Manx National Heritage invites all budding athletes to take part in a traditional sports day at Peel Castle on Sunday 22 July from 2pm- 5pm. Timed to coincide with the London 2012 Olympic Games, the event has been aptly named the ‘Peel Castle O’Limpets - Sports Day Spectacular’!
Designed with the family in mind the sports day will feature classics such as the egg ‘n’ spoon, the sack race, the three legged race, the wheel barrow race and, of course, everyone’s favourite – the sprint! Each event will be organised by age group, and competitors simply have to sign up during the afternoon to compete!
Katie King, Community Outreach Officer for Manx National Heritage, commented:
“Everyone is excited about sport this summer, and what better way to celebrate the first weekend of the school holidays than to take part in a traditional sports day! When was the last time you contemplated entering a sack race, tackled the egg ‘n’ spoon or found a partner for a wheel barrow race? We are keeping things very traditional at our inaugural O’Limpets races - Lycra, digital timers and energy drinks will not be needed! The event is for all ages, shapes and sizes. And, should you need a further incentive, there will even be a penny sweet prize for all competitors who make it across the finish line! So bring a picnic and enjoy a memorable afternoon out.”
‘Peel Castle O’Limpets’ forms part of sport themed events to celebrate the current exhibition ‘Our Sporting Life’ at the Manx Museum. The latest section of the exhibition, ‘Olympic Dreams’ opens on Saturday 14 July and celebrates the Island’s past, present and future Olympians. Highlights include profiles of Manx elite athletes aiming for 2012 glory; Manx Paralympian Ian Sharpe’s Olympic medals and London 2012 Olympic torch; Peter Kennaugh’s Great Britain cycling strip; and memorabilia belonging to the Isle of Man’s first modern Olympian, swimming sensation Alex Jackson (now Solly).
The ‘Peel Castle O’Limpets’ is a weather dependent event, please call 01624 648090 or see www.manxnationalheritage.im. Standard admission applies at Peel Castle, with free admission FMNH members, season pass holders and for ACE cardholders (all Manx school children) a scheme kindly supported by Conister Bank.
The ‘Olympic Dreams’ display can be seen at the Manx Museum, Monday to Saturday from 14 July until 29 September as part of the ‘Our Sporting Life’ exhibition. Admission is free.
Image Captions:
1. Peel Castle O’Limpets Sports Day Spectacular – celebrating the traditional sport day!
2. Olympic Dreams – Peter Kennaugh leading the Great Britain Team Pursuit team at the UCI World Cup 2012. Peter Kennaugh is aiming for Gold at the London 2012 Olympics. Photo courtesy British Cycling
