THE official anthem for the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, written and performed by Island musician Davy Knowles, has gone on sale.

Reach Higher, which was commissioned by the Isle of Man Arts Council, is now available to purchase as a CD or a download.

Davy, who was born and raised in the Isle of Man, will perform the track at the closing ceremony of the games at the Villa Marina on Monday.

Dave Armstrong of DAM Productions, who produced the anthem and CD, said: "We have kept the anthem true to its Celtic roots while ensuring Davy's performance brings to the song his unmistakable blues rock style and really keeps it contemporary."

Chairman of the Arts Council Quintin Gill said: "The Arts Council is delighted to have commissioned this memorable anthem from one of our most renowned young Manx musicians. Davy Knowles has composed a fitting tribute to the most prestigious sporting event in Manx history."

Davy caught the attention of blues fans and fellow musicians in 2007 following the release of his critically acclaimed debut album Roll Away. A year-long tour of the US followed with his band Back Door Slam.

Since then he has played over 400 shows and toured with the likes of Lynyrd Skynryd, Rhythm Devils, Govt Mule, Chickenfoot and guitar legends Jeff Beck and Joe Satriani – who calls Davy his 'favourite modern day blues man'.

The Reach Higher CD, priced at £3.99, also features tracks from Manx musicians Anna Goldsmith and King Chiaullee. It can be purchased from the National Sports Centre (NSC), the Villa Marina and Duke Marketing in Douglas. Alternatively it can be downloaded by visiting www.cyg2011.com.

Also see: Davy Knowles writes Commonwealth Youth Games anthem