Thanks to Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) partner sponsor Barclays Wealth, Olympian Kriss Akabusi visited the island last week to help promote the Games which are taking place 7th – 13th September. Kriss spent the morning with children from Anagh Coar Primary School at the National Sports Centre helping them to warm up before encouraging them whilst they took part in running, throwing and jumping competitions. Tosha, the CYG mascot joined in and helped cheer on the children. Kriss chose six children who he felt had put in extra special effort and presented them with a signed copy of his book and took the time to sign a Barclays Wealth CYG water bottle for every child that had taken part. Kriss said: ‘It was great to meet all of the children from Anagh Coar School, they were all very enthusiastic about sports and there were a signs of great potential. The facilities at the NSC were spot-on and at a level I saw across Europe when I was training.’ Headteacher Rob Coole added: ‘What a once in a lifetime experience the children enjoyed last week! A great big thank you must go out to Barclays Wealth for organising for Kriss to come over, Paul Bridson and the Manx Sport and Recreation team for hosting the event and of course to Kriss himself for a truly inspirational time.’ Kriss also visited the Barclays Wealth Victoria Street branch where he met members of the public before being guest of honour at an afternoon tea for members of the CYG Isle of Man team and other partner sponsors. Kriss continued: ‘I really enjoyed meeting the Manx people at the branch and helping them to get pumped up ahead of the games later this year. I am sure that they will welcome the competitors from the many nations taking part with open arms and warm Manx hospitality as I have found everywhere today. ‘The afternoon tea was a lovely way to round off a busy day and gave me the opportunity to meet some of the talented local sportspeople who will be competing in the CYG as well as the other partner sponsors. The CYG will be an event that is remembered for many years to come and the support that has been given by organisations such as Barclays Wealth is phenomenal.’ The evening was spent at a private dinner for Barclays Wealth guests and partner sponsors at the Mailbox restaurant. Island Director for Barclays Wealth Ian Hodgkinson said: ‘Hosting the visit of a legend such a Kriss was a real pleasure and his positive attitude and infectious personality really helped us all to get even more excited about being part of the event. He inspired the local team competitors he met to be the best they can be and go out there and compete to the best of their ability on home soil. We are proud to be part of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games through our sponsorship and our 150 enthusiastic staff members who have volunteered as officials for the event.’ - Ends -