range from ?6 to ?15 for events which take place between Wednesday 7 September and Sunday 10 September. With the exception of the swimming and gymnastics venues which have limited seating, concessions are available at all sporting events for children under 16 and senior citizens over 60 and also for disabled groups plus their carers. -Ends-