Auldyn School in Ramsey were the winners of an ‘Adopt a Nation’ competition for the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games that are taking place on the Isle of Man this week. The school met up with their adopted nation, Kenya, and were presented with a shield by Double Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes to commemorate their project. They also gave Dame Kelly a Celtic print in return. Three years ago the Isle of Man’s 35 Primary Schools were each given one of the Nations of the Commonwealth to adopt. In the first year the schools were asked to produce a DVD to send to their adopted nation telling them all about the Isle of Man, their school and their community. In the second year they were set the task of producing a DVD all about their adopted country. In the final year of the project, the schools were tasked with producing a display, within their own school building, to link their Island to their Adopted Nation. Prizes were awarded each year to the winning school with Auldyn School winning the overall prize. In addition, all of the schools who were involved in the Education project were visited by competitors and officials from their adopted nation during their stay on the Island to enable the children from the two countries to talk and learn more about each other. Chrissie Callaghan, Headmistress at Auldyn School was really proud of her children, commenting: “The children really put their heart and soul into the project with a dedicated Kenyan week where we learnt the Kenyan language, dance and traditions and also a Commonwealth week.” Dame Kelly Holmes praised Audlyn School’s effort, commenting: “The children did really well with the project and what they have achieved is very impressive. They have clearly applied themselves to the project and been really focused in what they’ve done, which is the same discipline needed in athletics success.” ENDS